iPhone Overheating? 10 Fixes to Cool It Down
iPhone showing a temperature warning, getting hot during charging, or warm during normal use? Here's how to identify the cause and fix iPhone overheating on any model.
Normal vs. Overheating: Know the Difference
| Situation | Normal? |
|---|---|
| Warm during fast charging or wireless charging | ✅ Normal |
| Warm after 30 min of GPS navigation + charging | ✅ Normal |
| Hot to touch with temperature warning screen | ❌ Overheating |
| Hot during basic tasks (texting, browsing) | ❌ Problem |
| Battery drains fast AND phone is warm constantly | ❌ Problem |
🛠️ Tools You'll Need
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Fix Overheating: Step by Step
Step 1: Remove the Case
If you're using a thick case, remove it for 10 minutes. Plastic and silicone cases trap heat. If the device cools quickly without the case, switch to a thinner or vented case.
Step 2: Check for Background App Drain
Heat is usually a CPU/GPU symptom, not the cause. Settings → Battery → look at App Activity. Force-quit anything showing 30%+ background usage.
Step 3: Stop Charging While Using
Fast-charging while gaming / video calling generates heat from BOTH the SoC and the battery management chip. Stop charging when actively using; use Optimized Battery Charging at night.
Step 4: Check the Charger
Counterfeit USB-C chargers spike voltage and heat the battery. Use only Apple-branded or MFi-certified chargers. If your charger is hot to the touch while charging, replace it.
Step 5: Toggle Airplane Mode
If the device cools rapidly in Airplane Mode, you have a cellular signal issue — the radio is searching for towers and burning power. Re-toggle off; if heat returns, file a carrier ticket.
Step 6: Update iOS
Some iOS versions are notoriously hot. Apple has shipped patch updates specifically for thermal regression. Settings → General → Software Update.
Step 7: Clean the Speakers + Vents
Dust restricts heat dissipation. Use a soft brush + light compressed air to clear the speaker grilles and the vents on the bottom.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting the device in the freezer (condensation causes liquid damage)
- Continuing to use during heat warnings (iOS will throttle, then shut down)
- Using counterfeit chargers that spike voltage
- Leaving the device in a hot car (>120°F can permanently damage the battery)
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If the device gets hot during idle (no apps, screen off), or shuts down spontaneously when warm, you have a hardware problem. Battery service is $99 (Apple) or $59–$89 (third-party). Logic board issues are diagnosed free at the Apple Genius Bar.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Remove the Case Immediately
Cases trap heat — especially leather, folio, and thick rubbery cases. iPhone dissipates heat through its metal/glass body:
- Remove the case completely
- Place the phone face-down on a cool, flat surface (not fabric)
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before using
2Stop Charging While Using Intensive Apps
The three biggest heat generators combined — charging + GPS navigation + screen brightness — routinely trigger overheating:
- Disconnect the charger during long navigation sessions
- Avoid playing graphics-intensive games while charging
- Don't use the camera extensively while charging
3Lower Screen Brightness
- Swipe down from top-right to open Control Center
- Pull the brightness slider down to 50% or lower
- Enable Auto-Brightness: Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Auto-Brightness ON
4Close Background Apps and Check CPU Usage
- Swipe up to open app switcher — swipe away all open apps
- Check for runaway processes: Settings → Battery → look for apps with unusually high battery usage in the last hour
- Force-quit any app using excessive battery/CPU
5Turn Off Background App Refresh
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh → OFF
- This stops apps from constantly syncing data in the background — a significant heat and battery drain source
6Disable Location Services for Problem Apps
Apps continuously polling GPS are a major heat source:
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- For each app: change from "Always" to "While Using" or "Never"
- Focus on social media apps, weather apps, and food delivery apps — they're frequent offenders
7Check for and Install iOS Updates
- Settings → General → Software Update
- iOS updates often include thermal management improvements
- New iPhones sometimes run warm for 24–48 hours after a major iOS update while re-indexing — this is temporary
8Reset All Settings
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
- No data deleted — resets system configurations that may be causing CPU over-activity
- Monitor temperature for 24 hours after reset
9Restore iPhone (Last Software Resort)
- Back up via iCloud or Finder
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
- Set up as new (do not restore from backup initially) — test temperature for 24 hours
- If the phone runs cool as new, restore your backup — if it overheats again, a third-party app is the culprit
10Check Battery Health
- Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging
- A battery below 80% capacity generates significantly more heat while charging
- Swollen or degraded batteries can cause persistent overheating — this requires immediate professional attention
Recommended Accessories
MagSafe-Compatible Slim Case
A slim case with proper heat-dissipating cutouts keeps your iPhone cool while providing protection — no heat-trapping thick rubber.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
MagSafe Car Mount (Ventilated)
A vent-mounted MagSafe car holder keeps air flowing over your iPhone during navigation — the best way to prevent GPS+charging heat buildup.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📞 iPhone Overheating Hardware Repair
Swollen battery, damaged charging port, or persistent overheating after all software fixes? Contact PC Medics of New Jersey.
📦 Mail-In Repair Service
Not comfortable doing this yourself? Send your device to a professional repair shop.
🛒 Recommended Products
The #1 repair kit — 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty
EZ Fit tray — foolproof install, 9H tempered glass 2-pack
Charge iPhone, Watch & AirPods — one compact cube