If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why does my phone get hot?” you’re not alone. A little warmth is normal — smartphones are tiny computers packed into a small body. But constant or extreme heat can be a sign that something isn’t right.
Table of Contents
This guide explains the most common reasons your phone gets hot, how to cool it down, and when you should be concerned.
Is It Normal for a Phone To Get Warm?
Yes, mild warmth is normal, especially when:
- You’re gaming or using heavy apps
- You’re charging the battery
- You’re on a long video call or using your phone as a hotspot
Inside your phone, the processor, battery, screen, and radios (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, Bluetooth) all generate heat. The phone’s software usually manages this by slowing things down, lowering brightness, or pausing heavy tasks.
But if your phone:
- Feels uncomfortably hot to hold
- Shows temperature warning messages
- Heats up even when you’re not using it
…then you need to understand why your phone gets hot and what you can do about it.
1. Heavy Apps and Games
High-end games, video editing apps, AR filters, and long HD video calls push your CPU and GPU hard. That means more power drawn from the battery and more heat.
What you might notice:
- Back of the phone gets hot, often near the camera area
- Lagging or frame drops while gaming
- Battery drains quickly
What to do:
- Lower in-game graphics settings
- Take breaks every 20–30 minutes
- Close other apps before starting a heavy game or video call
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data when possible (data radios also generate heat)
2. Too Many Background Apps and Processes
Sometimes your phone gets hot because too many apps are working silently in the background — syncing, tracking location, or sending notifications.
Common culprits:
- Social media and messaging apps
- Navigation and fitness tracking apps
- Email apps constantly checking for new mail
What to do:
- Check battery usage:
- Android: Settings → Battery → Battery usage
- iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Usage by App
- Uninstall or limit apps that use a lot of battery in the background
- Turn off background refresh / background app activity for non-essential apps
- Restart your phone occasionally to clear stuck processes
3. Weak Signal or Constant Searching for Network
Another reason your phone gets hot is poor signal. In low-signal areas, the phone boosts its radio power to stay connected. That constant effort generates extra heat.
Signs:
- Phone gets hot in elevators, basements, or remote areas
- Battery drains fast whenever you have only one or two signal bars
What to do:
- Switch to Airplane mode if you don’t need calls or data temporarily
- Use Wi-Fi calling if available and the mobile signal is weak
- When travelling through areas with no coverage, keep Airplane mode on until you reach better signal
4. Charging Habits (Especially Fast Charging)
Charging — especially fast charging — makes your phone warm. Using the phone heavily while charging (gaming, streaming, hotspot) can make it much hotter than normal.
Typical triggers:
- Fast/quick charging
- Cheap third-party chargers or cables
- Charging on soft surfaces like a bed or under a pillow, which traps heat
- Using the phone as a hotspot while it charges
What to do:
- Use original or certified chargers and cables
- Avoid heavy use while charging; let the phone rest
- Charge on a hard, flat surface with airflow
- If the phone becomes very hot, unplug it, remove the case, and let it cool before using it again
5. Hot Environment or Direct Sunlight
Sometimes the environment is the main reason your phone gets hot. Leaving your phone in a parked car, on a beach towel in direct sun, or near a heat source can quickly push it beyond safe temperatures.
What to do:
- Keep your phone out of direct sunlight
- Don’t leave it in a parked car on hot days
- If it overheats, move it to a shaded, cool (not freezing) place and let it rest
6. Phone Case Trapping Heat
Some thick or rugged cases make it harder for heat to escape, especially during heavy use or fast charging. In these situations, the case itself can be a big reason why your phone gets hot.
What to do:
- Remove the case when gaming, video editing, or fast charging
- Consider a thinner case or one designed to dissipate heat more efficiently
7. Software Bugs and System Issues
A buggy app or system update can cause a process to run nonstop in the background, using CPU and draining battery, which leads to overheating.
What to do:
- Check for app updates in the Play Store or App Store
- Update your phone’s operating system to the latest stable version
- If one app is always at the top of battery usage and causing heat:
- Force stop it
- Clear cache (Android) or reinstall it
- As a last resort, back up your data and perform a factory reset
8. Aging or Damaged Battery
Over time, all batteries degrade. An old or damaged battery can overheat more easily, even with light use.
Warning signs:
- Phone heats up even during basic tasks
- Battery percentage jumps up or down unexpectedly
- Phone shuts down randomly, even with charge left
- Battery appears swollen or the screen/back panel is lifting
What to do:
- Avoid heavy use until it’s checked
- Get the battery inspected and replaced at an authorized or reputable service center
- If you see swelling, stop using the phone and do not press on the battery
9. Malware or Hidden Processes
In some cases, malware or shady apps can run hidden tasks (for example, crypto mining or sending spam) that keep the phone working at full power all the time — another hidden reason your phone gets hot.
What to do:
- Uninstall apps you don’t recognize or no longer use
- Only install apps from official stores
- Run a reputable mobile security or antivirus scan
- Avoid “free” apps from unknown websites or random links
10. Hardware Faults
If you’ve dropped your phone, had water damage, or used low-quality repairs, internal components may be damaged and generate abnormal heat.
What to do:
- Don’t open the phone yourself
- Notice when it gets hot (only when charging, always, or around a specific area)
- Visit a trusted service center and explain the symptoms clearly
How To Cool Down Your Phone Safely
If your phone is currently hot, you can:
- Stop heavy tasks
- Close games, camera, GPS, hotspot, and video calls.
- Disconnect from power
- Unplug the charger and stop wireless charging.
- Remove the case
- Let heat escape more easily.
- Move it to a cooler place
- Shade, room temperature, away from direct sun.
- Switch to Airplane mode
- This reduces network activity and lets the phone rest.
What not to do:
- Do not put your phone in the fridge or freezer — sudden temperature changes can cause internal moisture and damage components
- Do not place it directly on ice packs or in contact with liquids
Let it cool naturally at room temperature.
When To Worry About a Hot Phone
You should seek professional help if:
- The phone stays very hot for a long time, even when idle
- You see battery swelling or the screen/back panel lifting
- You smell something burning or see smoke
- The phone often shows temperature warning messages
- It shuts down repeatedly due to overheating
In these cases, stop using it and get it checked. Overheating can shorten battery life, damage components, and in extreme cases, become a safety risk.
FAQ: Why Does My Phone Get Hot?
1. Why does my phone get hot when I’m not using it?
If your phone gets hot even when idle, it could be due to background apps, a stuck process, malware, or a failing battery. Check battery usage in settings, close or uninstall suspicious apps, and restart your phone. If the problem persists, have the device inspected.
2. Why does my phone get hot while charging?
Charging naturally warms the battery, especially with fast charging. Your phone can get hotter if you use it heavily while charging, use uncertified chargers, or charge it on soft surfaces. Try using original chargers, letting the phone rest while charging, and placing it on a hard, ventilated surface.
3. Why does my phone get hot when gaming?
Games use a lot of processing and graphics power, which generates heat. If your phone gets very hot while gaming, lower the graphics settings, close other apps, and take regular breaks. Using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data can also help reduce heat.
4. Can a hot phone be dangerous?
A warm phone is usually not dangerous, but extreme overheating can damage internal components and, in rare cases, pose a safety risk. If you notice swelling, burning smell, smoke, or constant temperature warnings, stop using your phone and get professional help immediately.
5. How can I stop my phone from overheating permanently?
Use lighter settings for heavy apps, close unnecessary background apps, avoid using your phone in direct sunlight, use proper chargers, and keep your software updated. If your phone is older or the battery is degraded, a professional battery replacement can significantly reduce overheating.
6. Is it bad to use my phone while it’s charging and hot?
Using your phone lightly while charging is usually fine, but heavy use (gaming, hotspot, HD video) while it’s already hot can stress the battery and internal components. If your phone feels too hot, unplug it, pause heavy tasks, and let it cool down.
