It's normal for a phone to get slightly warm while charging, but excessive heat can damage the battery and internal components. This complete guide provides steps to diagnose and fix overheating issues on both Android and iPhone devices.
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Contents 📋
Immediate Steps: Stopping the Heat Instantly
If your phone is burning hot, do not continue charging. Follow these urgent steps:
- **Unplug the Phone: Immediately disconnect the charging cable or remove the phone from the wireless pad.
- **Remove the Case: Take the phone out of its protective case. Cases trap heat, preventing proper dissipation.
- **Move to a Cooler Spot: Place the phone on a hard, cool surface, like a wooden table or tile floor. Do NOT put it in a refrigerator or freezer.
- **Close All Apps: Force close every application running in the background.
Fix 1: Check Your Charging Hardware and Environment
Hardware failures or improper charging practices are primary causes of excessive heat.
A. Inspect the Charging Cable and Adapter
Using cheap, uncertified, or damaged accessories can lead to inconsistent power delivery, which generates heat.
- Use the original cable and adapter that came with your phone.
- If the original is damaged, use a replacement that is certified (e.g., MFi certified for iPhone, or a reputable brand for Android).
- Check the cable for fraying and the adapter for cracks or loose ports. Replace any damaged parts.
B. Avoid Heat-Trapping Surfaces
Never charge your phone on soft, insulated materials.
- Do NOT charge on a bed, pillow, couch, or blanket.
- Always charge on a hard, flat surface with good airflow.
C. Check Wireless Charging
Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging. If you are using a wireless pad, ensure the phone is **perfectly aligned** to avoid energy waste (heat).
Fix 2: Control Software and Background Activity
If your phone is charging AND running demanding apps simultaneously, the combined load causes excessive heat.
A. Close Background Apps
Make sure there are no highly demanding apps (like **games**, **video streaming**, or **navigation**) running while the phone is plugged in.
B. Turn Off High-Resource Features
Temporarily disable heavy processes before charging.
- Turn **Off** **Wi-Fi** and **Bluetooth** if you do not need them.
- Turn **Off** **Location Services** (GPS) for non-essential apps.
- **Do NOT** use the phone for gaming or video rendering while it is charging.
C. Check for Buggy Apps
A poorly coded or stuck app can run the CPU at maximum usage, even when the screen is off.
- Go to **Settings** > **Battery**.
- Check the list of apps that have consumed the most battery in the **last 24 hours**. If an app you barely used is at the top, it is likely the culprit. **Force stop** or **uninstall** it.
Fix 3: Optimize Device and Battery Settings
A. Enable Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver (Android)
These modes restrict CPU usage and background activity, reducing the heat generated during charging.
- Go to **Settings** > **Battery**.
- Enable **Low Power Mode** (iPhone) or **Battery Saver** (Android) before plugging in the device.
B. Check for System Updates
Software bugs, especially after a major OS update, can cause runaway processes and overheating. Ensure your OS is current.
- Go to **Settings** > **General** or **System**.
- Check for and install the latest **Software Update**.
C. Use Optimized Charging
Both iOS and Android have settings to slow down charging when the battery is near full. This reduces stress and heat.
- On iPhone: Settings > **Battery** > **Battery Health & Charging** > Enable **Optimized Battery Charging**.
- On Android: Look for similar settings in Battery > **More battery settings** (names vary by manufacturer).
Advanced Steps: When the Problem Persists
If the phone continues to overheat after the above steps, you may need a deeper fix.
A. Reset All Settings
This action clears configuration errors and network settings without deleting your personal files.
- Go to Settings > General or System.
- Find the Reset or Transfer or Reset Phone option.
- Select Reset All Settings.
B. Contact Support
If overheating occurs even when the phone is idle and charging with certified equipment, it may indicate a failing battery or internal charging port damage. Contact the phone's manufacturer or an authorized repair center.