iPhones are designed to handle demanding tasks efficiently, but sometimes they overheat, causing discomfort, slower performance, or even unexpected shutdowns. Overheating can happen due to software glitches, hardware issues, environmental factors, or app-related problems.
The good news is that most overheating issues are fixable at home. In this guide, we’ll cover why your iPhone overheats and provide step-by-step solutions to keep it cool and running smoothly.
Why iPhones Overheat
Understanding the root causes helps address the problem effectively. Common reasons include:
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High-performance tasks: Gaming, video editing, or streaming can generate heat.
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Environmental factors: Direct sunlight or hot cars can heat the device.
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Software glitches: Outdated iOS versions or buggy apps can strain the CPU.
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Battery issues: Aging batteries or hardware faults may overheat.
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Background processes: Excessive apps running simultaneously.
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Charging while using: Using heavy apps while charging increases temperature.
1. Remove the Case While Charging or Heavy Use
Protective cases trap heat, preventing your iPhone from dissipating warmth effectively.
Steps:
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Remove your iPhone case temporarily.
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Place your phone on a flat, hard surface.
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Avoid direct sunlight or hot surfaces.
Pro tip: Lightweight or ventilated cases reduce heat buildup during long gaming sessions or charging.
2. Close Background Apps
Apps running in the background consume CPU and generate heat.
Steps:
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Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click Home button) to view recent apps.
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Swipe up each app to close it.
Why it matters: Freeing CPU resources lowers device temperature and improves performance.
3. Reduce Screen Brightness
The iPhone screen is a major source of heat, especially at maximum brightness.
Steps:
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Settings → Display & Brightness → Adjust brightness
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Turn on Auto-Brightness for dynamic adjustment.
Pro tip: Use Dark Mode for less strain on OLED screens and reduced heat production.
4. Disable Unnecessary Features
Certain features generate heat even when unused.
Features to consider disabling:
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Bluetooth & Wi-Fi when not needed
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Location Services for apps that don’t require it
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Background App Refresh (Settings → General → Background App Refresh)
Why it matters: Reduces CPU workload and prolongs battery life.
5. Update iOS and Apps
Outdated software may contain bugs causing overheating.
Steps:
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Settings → General → Software Update → Install
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Update apps via App Store → Updates
Pro tip: Developers often release fixes for overheating or performance issues in updates.
6. Avoid Resource-Intensive Apps
High-performance apps such as AR games, 4K video editors, or heavy streaming apps can overheat your device.
Tips:
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Take breaks during gaming sessions
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Avoid running multiple resource-heavy apps simultaneously
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Close apps after use
Pro tip: Check which apps consume the most battery and CPU in Settings → Battery — apps that drain battery quickly often cause heat.
7. Charge Your iPhone Smartly
Charging generates heat, especially fast charging.
Steps:
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Use Apple-certified chargers and cables
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Avoid using the phone while charging
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Remove the case to allow better heat dissipation
Pro tip: Charging in a cool, shaded area helps maintain safe temperatures.
8. Enable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode reduces background activity, animations, and network tasks, which lowers heat generation.
Steps:
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Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → Enable
Why it matters: Reduces CPU load and keeps your iPhone cooler during intensive tasks.
9. Reset All Settings
If overheating persists, software misconfigurations might be the cause. Resetting all settings can fix glitches without deleting personal data.
Steps:
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Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
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Reconfigure Wi-Fi, notifications, and preferences
Pro tip: This often resolves overheating caused by software conflicts.
10. Check for Battery Health Issues
A deteriorating battery can overheat due to internal resistance.
Steps:
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Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging
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Look for Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability
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If battery health is significantly degraded, consider Apple battery replacement
Why it matters: A faulty battery not only overheats but may reduce overall performance.
11. Keep Your iPhone Cool in Hot Environments
Environmental heat significantly contributes to device temperature.
Tips:
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Avoid leaving your phone in a hot car or under direct sunlight
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Keep it in shaded areas or air-conditioned rooms
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Use ventilated phone holders if using your device outdoors
Pro tip: Even small temperature differences can prevent overheating.
12. Restore iPhone as a Last Resort
If overheating persists despite all measures, a factory restore can eliminate software-level issues.
Steps:
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Backup your data to iCloud or iTunes
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Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
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Restore backup
Why it matters: Resets iPhone to fresh conditions, removing corrupted files or hidden software conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it normal for iPhones to get slightly warm?
Yes. Mild warmth during charging, gaming, or video playback is normal. Persistent extreme heat is a concern.
Q2: Can using a wireless charger cause overheating?
Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging. Remove cases and ensure proper alignment to minimize heat.
Q3: Does iPhone overheating damage the battery?
Yes. Continuous exposure to high heat can degrade battery health and reduce lifespan.
Q4: How can I prevent overheating while gaming?
Play in short sessions, reduce screen brightness, close background apps, and avoid charging simultaneously.
Q5: When should I contact Apple Support?
If your iPhone overheats frequently, shuts down unexpectedly, or battery health is low, contact Apple for inspection or repair.
Conclusion: Keep Your iPhone Cool and Efficient
iPhone overheating can disrupt your daily routine, but most issues are preventable or fixable. By removing cases during heavy use, managing apps, adjusting brightness, updating software, and charging smartly, you can maintain safe temperatures.
Regular maintenance, awareness of environmental conditions, and careful use of resource-intensive apps ensure your iPhone remains cool, responsive, and long-lasting. Follow these steps, and enjoy a smooth, efficient, and safe iPhone experience every day.