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It could damage your phone – or even burn your hands.
It could damage your phone – or even burn your hands.
No phone is safe
Even top-tier phones are just as likely to overheat as any other device — just like us humans.
And when they do, it can cause all sorts of trouble.
Can break it
Extreme heat can make your phone too hot to hold, degrade the battery, reduce performance, and in the worst cases, cause permanent damage.
The good news
Luckily, there are several tricks you can use to keep your device cool while enjoying the sunshine at the beach or hanging out by the pool.
Here are six ways to prevent your phone from overheating this summer.
Know the Warning Signs
Let’s start with the basics: learning your phone’s safe operating temperature is a great first step.
While the range may vary by device, most manufacturers recommend keeping your phone between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius (32–95°F) while charging, running apps, or even when idle. That gives you at least a general sense of what “too hot” means.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
You may love basking in the sun, but your smartphone definitely doesn’t. Ideally, keep your phone in a cool, ventilated, and air-conditioned spot.
If you’re outside, try to keep your device in the shade whenever possible.
Don’t leave it in the car
In addition to beaches and poolside hangouts, another overheating danger zone is inside your car.
Avoid leaving your phone on the dashboard, seats, or armrests where it’s exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures.
And don’t place your phone on a sunny windowsill, inside a greenhouse, or anywhere else that traps intense heat.
Take Off the Case
Phone cases are great for protecting your device from drops and scratches — but they also trap heat. If your phone is already heating up, remove the case to help it cool down more quickly.
No matter how well-designed your case is, it adds a layer of insulation your struggling phone really doesn’t need. If you’re planning to be outdoors during a heatwave, consider letting your phone breathe a bit by going case-free for part of the day.
Close Power-Hungry Apps
The less your phone has to do, the cooler it stays — so close down any apps that demand a lot of power. That includes photo and video editors, mobile games, and background-refreshing apps like Facebook or Twitter.
You should also disable features you’re not actively using, like GPS or Bluetooth. They may not be the biggest battery hogs, but every degree counts when it comes to keeping cool.
Get a Cooling Fan for Your Phone
Submerging your phone in water or sticking it in the fridge or freezer might lower the temperature — but you’re likely to cause water damage, which brings a whole new set of problems.
For a safer and more effective solution, consider buying a phone cooler.
They clip or magnetically attach to the back of your phone and work quickly to bring the temperature down — without the risk of causing damage.