You know the drill: you pick up your iPhone and for a moment you think you’re holding a mini radiator. Maybe you’re an avid user, or your phone is having a sun bath during a heat wave. Either way, an overheated iPhone is not only irritating, but can also affect your battery and performance. Fortunately, you don’t have to point a fan at your phone or put it in the refrigerator (please don’t do that). With a few simple steps, you can keep your iPhone cool and avoid problems.

Distinguishing between hot and warm

An iPhone can get warm during normal use, such as when charging, streaming videos or gaming. This is no cause for concern and is part of the device’s operation.

However, if your iPhone gets so hot that it shuts down, slows down or issues a warning, it is overheating. This can cause long-term damage and should be addressed as soon as possible. Below you can read about the most common causes and what you can do about them.

Why does your iPhone get hot?

Your iPhone can get hot for a variety of reasons. Often it is harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign that your phone is getting overloaded. Some common causes are and what you can do about it:

• Heavy apps: Do you enjoy gaming or edit videos as if you were a Hollywood editor? Then your iPhone can take a beating. Intensive apps leave your processor running at high speeds.
• New iphone: Transferring data takes a lot of energy and can take days in the background. This makes it hot and drains quickly.
• Not enough storage space: A full storage can slow down and overload your iPhone, forcing the system to work harder. This can lead to heat buildup. Delete unnecessary files, photos and unused apps. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone Storage” to see which apps are taking up the most space. Know how to do this easily? read; iPhone memory full? Create temporary extra space!
• Old or worn out damaged battery: A device that often gets too hot puts extra strain on the battery. This causes the battery to deteriorate faster. So over time, your battery may wear out and become inefficient, getting hotter faster during normal use. Check the battery status through ‘Settings’ > ‘Battery’ > ‘Battery Condition’. Is the maximum capacity below 80%? Then it might be time for a battery replacement. Don’t wait too long and make online your appointment.
• Updates and downloads: That big software update you just wanted to install in between? Your iPhone works harder behind the scenes than you think, and that generates heat.
• Long charging sessions: Charging is a hot job for your battery. If you also use a charger of questionable origin, you give your phone another reason to overheat. Fast chargers also create extra heat because they deliver a lot of energy in a short period of time. Want to know how to keep your battery in top condition? Then read: Optimal maintenance of your iPhone battery.
• Direct sunlight: We all know the dreaded “iPhone is too hot” notification. Sounds dramatic, but your phone means well. So don’t leave it lying on the dashboard of your car like a sunbeater or in a phone holder when you don’t need it for a while.
• Background processes: Some apps keep quietly drawing energy in the background, a bit like friends always eating snacks from your pantry. Just checking and shutting down in your battery settings can keep your iPhone a lot cooler.
  

  What if your iPhone keeps overheating?

  If your iPhone overheats frequently and for no apparent reason, there may be a problem with the battery or a software error. In that case, there are a few things you can try:

  1. Restart your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart already solves the problem.
  2. Reset your settings: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Restore all settings’. Want to know how to do this safely? Then read; Restore iPhone to factory settings? It’s that simple!
  3. Contact a specialist: Does your iPhone stay hot even after following all the above steps? Then it might be time to get it checked out. At ThePhoneLab, we help our specialists with a diagnosis and, if necessary, a battery replacement.

  4. Check your case: Some cases don’t allow heat to escape properly, causing your iPhone to overheat faster. Temporarily remove your device from the case and see if this helps lower the temperature.

  5. Cool your iPhone properly: Never put your iPhone under the faucet or in the refrigerator to cool it down quickly. This can cause moisture and water damage, which will only further damage your device. Rather, leave your iPhone in a cool, well-ventilated place until it cools down on its own.

  Get your battery replaced at ThePhoneLab

  A hot iPhone is not immediate cause for panic, but it is something to keep an eye on. By being more aware of your device and using the right settings, you can prevent overheating and extend the life of your iPhone. And does your iPhone still stay hot? Then now you know exactly what steps to follow to address the problem. Doubting whether your device is still working properly? Easily schedule a appointment at ThePhoneLab and have your iPhone professionally checked by our free diagnosis.