Are you frequently experiencing Overheat from your mobile phone during usage? While it’s typical for smartphones to generate some warmth, particularly during intensive activities, an abnormally high temperature could indicate underlying problems such as internal damage, software issues, or potential malware presence. In this blog post, we will outline six prevalent factors contributing to mobile phone overheating.
The laws of physics are unavoidable, and they play a significant role in the overheating of mobile phones. Several common factors contribute to this issue, such as prolonged camera usage, high screen brightness, and playing graphically intensive games. When you extensively use your mobile phone or keep the camera active for extended periods, the processor, camera, and screen continuously operate, generating heat that dissipates through the phone’s body. Consequently, demanding applications like games often lead to a warm phone.
In essence, any activity that requires substantial processing power is likely to result in increased heat generation in your mobile phone. However, it’s not solely the fault of resource-intensive apps. Suboptimal settings can also contribute to excessive heat. For instance, high screen brightness is one of the major culprits among suboptimal phone settings that lead to overheating. Additionally, poor cellular network conditions force the phone to constantly search for signals, causing it to overwork and generate excessive heat.
Regrettably, buggy software often emerges as the primary culprit behind mobile phone overheating. Certain bugs can cause an app to get stuck in a loop, consuming excessive processor resources. Additionally, some bugs may lead to heightened memory consumption, further exacerbating heat generation. Consequently, you may notice your phone becoming hot while experiencing a simultaneous drain on battery life.
A recent trend in malware has garnered attention, involving a different type of threat that doesn’t primarily focus on stealing information. Instead, it targets the hijacking of resources like your device’s processor and battery life. These threats manifest as hidden Bitcoin mining apps or similar cryptocurrency mining applications, which surreptitiously utilise significant processing power to mine cryptocurrencies. While Android mobile phones are more susceptible to such malware compared to iPhones, it’s advisable to maintain caution regardless of your device’s operating system. It is strongly recommended to only install apps from official app stores to minimise the risk of encountering malicious software.
The danger associated with mobile phone overheating goes beyond mere discomfort. Damaged or counterfeit batteries, cables, and chargers have the potential to generate excessive heat in mobile phones, reaching levels that pose a serious risk. Not all chargers are manufactured with the same level of quality, making them prone to overheating smartphones.
Furthermore, physical damage to batteries can render them incapable of withstanding the charging process or even moderate usage. This is why we often come across incidents where phones “explode” after heating up during charging. Most of these cases involve the use of unofficial chargers and low-quality cables. It is crucial to exclusively use original or approved third-party accessories.
It is also advisable not to charge your mobile phone while you are asleep, as you may not be able to detect severe overheating issues in a timely manner. Additionally, it is essential to refrain from keeping a charging mobile phone under your pillow. Doing so traps the heat generated by the phone, as it is unable to dissipate properly due to the pillow’s covering, thereby posing a fire hazard.
Mobile phones are designed to endure the demands of everyday use. However, when the charging port becomes blocked, it can result in overheating. While this may not be a concern for most new phones equipped with high-end cooling systems, it can be a contributing factor for older models. This is particularly true when ambient temperatures are high, such as during summer days or when a mobile phone is left on a car’s dashboard for an extended period, exposing it to sunlight and excessive heat. The combination of external heat and the internal heat generated by the phone’s GPS, processor, and screen can lead to overheating, especially in hot climates like during Indian summers. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid exposing your phone to direct sunlight, as it not only intensifies heat buildup but can also cause damage to the phone’s body and display.
Low-quality phone cases can also contribute to mobile phone overheating. While they may offer protection against drops, they can act as insulators, impeding the dissipation of heat from the device’s internal components, such as processors. Placing a thick case over the phone prevents efficient heat dissipation into the surrounding air. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid excessively bulky phone cases, especially those lacking a good thermal design.
As previously mentioned, damaged batteries are a significant contributor to mobile phone overheating. Additionally, other forms of internal damage, including age-related deterioration, can also play a role. For instance, the thermal paste between the processor and heat sink may degrade over time or become dislodged, compromising the heat sink’s ability to effectively transfer excessive heat away from the processor.
Certain mobile phones are equipped with advanced cooling mechanisms. However, if you accidentally drop your phone and the damage is not immediately visible, you may notice increased heat generation. Impact damage can loosen internal components, leading to short circuits that allow the phone to function but at the expense of excessive heating.
It’s important to note that standard manufacturer warranties for mobile phones typically do not cover accidental damage. To safeguard against such situations, it is advisable to consider purchasing an accidental damage cover plan from the manufacturer or a reliable third party. Onsitego’s Spills & Drops Protection Plan, for example, provides coverage for various forms of physical damage resulting from falls or water incidents. With a “No Questions Asked” policy, you can have your damaged phone repaired without the need for extensive explanations.
Ageing hardware, particularly processors, can frequently contribute to mobile phone overheating due to various factors. As a phone grows older, the thermal paste between the processor and heatsink may deteriorate, leading to inefficient cooling, as previously mentioned. However, there are precautions you can take to mitigate this issue. Adjusting settings, such as disabling unnecessary features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and reducing the display timeout, can help manage heat generation. Additionally, modifying your usage patterns, such as taking breaks during intensive gaming sessions, can assist in preventing excessive heat buildup. By implementing these measures, you can better cope with the challenges posed by older hardware and reduce the risk of overheating.
Below are some quick solutions to address the overheating issues you may be experiencing with your mobile phone:
