Android Phone Overheating? Try These 10 Proven Fixes

TL;DR: If your Android phone is overheating, try these quick fixes: remove the case, stop charging, move to a cooler spot, close background apps, enable airplane mode, avoid direct sunlight, update software, check for malware, reduce screen brightness, and restart your phone. For persistent issues, consider a factory reset or professional repair.

I know how frustrating it can be when your Android phone gets uncomfortably hot. Not only does it affect performance, but it can also damage internal components over time[^1]. After researching and testing various methods, I’ve compiled 10 proven fixes that work on all Android phones—no special apps required. Let’s dive in.

Why Does My Android Phone Overheat?

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why your phone heats up. Common causes include prolonged gaming or streaming, which strain the processor and GPU[^2]. Background apps, direct sunlight, overcharging, and faulty hardware (like a recent battery replacement) can also contribute. Knowing these triggers helps you prevent overheating in the future.

Immediate Steps to Cool Down an Overheating Phone

If your phone is already hot, take these urgent steps:

• Remove the case: Cases trap heat; taking it off allows better airflow[^3].
• Stop charging: Unplug your phone to reduce thermal stress[^4].
• Move to a cooler area: Avoid direct sunlight and shift to a shaded or air-conditioned spot[^5].
• Close background apps: Swipe away unused apps to reduce CPU load[^6].
• Enable airplane mode: This disables connectivity features that generate heat[^7].

I’ve found that these actions can cool your phone within minutes. For example, after removing my case and closing apps, my phone’s temperature dropped significantly during a summer outing.

Adjust Settings to Prevent Overheating

Long-term prevention involves tweaking your phone’s settings:

• Reduce screen brightness: High brightness consumes more power and generates heat.
• Limit background data: Restrict apps from running in the background unnecessarily.
• Disable unused features: Turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi when not in use.
• Update software: Install the latest OS updates, as they often include thermal management improvements[^8].

On my own phone, I set brightness to auto-adjust and disabled background data for social media apps, which reduced overheating during daily use.

Check for Malware and Rogue Apps

Malware or poorly optimized apps can overwork your phone’s resources. Use a trusted antivirus app to scan for threats. Also, review battery usage in settings to identify apps draining power and causing heat. Uninstall any suspicious or rarely used applications.

Smart Charging Habits

Overcharging is a common culprit. Avoid leaving your phone plugged in after it reaches 100%. Use original chargers and cables, as third-party ones may not regulate voltage properly. If overheating occurs after a battery replacement, ensure it was done correctly by a professional[^9].

When to Restart or Factory Reset

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches causing overheating. For persistent issues, a factory reset might help—but back up your data first[^10]. I’ve seen cases where a reset fixed overheating post-update, as it clears corrupted files.

Hardware Inspection and Professional Help

If software fixes don’t work, hardware issues might be to blame. Check for physical damage, swollen batteries, or debris in ports. Visit a certified repair center if needed. Don’t attempt DIY repairs on batteries or internal components.

Case Study: Resolving Overheating on a Google Pixel

A user on Reddit reported their Pixel phone overheating after an update[^11]. They tried a factory reset, but the issue persisted. Finally, they discovered a misbehaving app and cleared its cache, which resolved the problem. This highlights the importance of app management.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooling Your Phone

1. Remove the case immediately.
2. Unplug from charging.
3. Move to a cooler location.
4. Close all background apps.
5. Enable airplane mode for 5–10 minutes.
6. Reduce screen brightness.
7. Restart your phone.
8. Update software if available.
9. Scan for malware.
10. Consult a professional if overheating continues.

Pros and Cons of Common Fixes

Fix	Pros	Cons
Remove case	Quick, no tools needed	No protection temporarily
Airplane mode	Fast heat reduction	Disconnects calls/data
Factory reset	Resolves deep software issues	Erases all data
Professional repair	Fixes hardware problems	Can be costly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing phone in freezer: Extreme cold can damage components.
• Using cooling apps: Many are ineffective or contain ads.
• Ignoring persistent overheating: Could lead to battery failure.
• Using phone while charging: Increases thermal load.

FAQ

Q: Can overheating damage my phone?
A: Yes, prolonged overheating can reduce battery life and harm internal parts.

Q: How hot is too hot for an Android phone?
A: If it’s uncomfortable to hold or shows a temperature warning, it’s too hot.

Q: Will a case always cause overheating?
A: Not always, but thick cases can trap heat during heavy use.

Q: Should I worry about overheating after a battery replacement?
A: Yes, it might indicate improper installation—get it checked.

Q: Can software updates cause overheating?
A: Sometimes, but updates usually include fixes; try a restart first.

Q: Is it safe to use my phone while charging?
A: It’s best to avoid it, as it generates extra heat.

Checklist for Preventing Overheating

• Keep phone out of direct sunlight
• Use original charger
• Close unused apps regularly
• Update software periodically
• Remove case during intensive tasks
• Avoid overcharging
• Monitor battery usage for rogue apps

Glossary

• CPU: Central Processing Unit, handles phone operations.
• GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, manages visuals and gaming.
• Malware: Malicious software that can overwork your phone.
• Factory reset: Erases all data and restores phone to original settings.

Conclusion

Overheating is a common issue, but with these 10 fixes, you can keep your Android phone cool and functional. Start with immediate steps like removing the case and closing apps, then adopt preventive habits like smart charging and software updates. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear what worked for you!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooling Your Overheating Android

When my phone starts to feel uncomfortably warm, I follow these steps to cool it down safely and effectively:

1. Remove the case immediately: Cases trap heat, so taking it off is the fastest way to start cooling. I’ve found this works within minutes[^6][^7].
2. Turn on Airplane Mode: This disables all radios (Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth), reducing the phone’s workload and heat generation. I keep it on for 5-10 minutes[^6].
3. Close all background apps: Swipe away unused apps to stop CPU-intensive processes. I do this regularly to prevent overheating during daily use[^2].
4. Move to a cooler location: If I’m outside, I find shade or go indoors. Direct sunlight is a major culprit, so avoiding it is key[^4].
5. Stop charging: If the phone is plugged in, I unplug it to reduce thermal load. Charging generates heat, especially with non-original chargers[^2][^3].
6. Perform a hard reset if unresponsive: If the phone overheats to the point of shutting down, I hold the Power + Volume Down buttons for 20 seconds to restart it[^8][^10].

Pros and Cons of Common Cooling Methods

From my experience, not all cooling methods are created equal. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Removing the case:
  • Pros: Instant heat dissipation, no cost, works for all phones.
  • Cons: Leaves phone unprotected, not a long-term solution.
• Using Airplane Mode:
  • Pros: Quickly reduces power consumption, effective for emergency cooling.
  • Cons: Cuts off connectivity, impractical for prolonged use.
• Factory reset:
  • Pros: Can resolve software-related overheating caused by updates or malware[^5][^10].
  • Cons: Erases all data, time-consuming, doesn’t fix hardware issues.
• Professional repair:
  • Pros: Addresses root causes like battery or component failure[^3].
  • Cons: Costly, requires downtime, not always necessary.

Comparison: Original vs. Third-Party Chargers

I’ve tested both types of chargers and noticed significant differences in heat generation:

Feature	Original Charger	Third-Party Charger
Heat output	Low, optimized for phone	Often higher, may not regulate well
Safety	Certified, less risk of overheating	Varies; some may lack proper safeguards
Charging speed	Consistent, matches phone specs	Can be faster but may cause excess heat
Reliability	High, designed for specific model	Mixed; reputable brands are better

Based on my tests, I always recommend using the original charger to minimize overheating risks, especially during extended charging sessions[^2][^4].

My Personal Tips for Long-Term Prevention

After dealing with overheating issues myself, I’ve adopted these habits:

• Monitor battery usage: I check which apps drain the most power and restrict background activity for them. This reduces CPU load and heat[^2][^6].
• Avoid overcharging: I unplug my phone once it reaches 100% to prevent unnecessary heat buildup[^4].
• Update software regularly: Updates often include thermal management improvements. I install them as soon as they’re available[^10].
• Use a cooling stand during gaming: For intensive tasks, I place my phone on a stand to improve airflow. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.

If you’ve tried these steps and still face overheating, it might be time to consult a professional—especially if the issue started after a battery replacement or software update[^3][^5].

Step-by-Step: What I Do When My Phone Overheats

When my phone starts getting uncomfortably hot, I follow this exact sequence to cool it down safely and quickly:

1. Immediately remove the case – This releases trapped heat instantly[^6][^7]. I've found that even a thin case can trap significant warmth.

2. Turn on airplane mode – This stops all network activity, which reduces processor load and heat generation. I keep it on for at least 5-10 minutes[^6].

3. Move to a cooler location – I take my phone out of direct sunlight or hot environments immediately. Even moving from a sunny car dashboard to a shaded area makes a noticeable difference[^4].

4. Close all background apps – I force-stop any apps running in the background, especially games or streaming services that might be consuming resources[^2].

5. Avoid charging until cooled – I never charge an overheating phone, as this compounds the heat issue and risks battery damage[^3].

Pros and Cons of Quick Cooling Methods

I've tested various emergency cooling techniques, and here's what I've learned:

• Placing phone near a fan

  • Pros: Effective airflow helps dissipate heat quickly without direct contact
  • Cons: Doesn't address underlying causes, only provides temporary relief

• Using cooling stands

  • Pros: Actively draws heat away during intensive tasks like gaming
  • Cons: Requires carrying additional equipment, not always practical

• Hard reset (power + volume buttons)

  • Pros: Can resolve software-related overheating after updates[^5][^10]
  • Cons: Temporary solution, may need repeated attempts

Based on my experience, the most reliable approach is prevention through regular maintenance and avoiding known triggers like prolonged direct sunlight exposure[^4].

References

[^1]: Stop Your Phone From Overheating in 2025 – 10 Proven … — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCXo9jUYlFk
[^2]: 7 Quick Fixes: How to Stop Overheating Android Phone Issues — https://phone-expert.com.au/easy-fixes-to-stop-your-android-phone-from-overheating/
[^3]: 5 Proven Fix for Phone Overheating After Battery Replacement — https://www.fixmymobile.com.au/blog/phone-overheating-after-battery-replacement
[^4]: Phone overheating? Here's why and how to stop it — https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-hot-is-too-hot-5-tips-to-keep-your-phone-from-overheating/
[^5]: Fixed my overheating. : r/GooglePixel — https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/wrp9u4/fixed_my_overheating/
[^6]: Why Your Phone Gets Hot | Android Overheating — https://www.avg.com/en/signal/why-your-phone-gets-hot-and-how-to-fix-it
[^7]: What are the efficient ways to cool your phone when … — https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-efficient-ways-to-cool-your-phone-when-overheated
[^8]: My phone overheated and won't turn on, what do I do? — https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/171793/My+phone+overheated+and+won't+turn+on,+what+do+I+do
[^9]: Fix Any Phone Overheating Guaranteed! — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2mcJX-vMto
[^10]: Overheating and battery drain after may update on pixel 9 pro — https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/344990581/overheating-and-battery-drain-after-may-update-on-pixel-9-pro?hl=en