Why Is My Phone Overheating? Causes and Fixes
If you’ve ever felt your phone getting uncomfortably warm, you’re not alone. Overheating is a common issue that can cause reduced battery life, performance slowdowns, or even permanent damage to your phone.
At Wireless Solutions & Accessories (WSA), with locations in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, and Norman, we’ve seen countless cases of overheating phones and helped customers fix the problem before it leads to costly repairs.
So, what causes a phone to overheat, and how can you prevent it and fix it? Let’s dive in.
Common Causes of Phone Overheating
1. Excessive Background Activity
Many users don’t realize that apps running in the background can be a major source of overheating for some phones. Apps that constantly sync data, track location, or refresh content can push your processor to work overtime.
Fix: Close unused apps and disable background app refresh in your phone settings. If you’re unsure which apps are causing the issue, check the battery usage section on your device to see what is consuming the most power and causing your phone to work harder.
2. High Screen Brightness and Extended Screen Usage
A phone’s display is one of the biggest power drains, and keeping the brightness at maximum for long periods can contribute to overheating. Streaming videos, gaming, or video calling for extended periods can also push your phone’s CPU and GPU to their limits, causing your device to generate heat.
Fix: Lower your screen brightness manually or enable adaptive brightness. If you use your phone for long durations, take breaks to let it cool down.
3. Using Your Phone While Charging
Charging generates heat, and using your phone at the same time—especially for gaming or video streaming—can lead to excessive temperature buildup.
Fix: Avoid using your phone while charging. If possible, avoid letting your phone stay on the charger for extended periods of time, such as overnight.
4. Faulty or Non-Original Chargers and Cables
Using third-party chargers or low-quality charging cables can lead to inefficient power transfer, causing overheating and even long-term battery damage. While these chargers get the job done to charge your phone, they are often not designed to charge efficiently or preserve the battery health of your device.
Fix: Always use manufacturer-approved chargers and cables. If your charger is getting too hot or causing your phone to overheat, replace it immediately.
5. Hot Environment and Direct Sunlight
Oklahoma summers can be brutal, and leaving your phone in direct sunlight or a hot car can lead to dangerously high temperatures.
Fix: Keep your phone in the shade and avoid leaving it in your car. If your phone overheats from the environment, power it down and give it plenty of time to cool down before using it again.
6. Poor Ventilation or Heavy Case Usage
Phones dissipate heat through their bodies, and using thick or poorly ventilated cases can trap heat inside. This can cause damage to parts of your phone or make an overheating problem even worse.
Fix: If you notice your phone overheating while in its case, try removing it to allow for better airflow when your phone gets warm.
7. Malware or Software Bugs
Some overheating issues stem from malicious apps or poorly optimized software that forces your processor to work harder than necessary. Outdated applications or other vulnerable software can compromise your phone’s performance.
Fix: Take your phone to a reputable repair shop so they can check your phone for vulnerabilities or malware. Avoid downloading security scanning apps - these can cause more malware and security problems!
8. Battery or Hardware Issues
In some cases, overheating may be a sign of a failing battery or internal hardware problem. If your phone is frequently overheating with normal use, this could indicate a deeper issue. Phones that constantly overheat can also be unsafe to use over time.
Fix: If you suspect a battery or hardware issue, visit WSA for a professional diagnosis and repair. Battery replacements can prevent overheating and extend your phone’s lifespan.
How to Cool Down an Overheated Phone
If your phone is already overheating, here are immediate steps to bring its temperature down:
- Turn It Off – The quickest way to cool your phone is by powering it down completely for a few minutes. This turns off the hardware in your phone, allowing your phone to cool down faster.
- Remove the Case – This allows heat to dissipate more effectively. If your phone tends to overheat while charging, removing the case before you plug it in can help.
- Move to a Cooler Location – Avoid direct sunlight and place your phone in the shade. Avoid leaving your phone in a hot car.
- Disable Unnecessary Features – Turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi when not in use. This reduces the workload on your phone and allows it to cool down faster.
- Close Heavy Apps – Exit apps like games, video streaming, or social media that might be straining your processor.
- Check for Updates – Make sure your phone is running the latest software to avoid bugs that cause overheating.
- Use Battery Saver Mode – This can reduce CPU activity and lower overall power consumption by lowering automatic brightness or display quality.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If your phone continues to overheat despite following these fixes, it may need professional repair. Some warning signs that indicate it’s time to visit WSA include:
- Battery drains rapidly or swells
- Phone shuts down frequently due to heat
- Overheating even when idle
- Performance slows significantly
- A burning smell or unusual warmth from the charging port
At WSA, we offer battery replacements, diagnostics, and expert repairs to keep your phone running safely and efficiently. Whether you’re in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, or Norman, our technicians can help identify the root cause of overheating and provide a fast, affordable solution.
Final Thoughts
Overheating is a common problem, but with the right care, it can be prevented. By managing background apps, avoiding extreme temperatures, and using high-quality accessories, you can keep your phone cool and running smoothly. If you need expert assistance, visit WSA today for a diagnostic check.
Need a Repair? Visit Wireless Solutions & Accessories!
We specialize in phone repairs, battery replacements, and refurbished devices. Get a quote for your phone repair needs and visit our online shop to find the devices and accessories you love at the lowest prices. Stop by one of our WSA locations in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, or Norman today, or give us a call to schedule an appointment!
