Has your overheating phone ever felt like it could fry eggs or like you could literally run it over a laid down shirt and the shirt would be as smooth as glass? Well, today we’re looking into what to do to cool down your phone down when it gets hot, but first let’s talk about why it is that way and the last reason will shock you!
All phones can — and will — get hot on occasion regardless of capacity. It becomes a problem when your overheating phone goes up so much that it hurts to hold it, or it begins to exhibit odd behavior like hanging. Thankfully, there are easy tips you can use to help stop your phone from overheating.
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Why does my phone get hot?
Usually, your iPhone or Android phone heats up due to overuse, a strained battery, too much direct heat, or an overworked CPU. You may also need to update your software, because outdated apps can cause performance issues. In extreme cases, your hot phone might be infected with malware.
Here are the 5 most common reasons your phone gets hot:
Warm Environment or Direct Sunlight
If you’ve ever left your phone in the sun, you might have been surprised to discover it was extremely hot to the touch. Direct sunlight is often a major cause of a overheating phone, so it’s important to keep your phone shaded when you’re outside. In addition to extended exposure to the sun, your phone can also overheat after spending a long time in a warm environment, like a car on a hot summer day.
CPU Overload
Smartphones are essentially small computers, but unlike computers, they lack internal fans to keep them cool. While smartphones are designed to manage heat efficiently during regular use, they do have their limits. Running too many tasks simultaneously can overload the processor, leading to overheating.
Some of the activities that might cause your phone to heat up include:
- Running too many apps at once
- Streaming video content like Netflix or YouTube
- Recording long videos on your phone
- Playing mobile games for an extended period
- Sub-optimal settings, like animated wallpapers or widgets
- Keeping your screen brightness on high every time you use it
Faulty Battery or Charger
Damaged or faulty chargers, cables, and batteries can cause your phone to overheat to dangerous levels. If you notice a burning smell, scorch marks, or melting plastic while charging, stop using the equipment right away. Be careful when unplugging it from your overheating phone or the electrical socket to avoid burning yourself.
Older Phone
An older phone is basically an overheating phone. Over time, the hardware may experience wear and tear, including the thermal paste on the processor. If the thermal paste has deteriorated, your phone can heat up much more quickly, which is why it is best to stick with Mobility Nigeria to get the latest updates on mobile devices and to help decide your next device.
Malware or Virus
Now we come to the shocking part. While it may seem uncommon, did you know that your phone could get infected by a malware or virus?
Any of the issues mentioned can damage your phone, but none are as dangerous as malware. If your phone gets infected by malware through a fake app or a malicious link, the CPU and memory can be hijacked, leading to reduced performance and significant overheating. Mining malware, particularly those targeting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, can also cause your device to overheat due to the heavy resource demands of crypto-mining.
One of the most insidious forms of this is cryptojacking, where a hacker takes control of your system’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge. Cryptojacking has become so widespread that it’s now as serious a threat as the most destructive ransomware attacks. So dear Airdrop farmers please be advised.
How To Cool Down Your Overheating Phone
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Turn on Airplane Mode.
- Close out your apps, delete the unused ones while keeping the rest updated.
- Take the case off.
- Place your overheating phone next to a fan or “support” the back of the phone with a sachet of water, sounds funny but works like a charm. Never put your overheating phone into the fridge or freezer — it can irreparably damage the hardware.
- Reset your phone.
How To Stop My Phone From Overheating
- Adjust brightness
- Close down unused apps
- Use a manufacturer-approved charger
- Keep your apps up to date