Phone Getting Hot? Causes and What You Can Do About It
A warm phone isn't always broken, but it can be a warning sign. We explain the causes and tell you when it's time to take action.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-11
You pull your phone out of your pocket and immediately notice it feels warm. The question that follows: is this normal, or is something wrong? A warm phone isn't necessarily a sign of a fault, but there are definitely situations where it's worth taking action. At our shop in Nijverdal, we see this issue year-round, with a clear peak in summer. Below, we explain where the heat comes from, what's still within normal limits, and what steps you can take yourself before visiting a repair technician.
Why does your phone get hot?
A phone heats up for technical and physical reasons. The main culprit is the processor working hard. Intensive tasks like gaming, streaming video, using navigation, or charging your device while using it simultaneously all demand a lot of processing power — and that processing power is released as heat. This is normal and usually harmless.
A few less obvious causes also play a role:
- Background apps: programmes that keep running — such as cloud backups, location tracking, or automatic updates — put a strain on your device even when the screen is off.
- Direct sunlight and heat: a phone left on a car dashboard or next to a swimming pool can overheat within minutes. The casing traps the heat.
- A weakened battery: an older battery delivers energy less efficiently, forcing the system to work harder and generate more heat.
- A faulty charging port or cable: if charging is intermittent, it can cause extra heat build-up during charging.
We often see the same combination come through the door: someone on holiday charging their phone in the car, navigating at the same time, with the sun shining directly on the device. Three causes at once — and overheating becomes almost inevitable.
Is it normal for your phone to get warm?
Yes, to a certain extent it's completely normal. A slight warm-up during gaming, filming, or extended use is to be expected. It only becomes a warning sign when your device feels like a radiator, or stays warm when you're not doing anything with it. A phone that consistently overheats will eventually damage the battery and other components, shortening its lifespan.
As a rule of thumb: don't keep using your device when the casing feels noticeably above 40 degrees. If the screen is so hot you can barely hold it, or a temperature warning appears, put it down and let it cool off. Both iPhones and Samsung devices automatically disable certain functions when overheating to protect themselves.
What can you do yourself when your phone gets hot?
The first and most important step: stop using it and let your device rest. Move it out of direct sunlight and, if it's plugged in, disconnect the charger for a moment. A thick or ill-fitting case traps heat, so take it off temporarily if the device is really hot. Don't put it in the fridge or freezer — condensation can cause damage.
If that doesn't help, check what's running in the background. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Battery to see which apps are consuming the most power; on a Samsung, you'll find this under Settings > Battery and Device Care. A simple restart can solve a surprising amount, as it closes any stuck processes.
Suspecting the battery? Check its condition. On Apple devices, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If capacity has dropped below 80%, the battery is likely contributing to the overheating and replacement is worth considering. At our , we test battery health for free, so you know exactly where things stand before committing to a repair.
When you're better off seeing a repair technician
If the steps above don't resolve the issue, or your phone is getting hot without being used or charged, there's likely a technical problem. In Nijverdal, we regularly see customers who assumed their device was just running warm, when in fact a weakened battery or faulty charging port was the real cause. These problems get worse if left untreated, so there's little point in waiting.
During a check-up, we measure the temperature under load, assess the battery condition, and inspect the charging port. Often the answer is a , and sometimes a if the display is also showing issues. If you're not sure whether repair is still worth it, read our article on , or explore whether a refurbished device with a 2-year warranty is the smarter move.
Repair costs for overheating issues
If a fault is found, there are a few standard repairs that can resolve the heat problem. At The Phone Shopper, our prices are fixed and transparent, and most repairs are completed while you wait. The table below gives an indication; the exact price depends on your model and the specific damage.
| Repair | Guide price | Ready in |
|---|
| Battery replacement (iPhone 14) | from €49 | 20–30 minutes |
| Battery replacement (Samsung Galaxy S24) | from €55 | 30–45 minutes |
| Charging port replacement (iPhone 15) | from €79 | approx. 45 minutes |
| Charging port replacement (Samsung Galaxy S23) | from €85 | 45–60 minutes |
Many customers are initially put off by the idea of having something replaced, but if your device is working normally and running cool again after half an hour, the investment is almost always worth it. All parts and labour come with a warranty.
How to stop your phone from overheating
A few simple habits make a big difference. Avoid keeping too many apps open at once, don't leave your device in direct sunlight or in a hot car, and try not to combine charging with intensive use. Use an original or certified charger where possible. If you notice your battery draining quickly and your phone running hot, don't wait too long to get it replaced. You'll find more tips in our article on an iPhone battery that drains too fast.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal temperature for a phone?
Under normal use, a phone should feel lukewarm at most. During intensive tasks like gaming or navigation, the casing can get noticeably warm. If it's so hot you can barely hold it, or a temperature warning appears, that's a sign to stop using it and let it cool down.
Can a bad battery cause my phone to overheat?
Yes. An ageing or weakened battery operates less efficiently, forcing the system to work harder and generate more heat. We often see this in devices that are a few years old. A free battery check will quickly tell you whether this is the issue.
Do I always need to get my phone repaired if it gets hot?
No. If your device only gets slightly warm during use, that's normal and there's nothing to worry about. If it stays warm without being used, gets extremely hot, or the heat is accompanied by rapid battery drain, a check-up with a repair technician is a good idea.
How do I prevent my phone from overheating?
Avoid direct sunlight and hot environments, don't combine charging with heavy use, close unnecessary apps, and keep your software up to date. If your battery is worn out, replace it in good time — before the problem gets worse.
Is your phone still running hot?
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