Most smartphones begin overheating at 35°C — experts share advice on how to keep them cool
As Europe faces another wave of rising summer temperatures, it’s not just people struggling to stay cool — smartphones are, too. From daily commutes to afternoons outdoors, excessive heat can cause phones to overheat, leading to sudden shutdowns, battery damage, and even safety risks.
“With temperatures soaring, staying cool becomes a challenge — not just for people, but for their devices too. Overheating phones can shut down without warning, leaving people without essential tools like payment apps and internet access. And in extreme heat, prolonged heat exposure can damage batteries, shorten device lifespan, or even pose a fire risk,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily.
Overheating signs to look out for
During a heatwave, smartphones may show several signs of overheating that shouldn’t be ignored. If the device feels unusually hot to the touch, it’s already struggling to regulate its internal temperature. Apps can begin to lag or slow down as the phone throttles performance to prevent damage.
In some cases, the screen may dim unexpectedly to reduce heat output, especially on iPhones and Androids with auto-brightness. Charging may slow down significantly or stop entirely because many phones are designed to pause charging when temperatures get too high. The most obvious warning is a temperature alert on the screen recommending letting the device cool down before further use.
How to keep your device cool
As Europe buckles under record-breaking temperatures, our experts offer advice on how to keep your phone from overheating.
To prevent overheating:
- Charge your phone in a cool, shaded area. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight and unplug it once it’s fully charged because overcharging generates extra heat.
- Use battery saver or low power mode. This reduces the strain on your processor and helps keep internal temps down.
- Limit high-intensity apps. Games, streaming, and GPS navigation require heavy processing and can contribute to your phone overheating.
- Keep your phone out of sunlight. Never leave it in a parked car, because interior temperatures can rise above 55°C.
- Use aeroplane mode in low-signal areas. Searching for a signal puts extra load on your phone’s processor.
If your phone is already overheating:
- Remove the phone case to help the excess heat dissipate.
- Place it near a fan (but never in a fridge or freezer). Sudden cooling causes internal condensation, which can damage components.
- Turn it off and let it rest. Most devices cool down naturally within 5-10 minutes.
