I was walking the other day and…
“Ouch.”
I had to stop. Something’s wrong.
It’s like I’m Superman, and a piece of kryptonite is on my left thigh.
So I reached out and pulled out the only thing in my pocket:
My iPhone…
*thud*
That I just dropped because it’s really hot.
Keep reading to discover:
- 11 crucial steps to avoid overheating on your iPhone.
- 3 highly-recommended heat-dissipating cases you should buy.
- Which features are known to raise the temperature of your device.
- How to quickly update your phone if outdated software is heating it.
- And so much more…
Why is my iPhone overheating?
Your iPhone is overheating because of outdated software, or you have a broken unit. It can also retain heat if it has a case. Exposed wire on its charging cable is also known to cause this issue. Bluetooth, Optimized Battery Charging, and hotspot could also heat up your phone.
iPhone overheating warning: 11 vital tips
#1: Factory reset your phone
If your iPhone’s overheating…
There could be something within your phone that’s causing the issue.
When you can’t pinpoint what it is, what should you do?
Factory reset.
I know. You don’t want to lose some important files and messages on your phone.
That’s why I recommend creating a backup on the iCloud first. How?
- Open the Settings menu.
- Tap your name on the iPhone.
- Select iCloud, and then iCloud Backup.
- Press Backup Now.
Once that’s over, you can always return to get your data later.
But now, let’s factory reset your phone. To start:
- Go to your Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Reset [Device Name].
- Enter your passcode to confirm the reset.
What’s that? You’re having trouble following the written instructions?
That’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, let me help you by directing you to this video:
#2: Update your phone
Do you ever notice how sometimes an update can cause your phone to heat up?
No, you’re not imagining things.
Some previous iPhone updates really have a heating problem.
But, want to hear some good news?
Apple listens to us.
That’s why they’re quick to roll out new updates if there’s something wrong with their current one.
And that’s also the reason why you need to check your phone for updates ASAP.
Here’s how:
- Head to Settings.
- Press General.
- Select Software Update.
- If applicable, choose the update you want.
- Tap Install Now to confirm.
It’s that easy.
#3: Let your phone rest
When you’re tired, what do you do?
Personally, I like to take a break and drink a glass of cold water.
The same goes for your iPhone. Minus the cold water part, of course.
Just turn it off for 30 minutes.
A simple rest will do wonders for your phone…
And your mental health.
After all, it’s nice not to face a screen from time to time.
#4: Remove the case
Does your phone have a case?
If so, it’s best to remove it if your phone’s overheating.
Why, you ask?
It’s not because they’re the cause of the heat itself…
However, they trap the heat inside your phone.
And this is a widespread issue, especially for rubber and silicone types.
But, don’t worry. If you don’t want to remove your case…
You can always change it.
For that, I recommend the following heat-dissipating iPhone ones:
- Razer Arctech: $29.99.
- Rhinoshield Bumper Case: $24.99.
- Kornsurte Heat Dissipating Case: $22.99.
#5: Replace your charging cable
If you have an iPhone, you’re familiar with its lightning cable.
And do you know the most common complaint about the cable among Apple users?
It breaks. Easily.
You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve woken up to my cable having exposed wires.
But, every single time, I still try to charge my phone with it. Just as long as it still does its job.
And do you know what happens?
My iPhone inevitably gets hot. Really hot.
So, after a while, I just simply swapped out my cable.
And, poof. Problem solved.
#6: Close apps you’re not using
Do you know the root cause of overheating on your phone?
It’s because your phone has a limited amount of RAM.
Now, if you don’t know what that means, it’s okay.
Think of it this way:
The more things you need to do, the more you’re prone to a headache.
That’s because you’re multi-tasking and spreading yourself thin.
And the only thing that can help with your migraine?
Get rid of some of the tasks assigned to you.
Got it? The same principle applies to your iPhone.
Only, substitute tasks with apps…
And migraines with overheating.
What apps should you close?
That depends on which app uses the most RAM. But here are the usual suspects:
- Spotify.
- Chrome.
- Netflix and other streaming apps.
- Skype and other video conference apps.
#7: Toggle on Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode can also help cool down your phone.
How so?
You see, Low Power Mode affects the following features on your phone:
- Removes 5G.
- Enables Auto-Lock.
- Pauses iCloud photos.
- Removes visual effects.
- Lowers Display Brightness.
- Disables Automatic Downloads.
- Limits Display Refresh Rate to 60 Hz.
- Disables automatic background app refresh.
I know. It sounds a little bit limiting. But…
Besides giving your phone better battery life, it also eliminates most overheating processes.
Convinced? Now, proceed to:
- Go to your Settings menu.
- Tap Battery.
- Toggle on Low Power Mode.
#8: Lower your room’s temperature
When you have no control over your iPhone’s temperature, do you know what you can control instead?
Your surroundings. Well, sometimes.
Here’s the thing:
The temperature of your surroundings affects the temperature of your phone’s battery.
It’s true. And you know what else?
Heat and humidity can also deplete your battery’s capacity.
Like the AirPods, iPhones use a Li-ion battery. This type of battery is now becoming a commonplace because it’s:
- Lightweight.
- Eco-friendly.
- Low maintenance.
- Denser with energy.
However, it’s not all roses and sunshine.
Li-ion batteries are known to self-discharge. And the rate at which it discharges doubles every 10ºC.
So, what’s the optimal environment for iPhones?
According to Apple, you should store it between -4ºF (-20ºC) and 113ºF (45ºC).
Meanwhile, the optimal temperature when you’re using it is around 32ºF (0ºC) and 95ºF (35ºC).
#9: Disable Optimized Battery Charging
While we’re on the topic of Li-ion batteries…
Let’s talk about the Optimized Battery Charging mode.
It’s a feature on Apple devices designed to make their Li-ion batteries last longer.
How?
Beyond storing them in hot areas, there’s another thing you shouldn’t do with Li-ion.
And that’s to charge them up to 100%.
“Wait, is that true? I’ve been fully charging my phones all this time.”
Yes, but don’t fret. There are a lot of people who don’t know this, including me at 1 time.
To prevent this from happening, Apple created the Optimized Battery Charging feature.
What it does is it automatically slows down your charging once it reaches 80%.
Sounds good, right?
The curious thing is that their battery becomes hot when this feature is on during charging.
Not just warm, but actually hot to touch.
So, if you’re having the same problem during charging, turn this feature off using these 4 quick steps:
- Open your Settings menu.
- Head to Battery.
- Tap Battery Health.
- Scroll down and toggle off Optimized Battery Charging.
#10: Turn off Bluetooth and hotspot
Do you know what completes my morning?
Music in my ears while I walk to work.
And that’s possible through AirPods.
So it’s no wonder that my phone is always hot…
It’s because Bluetooth is always on.
What’s worse is that I sometimes forget to turn it off.
Bluetooth also isn’t the only feature that can overheat your phone.
If you’ve ever shared the internet with someone through a hotspot…
You know how accurate the name “hot-spot” can be.
That’s why, whenever I feel the heat on my pockets, it’s these 2 that I always check first.
#11: Have it replaced
Here’s a tough pill to swallow:
Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do.
But that’s OK. Do you know why?
First, because it’s fine to admit that we’re not perfect.
And second, because Apple can replace your phone anyway…
Provided that you give proof that your iPhone is overheating, of course.
Oh, and only if you return it within the time window given in your agreement.
If you meet all these criteria, simply walk to the nearest Apple store or any official retailer.
The employees inside should sort the issue out.
You may also be interested in: 15 True Reasons Why iPhone Sucks
BONUS: Contact Apple
There’ll be times when nothing’s working.
That’s fine. Like my dad always says:
“It is what it is.”
When your phone keeps overheating, and no home remedy will do…
It’s best to contact Apple to ask for help before the problem becomes worse.