iPhone getting hot? Causes and solutions per model
Is your phone getting warm while charging or gaming? Discover the real causes and when you need to take action — before it's too late.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-19
This article is specifically for iPhone users: if you have an Android device, check out our general article on hot phones.
You pick up your phone and get a shock: it's almost too hot to hold. A phone that gets hot is one of the most common questions we hear in our shop in Nijverdal. Sometimes there's nothing to worry about. But sometimes it's an early warning sign of a problem you'd rather catch in time.
Quick summary: A phone getting warm is normal during intensive use, but persistent overheating, rapid battery drain, or a bulging screen all call for professional help — for the safety of your device and yourself.
Why does a phone get hot?
A smartphone is essentially a small computer you carry with you all day. The processor, screen, battery, and mobile connection all generate heat. That's perfectly normal. The question is: how much heat is too much?
We see this in our workshop several times a week. People come in with a device that "just feels really hot," but the causes vary widely. Here are the most common ones.
1. Intensive app and gaming use
Demanding apps — think navigation, video calls, or graphically intensive games — push the processor to full speed. Your phone gets warm, just like a laptop does when rendering a video. Once you close the app, the device cools down within a few minutes. No need to worry — this is normal behaviour.
2. Charging, especially with fast charging
While charging, the battery converts electrical energy into chemical energy, and that process generates heat. With fast chargers (20W, 45W or higher), the process is faster — and therefore warmer. If you're also using your phone at the same time, the heat builds up even more. Ideally, place your device on a hard surface while charging and never under a pillow.
3. An ageing or damaged battery
This is the cause we see most often. A battery that's been in use for a few years loses capacity and becomes less efficient. It has to work harder to achieve the same result — and you notice that as heat. Is your phone's battery life also shorter than it used to be? There's a good chance the battery needs replacing. A new battery can make a world of difference for both the temperature and the lifespan of your device.
4. Background processes and bugs
Sometimes an app is running in the background that overloads the processor without you realising it. A stuck update, a crashing app, or a sync issue can keep your phone warm even when you're not actively using it. Restart your device and see if the problem goes away.
5. A hot environment
Smartphones are designed to operate in ambient temperatures between 0°C and 35°C. Left your phone on the dashboard in summer? Or in a car parked in direct sunlight? The temperature inside the device can quickly climb to dangerous levels — and that's bad for the battery.
When is a hot phone dangerous?
There's a difference between "a little warm" and "burning hot." In our experience, customers sometimes underestimate this distinction. Watch out for these warning signs:
- The device is painfully hot to hold — anything above 45°C already feels uncomfortable
- The battery is bulging — your screen is lifting or the casing is expanding (stop using it immediately)
- Automatic shutdown — your phone switches itself off as a thermal protection measure
- Burning smell or smoke — place the device immediately on a safe, fire-resistant surface
- Hot without use — the phone is getting warm while just sitting on the table
A bulging battery is an emergency. Don't throw such a device in a regular bin and don't charge it again. Bring it to our — we'll safely remove the battery and recycle it responsibly.
What can you do yourself when your phone gets hot?
Not every hot phone requires a repair. Try these steps first:
- Close all apps — clear active apps via your task manager and restart the device.
- Remove the case for a moment — a thick case can trap heat. Place the phone without its case on a cool, hard surface.
- Stop charging — unplug the charger and let the device cool down before continuing to charge.
- Turn off the screen — the screen is a major heat source. Dark mode and lower brightness also help in the long run.
- Check background apps — go to settings and see which apps are consuming the most battery. Turn off location services and background refresh for apps you rarely use.
- Update apps and the operating system — buggy software is a common but easily overlooked cause.
- Restart the phone — a simple restart fixes a surprisingly large number of temporary issues.
None of that helped and your phone is still hot? Then it's time to look at the battery or hardware.
When should you visit a repair shop?
Last week, a customer came in who had noticed their iPhone getting "a little warm" for months. When we read out the battery health, it was at 71% — well below the 80% at which Apple recommends replacing it. After fitting a new battery, the problem was solved immediately. No more heat, and the battery life nearly doubled.
An at The Phone Shopper is often done while you wait. The same applies to . Our certified technicians use quality parts and provide a warranty on every repair.
Reasons to come in without hesitation:
- Battery health below 80% (check via Settings → Battery on iPhone)
- Bulging or leaking battery
- Heat that persists after a restart and without use
- Device shuts itself down due to heat
- Past water damage — water and electronics cause corrosion over time
Comparison: normally warm vs. worryingly hot
| Situation |
Temperature (approximate) |
What to do |
| Gaming or navigating (10–15 min) |
35–40°C |
Normal, no action needed |
| Charging with a fast charger |
38–43°C |
Normal, don't place under a pillow |
| Warm without use |
40°C+ |
Restart, check background apps |
| Painfully hot to hold |
45°C+ |
Stop use, let it cool down, get it checked |
| Bulging casing or smoke |
Critical |
Stop immediately, take to a repair shop |
What if your device keeps overheating? Consider this
Sometimes a battery replacement isn't the only option. If your device is already old and showing multiple issues, a refurbished iPhone or Samsung may be the smarter investment. At The Phone Shopper we offer a 2-year warranty on all our refurbished devices, each of which has passed a check of over 100 points. That way you know the battery is in great condition.
Got an old device you want to get rid of? Through our trade-in service you'll get an instant valuation and payment within 24 hours. It couldn't be easier.
And while you're at it: a good phone case that lets heat escape rather than trapping it makes a difference too. Some cheap silicone cases act like a thermal blanket around your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my phone to get warm while charging?
Yes, a slight warmth during charging is perfectly normal. The battery converts power into energy and that generates heat. With fast charging, this is more pronounced. Does your phone get hot to the point where it's no longer comfortable to hold, or does it stay hot long after you've unplugged the charger? Then the battery may be ageing and due for replacement.
Can my phone explode from the heat?
A lithium-ion battery can undergo thermal runaway in extreme cases, which may involve smoke, fire, or even a small explosion. This is rare, but the risk increases with a damaged, bulging, or old battery. Always take a bulging battery seriously and have it replaced by a professional as soon as possible.
How do I check the battery health on my iPhone?
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. If the health is below 80%, Apple itself recommends replacing the battery. At The Phone Shopper in Nijverdal we read out battery health for free — including for Android devices — and give you honest advice on what's needed.
My phone is getting hot but the battery is new. How is that possible?
A new battery doesn't rule out hardware issues. Think of a stuck app, a software error, damaged motherboard components, or water damage quietly doing its work. Our technicians can use diagnostic equipment to pinpoint exactly where the heat is coming from.
Can I cool my phone down in the fridge?
No, that's not a good idea. Moisture and condensation can damage the electronics. Instead, place your device on a cool, hard surface in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct sunlight and remove the case. That's all you need to safely cool down a hot phone.
What does a battery replacement cost at The Phone Shopper?
The price depends on the model. For most iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, costs range between €39 and €79. The repair is often done while you wait — on average it takes 30 to 45 minutes. Customers from across Twente — from Almelo to Hengelo and from Rijssen to Enschede — know where to find us for fast, honest repairs.
Have a question or just want to know what's going on with your device? Feel free to pop in at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal, give us a call on 0548-549536, or check out our online. We're happy to take a look — no strings attached.
Is your phone still overheating?
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