There are several factors that can cause your iPhone to overheat, such as software issues or environmental factors that can cause a device of such high power and capability to inevitably get hot. Any electronic device in daily use tends to overheat from time to time. Besides causing a slight dip in performance, overheating also leads to gradual and subtle damage to your hardware components. When your iPhone starts getting hot, it means that something is wrong with it. Don't take it lightly, and address this issue right away. Here is a brief guide on why an iPhone gets overheated and how you can fix this issue.
What Causes an iPhone to Overheat?
Various factors can cause overheating in iPhones. Find below the most common causes:
1. External Environmental Factors
High ambient temperatures remain one of the primary causes of overheating. Placing the iPhone under direct sunlight or keeping it in hot environments can rapidly increase its internal temperature.
2. Running Resource-Intensive Apps
High processing usage through gaming, video editing, or streaming 4K video tends to heat up your iPhone. Some apps are too resource-intensive, thereby causing the accumulation of thermal effects.
3. Resource Hogs in Background Processes
Processes that run in the background, such as an excessive number of notifications, might use the CPU. Other functionalities, such as Location Services or Bluetooth, also affect the CPU and contribute to heating up your iPhone.
4. Ineffective Charging Habits
The heating can also be associated with charging an iPhone while performing various functions like gaming and streaming. With an untrusted or low-quality charger, your phone may start drawing inconsistent power.
5. Bugs in the App or iOS Versions
Sometimes, an over-heating device might be an overworked iOS or an App problem.
6. Hardware Issue
Physical damage or a failing battery can cause overheating. For example, lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, losing efficiency and generating more heat during use.
Signs Your iPhone is Overheating
Before it shows you that temperature warning on your iPhone, you may start noticing some of these:
- Unusually Hot to Touch: The iPhone feels unusually warm during usual usage.
- Performance Drops: The device may go slow or display frame drops while playing games.
- Display Dimming: The brightness of the screen may automatically adjust to reduce heat.
- Disabled Features: Camera flash or other functions may temporarily malfunction.
- Batteries Drains Quicker: The overheating might also make the battery drain faster.
If all the above signs appear, it is time to probe further.
Quick Cooling Tips for Your iPhone
When your iPhone gets too hot, apply these quick solutions:
1. Take Out the Case
Cases retain the heat and also block proper airflow in the iPhone. Taking it off allows cooling.
2. Turn Off the Device
It takes a couple of minutes for your iPhone to cool down with the power off. Then, press and hold the power button to show the slide to the power off menu.
3. Halt All Running Applications
Close all running applications by swiping them away from the app switcher. It minimizes the activity in the processor.
4. Move to a Cooler Area
Take the device to an area that may be shaded or air-conditioned.
5. Refrain from Charging till It Cools Down
Charge is also known to generate heat. Wait till it cools down before charging.
How to Avoid Future Overheating on Your iPhone
Though sometimes overheating is normal, continuous overheating damages your iPhone's internal components. Here are a few precautions that will save your iPhone:
1. No Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight for an extended period heats the device fast. Keep your iPhone in a bag or pocket, and avoid using it under direct sunlight.
2. Regular Update of iOS and Apps
Software updates typically include performance enhancements and bug fixes that would avoid overheating. Tap on Settings > General > Software Update to update.
3. Optimize settings to Reduce Load
- Dim screen brightness: Reduce the screen brightness to decrease battery strain, which will lower the processor workload.
- Turn Background App Refresh Off: Settings > General > Background App Refresh: disables unnecessary activity by the background.
- Turn Off Unused Features: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Location Services if not in use.
4. Use Certified Chargers
MFi-certified chargers are manufactured with high-quality material and guidelines to work properly with your iPhone. Do not use cheap or fake chargers.
5. Give Your iPhone a Break from Intensive Activities
If gaming, streaming, or video editing, give your iPhone time-outs to cool off.
6. Eliminate Unused Apps
Too many applications can run in the background and consume resources. Review and delete applications you do not use regularly.
Role of Batteries in the iPhone and overheating
In your iPhone lies a lithium-ion battery designed for various operations within its limit. Here is the role of the battery in overheating:
- Battery Aging: Lithium-ion deteriorates over time, and one of the worst things about their deterioration is how they cannot easily store and lose their power.
- Overcharging of the Battery: Leaving the phone plugged in for some time after having been fully charged causes stress in the battery.
- High Power Consumption: It consumes a lot of power with added features like GPS, augmented reality, or recording 4K video.
Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the max capacity is lower than 80%, it is time to get replaced.
Common Myths Concerning iPhone Overheating
1. Putting your iPhone in a freezer
You may also have heard that putting an overheating iPhone in a freezer will help it cool down faster. Nevertheless, this increases the risk of condensation within the phone, which can lead to further damage.
2. Applying non-certified cooling accessories
Cheap cooling fans or pads sometimes damage your devices by delivering inconsistent airflow
3. Forcing all your apps to close
Closing unused applications helps, but force-quitting all applications may consume more resources when opening them again.
When Should You Be Worried About Overheating?
Periodic overheating during a demanding task does not raise many eyebrows, but if it constantly occurs without clear cause, be concerned. Common problems include.
- Swollen Battery: This is one of the risky hazards and will need to be looked into
- System Frequent Crashing: Overheating may cause system failure or crash.
- Visible Body Damage: These are cracks or dents that affect the screen of the frame with components exposed, leading to overheating.
If you observe these symptoms, it is better to consult a professional.
How Apple Designs iPhones to Control Heat
Apple includes several features that allow effective control of heat:
- Thermal Sensors: The iPhone comes with built-in sensors that detect temperature and, in response, regulate performance.
- Low-Power Mode: This mode limits processor load and, consequently, reduces power consumption, thus cooling the device.
- Automatic Adjustments: It can dim the screen, turn off features like the camera flash, or slow down performance to avoid damage.
All these features help ensure your iPhone operates safely, even under heavy usage.
What to Do If Your iPhone Won't Cool Down
If still your iPhone is overheating, even after the above tips, try these additionally:
1. Hard Reset
Sometimes, system malware can cause overheating. Try a hard reset by holding down the power and volume buttons until the Apple logo appears.
2. Malware or Corrupt Apps
Unusually high temperatures are caused by malware or by a very poorly coded application. Remove newly installed apps and scan using trusted cleaning tools.
3. Factory Data Reset
If nothing works, your iPhone needs to be brought back to factory settings and cleared of problematic software. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Do not forget to back up first.
4. Seek an Expert
Persistent overheating may also indicate hardware-related problems. For a proper diagnosis, take your device to an Apple Store or visit Doctor Mobile Profix.
iPhone Overheating FAQs
1. Does Overheating Harm My iPhone?
Yes, persistent overheating reduces the life span of the battery, internal parts can get damaged, and the performance can decline.
2. Do iPhones Get Hot When Charging?
It is normal for the iPhone to become warm when charging, especially with fast chargers. However, extreme heat is a problem.
3. Should I Use My iPhone While It Charges?
Using your iPhone while charging is generally considered to be safe, but with time, it can lead to battery wear and overheating issues.
Conclusion
iPhone overheating is a common issue that can damage the internal components and your device's functionality, but identifying the cause and applying the right solutions can resolve this issue.
If the issue persists or you need professional help, visit Doctor Mobile Profix. Our certified experts can diagnose overheating problems, provide affordable solutions and recommend certified accessories to improve your iPhone's performance and longevity.
