How to Stop Your Phone from Overheating in Summer

When the sun’s blazing and you’re out and about with your phone in hand, it’s easy for your device to overheat — especially if you’re gaming, streaming, or charging it in the car. Overheating isn’t just uncomfortable; it can reduce performance, throttle the processor, and even damage the battery. This guide walks you through why phones overheat and how to keep them cool during summer (or any warm environment).

Why Your Phone Gets Too Hot

Phones heat up for several reasons: prolonged high CPU/GPU usage, direct sunlight exposure, poor ventilation (especially in a case), and fast charging. For example:

• Using the phone in direct sunlight or leaving it on a dashboard can raise temps fast. Samsung pl+2MakeUseOf+2

• A thick phone case traps heat, preventing proper cooling. MakeUseOf+1

• Wireless charging, gaming, navigation, or streaming all push the hardware, increasing temperature. Xfinity+1

If your phone feels extremely hot to touch, shuts down, or displays an over‑temperature warning, it’s time to cool it down.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Prevent Overheating

Here are effective steps you can take before your phone gets too hot and if it already feels warm.

1. Remove It from Direct Sunlight & Hot Surfaces

If your phone is outside or in a car, move it out of direct sun, into shade or a cooler environment. Phones need ventilation. Samsung pl+1
Avoid placing the phone on a blanket, pillow or in a tight car cradle — these trap heat.

2. Remove or Change Your Case During Charging/Heavy Use

While charging or streaming, remove the case (especially if it’s thick or insulating). Many overheating issues stem from cases that block heat dissipation. MakeUseOf+1
Consider using a ventilated or “cooling” case if you often use your phone for gaming/navigation.

3. Lower Screen Brightness & Turn Off Unused Features

High brightness consumes more battery and generates more heat. Lower your brightness or enable auto‑brightness. Xfinity
Turn off features you don’t need: Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi when unused. Excess active radios increase load. ZAGG+1

4. Limit High‑Performance Tasks While in Heat

Streaming, gaming, navigation, or wireless charging all push the phone’s hardware hard. Try:

• Taking breaks during long sessions

• Using wired charging instead of wireless where possible

• Avoid using the phone while fast‑charging or hot. Reddit+1

5. Use Device Maintenance Tools to Close Background Apps

Unused apps running in the background still consume CPU/GPU and battery, increasing temperature. Use your phone’s built‑in device care or third‑party cleaner to kill unnecessary tasks. Samsung pl+1

6. Cool Down an Overheated Phone Safely

If your phone’s already hot:

• Remove the phone case, stop using it momentarily. AVG.com

• Turn on airplane mode to disable radios and reduce load.

• Place it on a cool surface or fan it gently — don’t put it in the fridge or freezer (that can cause condensation damage). Xfinity

7. Update Software & Check for Potential Hardware Issues

Manufacturers often release updates that improve thermal management or fix software causing overheating. Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange+1
If despite all steps the phone still overheats during light use, it may be a battery or hardware fault and worth asking for service.

Pro Tips for Summer & Hot Environments

• Avoid using your phone in very high ambient temperatures (>35 °C / 95 °F) if possible.

• When using GPS/navigation in a car, mount the phone where air from AC or a vent can cool it. Reddit

• Consider turning on “Low Power” or “Battery Saver” modes during hot days to reduce background processes.

• Keep your phone out of pockets with tight jeans or in bags where heat builds up.

• If gaming heavily, schedule sessions in cooler indoor spaces or with cooling accessories.

Overheating in summer is more than just uncomfortable — it can hamper performance or shorten your phone’s lifespan. By paying attention to environment, usage habits, case and charging practices, you can keep your device cooler and running smoothly.