Samsung Android Phones Overheating: How to Fix It Yourself
Samsung Galaxy phones overheating is almost always caused by software running in the background, heavy use while charging, or direct sunlight. The good news is that this is usually a settings issue, not a hardware problem. A few quick changes should cool your phone down right away.
⚠️ Safety First
- If your phone is so hot it's uncomfortable to hold, power it off immediately and place it on a cool surface away from flammable materials.
- Never put an overheating phone in a refrigerator or freezer — rapid temperature changes can cause condensation inside the phone and cause more damage.
- A swollen battery is a fire hazard. If your back panel is lifting or bulging, stop using the phone and take it to a repair shop.
Parts You May Need
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Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Remove the case and move to a cool area
Take off your phone case — cases trap heat. Move your phone out of direct sunlight and away from warm surfaces. If you're charging, unplug it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and it should cool down on its own.
- 2
Close all apps and restart
Tap the Recent Apps button (the three lines at the bottom) and close all open apps. Then restart your phone by holding the power button and tapping Restart. Background apps running out of control are the most common cause of overheating.
- 3
Check for a rogue app
Go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery. Look at which apps are using the most power. If an app you barely use is at the top of the list, it's probably running wild in the background. Uninstall it or force stop it in Settings > Apps.
- 4
Update your software
Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install. Samsung regularly releases updates that fix overheating bugs. Also update all your apps from the Google Play Store — tap your profile icon > Manage apps & device > Update all.
- 5
Turn off features you don't need
Turn off 5G (switch to LTE), GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi when you don't need them. Go to Settings > Display and lower the screen brightness and set the screen resolution to FHD+ instead of WQHD+ if available. Each of these reduces heat.
- 6
Avoid heavy use while charging
Playing games or watching video while charging produces a lot of heat. If your phone overheats mainly while charging, use a Samsung-branded charger (not a fast charger) and don't use the phone until it's done. You can also turn on Adaptive Charging in Settings > Battery.
If That Didn't Work
- A degraded battery can cause overheating. If your phone is over 2 years old and gets hot quickly, the battery may need replacing.
- Malware can cause constant background processing. Run a scan with the built-in Device Care or install a trusted antivirus app.
- Using the camera for extended periods (recording long videos) is normal to cause heat.
When to Call a Professional
If your phone overheats even when idle and after trying all these steps, the battery may be failing. Battery replacement costs $40–$80 at a repair shop. If the back panel is bulging or the phone smells like chemicals, stop using it immediately — this is a battery failure and needs professional attention right away.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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