Android Phone Overheating: Causes, Fixes & How to Prevent It

Android phones are powerful, but overheating is one of the most common problems users face.

If your phone feels hot to touch, drains battery fast, lags, or even shuts down, overheating is likely the cause.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why Android phones overheat
• What’s normal vs dangerous heat
• Proven fixes that actually work
• How to prevent overheating permanently

Is It Normal for an Android Phone to Get Hot?

Yes, some heat is normal.

Your Android phone may warm up when:

• Charging
• Gaming
• Using mobile data
• Updating apps
• Using GPS or camera

However, overheating is NOT normal if:

• The phone is too hot to hold
• Battery drains unusually fast
• Apps start lagging or crashing
• The phone shuts down automatically

If this happens often, something is wrong.

Common Causes of Android Phone Overheating

Let’s break down the real causes:

1. Heavy Apps Running in the Background

Some apps continue working even when you’re not using them.

Common culprits:

• Social media apps
• Navigation apps
• Streaming apps
• Poorly optimized games

These apps push your CPU constantly, generating heat.

2. Gaming for Long Periods

Mobile games demand high CPU + GPU power.

Overheating increases when:

• Playing while charging
• High graphics settings are enabled
• Phone has no cooling system

3. Charging Issues

Your phone may overheat while charging if:

• You use a fake or low-quality charger
• Fast charging for long periods
• Charging under pillows or blankets

Heat + electricity = fast temperature rise.

Note: To save you some time, I’ve pulled a list of high-quality, certified chargers on Amazon that are known for better heat management.

4. Poor Network Signal

When signal is weak, your phone works harder to stay connected.

This is common when:

• Using mobile data in low coverage areas
• Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data

5. Software Bugs or Updates

Some updates increase background activity.

Symptoms:

• Phone heats up after an update
• Battery drains faster than usual

6. Phone Case Blocking Heat

Thick or cheap cases trap heat.

Especially:

• Rubber cases
• Leather cases
• Waterproof cases

7. Environmental Heat

Using your phone in:

• Direct sunlight
• Hot rooms
• Cars during daytime

can easily push temperatures too high.

How to Fix Android Phone Overheating (Step-by-Step)

Start with the simple fixes first:

Fix 1: Restart Your Phone

This clears stuck background processes.

✔ Do this at least once a week.

Fix 2: Close Background Apps

• Open Recent Apps
• Close apps you’re not actively using
• You can use Force Stop to complete turn off any background activity

If overheating reduces, one of those apps is the cause.

Fix 3: Reduce Screen Brightness

High brightness = more heat.

• Use Auto-brightness
• Reduce manual brightness indoors

Fix 4: Stop Gaming While Charging

Never game while charging.

This is one of the fastest ways to damage your battery.

Fix 5: Remove the Phone Case Temporarily

Especially during:

• Gaming
• Charging
• Long video calls

If heat reduces → the case is part of the problem.

Fix 6: Update Apps & System

• Open Play Store → Update apps
• Check Settings → Software Update

Updates often fix overheating bugs.

For App Updates:

For System Updates:

Fix 7: Use Wi-Fi Instead of Mobile Data

Wi-Fi uses less power and produces less heat than mobile data.

Advanced Fixes (If Overheating Persists)

Fix 8: Identify Overheating Apps

• Go to Settings → Battery → Battery usage
• Look for apps using unusually high power

Uninstall or limit those apps.

Fix 9: Clear Cache (Safe Method)

This clears temporary system files that can cause overheating. It will NOT delete your apps or personal data.

How to clear cache partition:

• Power off your Android phone completely.
• Press and hold Power + Volume Up
• (Some phones use Power + Volume Down or Power + Volume Up + Volume Down).
• Release the buttons when the Android logo or Recovery menu appears.
• Use the Volume buttons to navigate and Power button to select.
• Select Wipe cache partition
• ⚠️ Do NOT select “Factory reset / Wipe data.”
• Confirm the action.
• Select Reboot system now.

✅ Your phone will restart normally, with no data loss.

When this helps most:

• Phone heating after updates
• Random lag or stutters
• Background apps misbehaving

Fix 10: Avoid Direct Sunlight

Never use your phone under the sun for long periods.

This alone can cause thermal shutdown.

Fix 11: Use Proper Charging Accessories

Low-quality chargers cause:

• Voltage instability
• Battery stress
• Heat buildup

When Overheating Is Dangerous

⚠️ Seek repair if:

• Phone swells
• Battery drains extremely fast
• Phone shuts down repeatedly
• Overheating happens even when idle

This could be a battery or hardware fault.

How to Prevent Android Phone Overheating (Long-Term)

Follow these habits:

• Restart weekly
• Avoid gaming while charging
• Keep apps updated
• Use original chargers
• Avoid extreme heat
• Don’t overload background apps

Prevention is cheaper than repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

Android phone overheating is common, but not something you should ignore.

Most cases are caused by:

• Apps
• Charging habits
• Gaming
• Poor accessories

Fix those, and your phone will run cooler, faster, and last longer.