Whatever your model of phone, you can take some simple steps to keep it cool.
The new iPhone 15 may be hot right now, but that's not always a good thing.
Since the release of the iPhone 15 Pro last week, some people have been
reporting that the new phone is getting too warm when they use it.
Unfortunately, overheating can become a big problem, especially if it
happens consistently.
You don't want your phone to overheat, because it can slow your phone down
or cause it to stop working altogether. It can result in permanent damage,
and then you may have to replace your battery or even get a brand-new phone.
And that requires spending money -- even with insurance.
That's why you want to take all the measures you can to prevent your iPhone,
Android device or other phone from overheating. You can't stop all instances
of overheating, but there are many things you can do. Here's what you need
to know.
Why is your phone getting hot in the first place?
Your phone might overheat for many reasons, but these are some of the most
common culprits:
- Leaving your phone in direct sunlight.
- Keeping your phone in a hot environment.
- Overusing your phone when it's charging.
- A faulty battery or charger.
- Bugs in the software.
- Rogue apps or malware.
Your phone might overheat from other causes, like a malfunctioning
application or even a suffocating phone case, but the reasons above are the
most likely causes of your phone getting too hot.
What does overheating do to your phone?
If the interior temperature of your phone exceeds what's normal and the
device overheats, you can expect a few issues:
- You can't use your phone.
- Your phone slows down.
- Charging slows down or completely stops.
- Your signal is weakened.
- Your camera's flash is temporarily disabled.
There are also possible permanent harmful effects -- overheating can cause
lasting damage to the battery, SIM card and other crucial parts inside your
phone.
So how can you prevent your phone from overheating?
Ensuring your phone's longevity hinges on safeguarding it from direct
sunlight, particularly in warmer conditions. While your phone may tolerate
some sun exposure on a cloudy day, higher temperatures can be detrimental.
For instance, at the beach, your phone can quickly overheat in direct
sunlight, and the same applies if you leave it in a sunny car spot.
To protect your phone effectively, prioritize keeping it away from direct
sunlight by placing it in your pocket, a backpack, or under a towel,
blanket, or on the dashboard. These shaded areas can prevent sun damage.
It's essential to note that elevated temperatures alone can induce phone
overheating. For instance, if it's 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the
inside of a car can reach 143 degrees in just an hour, potentially causing
damage to your phone. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid leaving your phone
in hot environments for extended periods, whether in your car, sauna,
kitchen, desert, or near a heat source.
For optimal performance, your phone should ideally be within a temperature
range of 32º to 95º Fahrenheit (0º to 35º Celsius). To prevent
overheating, Apple recommends keeping the device in an environment with
temperatures between -4º and 113º Fahrenheit (-20º and 45º Celsius).
You should also follow these tips to prevent your phone from overheating
- Don't use graphics- or processor-intensive apps when your phone is charging. That includes massive mobile video games like PUBG Mobile or streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu.
- Update your phone system software and apps to the latest software available. A bug in the software can cause overheating issues, so always stay up-to-date with your software.
- Steer clear of third-party chargers. Most times you'll be fine, but a cheaply designed charger could cause your phone to overheat.