Why Is My Iphone Overheating? Common Causes

Is your iPhone feeling hotter than usual? You’re not alone. Overheating can be a real issue, causing discomfort and potentially damaging your device. 

Your iPhone might overheat due to excessive app usage, environmental factors, or hardware issues. Addressing these factors promptly can prevent damage and improve your device’s performance.

This article explores common causes and provides practical solutions to keep your iPhone cool. Whether it’s managing apps or tweaking settings, we’ve got you covered.

See Also: How To Check Temp Of iPhone: Monitoring Device’s Health

What Are The Common Causes Of iPhone Overheating?

Here are the common causes of iPhone overheating.

Excessive App Usage And Background Processes:

One of the main reasons your iPhone heats up is the overuse of apps and background processes. When multiple apps run simultaneously, your iPhone’s processor works harder, generating more heat. Also, apps that constantly refresh in the background can cause your device to overheat. It’s essential to manage your app usage and close unnecessary apps to prevent overheating. It’s essential to manage your app usage and close unnecessary apps to prevent overheating. For tips on managing app usage effectively, check out this guide.

Environmental Factors And Physical Obstructions:

Your iPhone can also overheat due to external factors. High ambient temperatures, direct sunlight, or leaving your phone in a hot car can cause it to heat up. Physical obstructions like heavy cases or covers can also trap heat, making it harder for your iPhone to cool down. Ensure your device is kept in a cool, well-ventilated area, and remove bulky cases when unnecessary.

See Also: Troubleshooting A Black Screen On iPhone: Causes And Solutions

How Apps Can Cause Overheating?

Here is how apps can cause overheating.

Buggy Apps And Their Impact On Your iPhone’s Performance:

Apps with bugs or glitches can cause your iPhone to overheat. These apps may use more CPU power than necessary, leading to increased heat generation. Regularly update your apps to fix any bugs and improve performance. If you notice a particular app causing your iPhone to overheat, consider uninstalling it.

Checking For App Crashes And Battery Drain:

Monitoring your iPhone’s battery usage can help identify apps that cause overheating. Go to Settings > Battery to see which apps consume the most power. Apps that drain your battery quickly can also lead to overheating. Monitor app crashes and battery usage to maintain your iPhone’s temperature and performance. Understanding what causes a battery to degrade can also provide insights into potential overheating issues.

What Is The Role Of iPhone Settings And Features?

Here is the role of iPhone settings and features.

• Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background, which can cause your iPhone to overheat if too many apps are refreshing simultaneously. To prevent this, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn off this feature for apps that don’t need constant updates. This can reduce overheating and improve battery life.
• High brightness settings can also contribute to overheating. Reduce your screen brightness through the Control Center or Settings > Display & Brightness to help keep your iPhone cool. Excessive widgets on your home screen can drain your battery and cause overheating. Limit the number of widgets and update them only when necessary.

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What Are The Immediate Fixes For Overheating iPhones?

Below are the immediate fixes for overheating iPhones.

• Restarting Your iPhone: If your iPhone is overheating, one of the first steps to take is to restart it. This can close any background processes causing the issue and reset your device’s temperature. Hold down the power and volume buttons to restart, then slide to power off. For more on dealing with hardware issues, see how to reset your iPhone.
• Removing Heavy Cases And Using Certified Chargers: Heavy cases can trap heat and prevent your iPhone from cooling down. Remove any bulky cases to allow better air circulation. Additionally, using non-certified chargers can cause overheating. Always use Apple-certified chargers or those with the MFi (Made for iPhone) certification to ensure safe and efficient charging.

2 Long-Term Strategies To Prevent Overheating

Here are the long-term strategies to prevent overheating.

• Managing App Usage And Updating iOS Regularly: To prevent overheating in the long term, manage your app usage effectively. Uninstall unnecessary apps and close apps running in the background. Regularly updating your iOS can also help, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that reduce overheating.
• Monitoring iPhone’s Battery Health: Keeping an eye on your iPhone’s battery health is crucial. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check your maximum capacity. A significantly degraded battery can cause overheating and may need replacement. Consider using low-power mode to extend battery life and reduce heat generation.

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When To Seek Professional Help?

If your iPhone continues overheating despite the above steps, it may indicate a hardware issue or battery damage. Signs include the device overheating during basic tasks, rapid battery drain, or physical swelling.

If you suspect hardware issues, contact Apple Support for guidance. They can run diagnostics to determine the problem. If necessary, visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a professional assessment and potential repairs. For more information on iPhone’s battery health and its impact, visit our detailed guide.

FAQs

Conclusion

Keeping your iPhone cool is essential for its performance and longevity. You can prevent overheating by managing app usage, updating iOS regularly, and monitoring battery health. If you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your device remains in top condition.

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Alex Wawro

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. He currently serves as a senior editor covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.