Smartphone Heating Up Inexplicably? Switching Off Without Rhyme Or Reason? Take These Steps To Avoid Overheating In Summer

It seems 46-degree-plus temperatures are becoming a mainstay this summer, especially if you are one of the hapless souls stuck in the northern part of India, especially in the capital city of Delhi. While the high temperatures are taking a toll on our health, they aren't good news for your smartphone, either. You may have already experienced your phone getting burning hot even when no major app is playing in the background. Apart from that, some of you may have seen your phone turn off abruptly as well (or your Uber pickup driver sorrily said that he couldn't find your location as his phone switched off without an explanation).

These abrupt switch-offs are a simple result of a failsafe measure built within most modern smartphones to prevent your phone's battery from bursting open due to excessive heat.

Overheating can significantly impact a phone's performance, battery life, and overall longevity.

How To Keep Your Phone Safe From Overheating

If you're looking to prevent your device from overheating, here are some simple steps you can take:

(NOTE: Before we get into things, we must clarify that there is no foolproof way to help your phone deal with nearly 50-degree days. These are merely some suggestions to help things from getting out of hand. But, given the current technology of phones, there are NO FOOLPROOF WAYS to make sure your phone doesn't overheat.)

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Exposure to direct sunlight can cause smartphones to heat up rapidly, affecting internal components and potentially causing the device to shut down.

It's advisable to keep your phone out of the sun as much as possible, just as you would protect yourself from direct exposure.

Remove the Back Cover

Many phone covers, particularly those made of plastic, can trap heat and slow down the dissipation process.

For better heat management, consider removing the back cover, especially while charging your phone.

Activate Power-Saving Mode

Most smartphones come with a built-in power-saving mode (battery saver mode), which can be activated to optimise usage.

This mode lowers screen brightness and closes non-essential background apps, helping to maintain optimal performance and reduce heat generation.

Use Official Chargers

To avoid overheating issues, always use the charger that came with your smartphone.

Third-party chargers might not be compatible with your device, potentially leading to overheating problems.

Don't Leave Your Phone In Your Car

It's essential to protect your phone from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in closed spaces like cars where temperatures can rise quickly. In a sense, when the mercury soars high, your phone is no different from your pet. Of course, you can always feed your pet copious amounts of water, which you cannot do with your phone sadly.

Moderate Phone Usage/Turn Off GPS & Bluetooth

High-intensity activities such as gaming, using navigation apps, or streaming videos can cause your phone to heat up. If your device becomes too warm, it’s best to pause these activities.

Additionally, disabling GPS, Bluetooth, and hotspot features when not in use can help manage heat.

Take Breaks

Extended continuous use of a smartphone can lead to overheating. Allow your device to rest periodically by leaving it idle and in a cool place, enabling it to return to normal operating temperatures.

Replace Old Smartphones/Batteries

If your phone is at least five years old, it is highly advisable you replace the smartphone or at least try and change the battery. Older smartphones, over time, lose their capability of coping with extreme use cases, of which high temperature is a primary concern. So, if possible, try to use a new smartphone if you can.