Symptoms
- Phone feels noticeably warm or hot to the touch
- Heat concentrated near the camera or top of the phone
- Battery drains faster when hot
- Performance slows down when hot
Likely causes
- CommonGraphically demanding app or gameGames and video calls push the processor hard, which generates heat.
- CommonCharging while using a demanding appCharging and heavy use together generate more heat than either alone.
- CommonDirect sunlight or a hot environmentExternal heat adds to whatever the phone itself is generating.
- PossibleA background app stuck in a loopA misbehaving app can keep the processor busy even when you're not using it.
- PossibleAging or damaged batteryA degraded battery can generate excess heat even under light use.
What to do
- Close the app you're using and see if the phone cools down within a few minutes.
- Avoid charging while gaming or doing heavy tasks until the phone cools.
- Move out of direct sunlight and remove a thick case, which can trap heat.
- Check battery usage in settings to identify any app using unusually high power in the background.
- Restart the phone to stop any runaway background process.
- Update apps and the OS, since performance and thermal bugs are commonly patched.
- If it stays hot with nothing running, stop using it and let it cool completely before further troubleshooting.
When to call a pro
A phone that stays hot even when idle, especially with a swollen back or screen, needs professional battery inspection before further use.
Safety
Use caution
If the phone becomes hot enough to be uncomfortable to hold, visibly swells, or feels hot even when idle and unplugged, stop using and charging it and have a professional check the battery.