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6 ways to stop your phone from overheating in hot weather
A certified smartphones, tablets and wearables whizz, Adam's been hands-on with tech for more than six years, sharing expert knowledge and buying advice.
Enjoying the weather in the UK right now? Many of us are, but it isn’t always the best time for your tech.
High temperatures aren't good for gadgets – and while many have built-in safeguards, like shutting down or preventing use if they get too warm, it's still best to avoid such extremes. Overheating can drain your battery faster and, in the worst case, permanently damage your device. Here are some tips to help you prevent these issues when temperatures rise – and most of this advice applies to tablets and laptops too.
Our guide to the best mobile phones for 2026 reveals the models that aced our lab tests.
Like me, you've probably left your phone face-up on a garden table while grabbing a drink, only to pick it up minutes later and find it scalding hot. Most smartphones are engineered to run safely only between 0°C and 35°C – a limit easily exceeded on a summer's day. When your screen maxes out its brightness to combat the glare, the phone works overtime, creating more internal heat. To stop its delicate components from cooking, the device may trigger a defensive panic mode. That sudden screen dimming or stuttering app isn't a glitch – it's the phone deliberately starving itself of power to cool down. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.
1. Avoid direct sunlight
First off, make sure you keep your phone shaded – both when you’re using it and when you put it down. If your phone’s temperature exceeds a certain threshold, manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Samsung all state you should get a warning advising that your device needs to cool down. Phones can also respond by limiting features like screen brightness, charging, GPS/location services, cellular radios, and camera flash, so don't be surprised if it's not working quite the same way as normal.
Leaving your phone in direct sunlight for too long, such as on your car's dashboard or in a conservatory, should be avoided. Along with dodging direct sunlight, consider not keeping your phone too close in hot conditions, as your body heat could contribute to raising your device's temperature too high. For better airflow and less warmth, avoid tighter trouser pockets and pop it in a loose outer pocket or a bag instead.
While modern screens are great at combating glare by automatically boosting brightness, running the display at its maximum limit can generate intense internal heat, too. So, try turning off auto-brightness and lowering the screen manually to give it a break.
BONUS TIP: Try switching on dark mode in the display settings. This can reduce power use and slightly reduce heat, and you may find it easier to read in bright sunlight.
2. Avoid power-hungry tasks
On top of the environmental heat you may be facing, how you use your phone will contribute to how much hotter it may continue to get. So, in high temperatures, it’s advisable to avoid power-hungry tasks.
Playing games, using on-device AI, and streaming video often causes your phone to get hot even in regular temperatures. Using your camera repeatedly, recording video, and your camera’s flash can contribute to increased device temperature, too. GPS navigation for a significant period, especially in a location like the hot inside of a car, won’t help either. Try to keep a phone shaded if possible, or use a vent mount rather than a windscreen mount, where air con or a fan can help with cooling. Check our guide to the best car phone holders for some good options.
BONUS TIP: If you need to use GPS to find your way around, switching the display off and following voice instructions for directions will mean less chance of your phone overheating.
3. Switch on power saver mode
When your phone begins to overheat, it will typically limit the power being used to try and rectify the problem. However, you can get ahead of your phone needing to force this on you by implementing power saver mode yourself, which limits processor speed, screen resolution and refresh rate.
Some Android phones allow you to customise power-saving mode to varying degrees, choosing what features are limited when you turn it on. Typically these include the above plus the always on display (AOD), 5G connectivity, and app background activity. 'Extreme' and 'Ultra' power saving modes are sometimes offered too, allowing access to just essential apps and greatly restricting power consumption.
You could also save power by closing any apps you’re not using yourself, and switching on airplane mode, if you don’t need to use data or make calls. However, don't get to aggressive with this, as spending too much time closing apps can also use up battery life.
BONUS TIP: Get into the habit of restarting your phone around once a week. This will help clear background clutter and mean your phone won't have to work as hard to load and run apps.
Protecting yourself in direct sunlight is vitally important, too. For everything you need to know about choosing a sun cream and applying it properly, see our guide to the best sun creams.
4. Limit charging
If your phone came with an included charger or you are charging at recommended levels, then it shouldn’t get warm under normal circumstances. But fast charging a phone can make it hot, and this will only be exacerbated by warm weather.
Wireless charging can cause your phone’s temperature to rise, too, as the process isn’t 100% efficient and that generates heat. Extra warmth may also be generated depending on the charger you’re using. If the charger’s coil doesn’t align appropriately with the one in your phone, this can lead to further heat generation.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid charging your phone while using it in the sun – and certainly avoid leaving it on charge if it’s sitting in a warm room or a sunny spot.
BONUS TIP: If you need to charge your phone on the move with a power bank, make sure it's sitting in a loose, secure bag rather than in a pocket, so heat can dissipate.
5. Remove the case
A phone case or skin can be a hindrance in terms of keeping your device cool, making it more difficult for heat to disperse. This is especially true of thicker, darker, and more robust cases.
Try removing your case if you’re using your phone outdoors – just take extra care not to drop it!
BONUS TIP: Don't be tempted to try and cool your phone quickly with an ice pack, or by putting it into a fridge or freezer. A rapid drop in temperature can damage components.
6. Make sure your phone is up to date
Finally, software updates aim to have your phone running efficiently, so if you have app or major software updates waiting, then it’s a good idea to install them as soon as possible.
However, installing significant software updates can make your phone heat up, so avoid doing this while you’re sitting out in the sun.
BONUS TIP: Use our phone support calculator to see if your handset is still getting updates, and how long it'll remain supported.
