As the East Coast of the US faces high winds and flooding from Hurricane Erin, the West Coast is bracing for a brutal heat wave. Alongside the increased risk of wildfires, these soaring temperatures present unique challenges for your personal tech, specifically your smartphone.
Phones are more sensitive to extreme temperatures than most people realize. While incidents like the Pixel 6A exploding made headlines, even the latest iPhone and Android models can overheat rapidly if left exposed to the sun or pushed hard in hot conditions.
When your phone gets too hot, it can slow down, shut off, or sustain long-term damage. High temperatures stress the battery and internal components, leading to diminished performance and a lessened lifespan. Whether you’re hiking, watching videos by the pool, or leaving
your phone on the dashboard, here’s what you need to know about overheating—and how to keep your device safe this summer.
Why is Your Phone Overheating?
High temperatures—over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Apple—prompt your phone to take protective measures. Many factors can lead to overheating, but here are the most common culprits:
- Leaving your phone in direct sunlight
- Keeping your phone in a hot environment, like a car on a scorching day
- Using your phone’s navigation system or other intensive applications in hot conditions
- Overusing your phone while it’s charging
- A faulty battery or charger
- Software bugs
- Rogue apps or malware
Your phone may overheat due to other causes, such as a malfunctioning application or a suffocating phone case, but the reasons above are the most frequent.
What Does Overheating Do to Your Phone?
If your phone’s internal temperature exceeds its normal operating range, you can expect several issues:
- You may lose access to your phone temporarily
- Operations can slow down significantly
- Charging may slow down or stop entirely
- Your signal strength can weaken
- Your camera’s flash may become disabled
Moreover, overheating can cause permanent damage to the battery, SIM card, and other vital components.
Preventing Phone Overheating
The most essential measure is to keep your phone out of direct sunlight whenever possible, especially on warm days. While your phone can tolerate a grassy area on an overcast day, it’s not equipped to withstand intense heat.
At the beach, your phone can overheat in mere minutes if left in direct sunlight. Instead, store your device out of the sun—whether in your pocket, a backpack, or under a towel.
High ambient temperatures can also lead to overheating. For instance, a car can reach about 143 degrees Fahrenheit in just one hour at 100 degrees outside. Leaving your phone in a cup holder can cause severe damage.
Apple suggests keeping your device in a range between negative 4 degrees and 113 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 20 degrees and 45 degrees Celsius) to prevent overheating. And while it might be tempting, don’t put your phone in the freezer to cool it down; doing so can result in significant damage.
Steps You Can Take Right Now to Avoid an Overheated Phone
Follow these tips to keep your phone cool:
- Avoid using graphics- or processor-heavy apps while charging. This includes popular mobile games and streaming apps like Netflix.
- Keep your software up to date. Bugs can contribute to overheating, so ensure your phone system and apps are running the latest versions.
- Refrain from using third-party chargers. While they might be convenient, inferior designs can lead to overheating.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly enhance your iPhone’s longevity and ensure it operates smoothly, even during those scorching summer days.