It is completely normal for smartphones to become slightly warm during heavy gaming, video streaming or other demanding tasks. These activities require the processor to work harder but phone becomes cool as soon as you stop these activities. However, the real problem occurs when your phone becomes too hot to hold, frequently overheats or displays temperature warning messages. These issues often indicate problems with the battery, charging accessories, software system or internal hardware. This guide explains why your phone gets hot and when you should be concerned. Let’s dive in…
Normal Heat vs Problematic Heat — How to Tell the Difference
Heat generation in smartphones is normal when you perform demanding tasks, such as heavy gaming, entertainment or editing. This happens because modern Mobile Processors work at high speeds and the battery also produces heat during charging and heavy use. However, modern smartphones are designed with cooling systems to handle these temperature increases.
Normal Heating
Normal heating of your device is when your phone warms up when you indulge in demanding activities.
Signs Your Phone’s Heat Is Completely Normal
It is perfectly normal if your phone becomes warm during:
- Charging the battery, especially with fast charging
- Playing graphics-intensive games
- Downloading large software updates
- Editing heavy videos
- Recording videos in 4K or 8K resolution
- Indulging in long video calls
- Using GPS navigation during long drives
If your phone gets warm under these situations, then there is nothing to worry as these activities require high speed processors. The phone becomes instantly cool after the activity ends.
Problematic Heating
Problematic heating is when your phone gets extremely or unusually hot and this is the time when you should be worried.
Signs When Phone Overheating Becomes a Concern
You should pay attention if your phone:
- Becomes too hot to comfortably hold
- Shuts down unexpectedly due to temperature
- Perform unusually slow
- Keep crashing when you use any app
- Drains much faster than normal
- Remains hot even when it is not being used
- Shuts down even when it is charged
If you notice these symptoms pretty frequently, then you must investigate the cause to take preventive measures. Read ahead for the common reasons when your phone overheats. Here we go…
Common Reasons Phones Overheat
There are many reasons why your phone may get hot; some are completely normal, while others may need attention. Take a look…
a. Intensive Gaming or Multiplayer Features
Playing graphic-intensive games or using online multiplayer features is one of the reasons your phone may become hot. Running these games or multiplayer features make the processor and graphics chip to work continuously. This, in turn, creates more heat.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Lower the game’s graphics settings
- Close unnecessary apps before playing
- Take short breaks during long gaming sessions
- Avoid playing games when charging your device
b. Recording High-Resolution Videos
Recording or editing high-resolution videos or streaming movies for longer duration can again increase your phone’s temperature.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Avoid charging the phone while editing your videos
- Avoid streaming videos when your phone is on charging
c. Background App Activity
Another reason your phone may get warm is when too many apps continue running in the background. Social media apps, cloud backup services, navigation apps, email syncing and location tracking apps often work in the background.
These apps often keep the processor active, which generates additional heat which you may not even know.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Force close apps you no longer use
- Restart the device occasionally
- Manage background activity
d. Software Bug or Poorly Optimized App
Sometimes a software bug or poorly optimized app can also cause your phone to heat. This happens because they use excessive processing power, which causes constant overheating.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Check battery usage to identify apps consuming unusual power
- Regularly update your apps to fix bugs
e. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter
Using faulty charging cables or adapters also cause your phone to overheat. Poor-quality charging accessories often fail to supply power correctly. This causes unnecessary heat buildup.
Charging-related overheating can make your phone very hot soon after you plug it in. The charging speed may keep changing, the cable may feel warm or charging may stop and restart repeatedly.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Always use the original charger that comes along with your phone
- Purchase certified accessories from trusted brands
- Immediately replace worn-out charging cables
f. Hot Environment or Direct Sunlight
Placing your device under external temperature, such as direct sunlight can also warm your phones. Even leaving your phone inside a parked car, or using it outdoors on a hot summer day can quickly increase its temperature. All in all, temperature rise causes your device to become warm.
Steps to Avoid Heating:
- Keep your phone out of direct sunlight
- Avoid leaving your device inside a hot vehicle
- Remove thick protective cases if the phone becomes very warm
- Try keeping your phone in a cool (of course not inside refrigerator or freezer) or air-conditioned area
- Let your phone cool down naturally
g. Aging Battery
Rechargeable batteries naturally lose their capacity as they age. When batteries get older, they become less efficient. It happens due to repeated charging cycles over time. Older batteries become prone to more heating during charging and heavy use. Also, they provide shorter battery life. If your phone’s battery life has significantly declined, exploring newer Battery Backup Smartphones can also be a practical option.
Signs of worn-out battery:
- Rapid battery drain
- Longer charging times
- Shorter battery life
- Phone heating during normal use
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Battery swelling
Solution:
Get your device checked by a professional for the best solution
Get your phone’s battery replaced at an authorized service center
What to Do When Your Phone Gets Too Hot
If you notice your phone getting extremely or unusually hot, then here are the steps that you need to take to prevent further damage. Take a look…
- Immediately stop using demanding apps until your phone cools down
- Turn off Bluetooth, GPS and mobile hotspot for the time being
- Reduce screen brightness to reduce the workload on the display
- Close or remove unused background apps
- Move the phone away from direct sunlight
- Let your phone cool down properly before charging it again
- Remove your phone’s case for the time being
- Restart your device if your it becomes unusually warm
When Overheating Signals a Deeper Problem
Occasional heating is normal; however, if your device becomes extremely hot pretty frequently, then it’s a problem.
Here are the signs when overheating signals deeper problems:
- The phone overheats even when not in use
- It shuts down repeatedly without any valid reason
- The charging port becomes unusually hot
- Your phone randomly restarts without any warning
- Your phone’s battery appears swollen
- The screen displays temperature warning messages pretty often
So, these are the signs that point to an ageing battery, damaged charging components, internal hardware problems or software issues. If these issues occur frequently, then you must consider visiting an authorized service center.
Pro Tip: Never use your phone when it is extremely hot as it may shorten its lifespan and may even lead to permanent damage. Besides that, keep your phone’s operating system and software updated.
The Bottom Line
So, these are the reason why your phone’s battery gets hot along with causes and fixes. Activities like gaming, video recording, fast charging and streaming often make your phone warm. Modern devices are built to handle these temperature changes. However, constant overheating, sudden shutdowns, unusually fast battery drain or repeated temperature warnings should be taken seriously to avoid potential dangers and damages. These signs should not be ignored; instead, you should try taking proper measures to protect your smartphone, extend its lifespan and enjoy reliable performance.
