Apple iPhones iPhone Overheating: How to Fix It Yourself
iPhones can get warm during heavy use, charging, or software updates — that is normal. But if your phone gets hot regularly, shuts down from heat, or shows a temperature warning, something is wrong. The fixes below are all free.
⚠️ Safety First
- If your iPhone is too hot to hold comfortably, let it cool down in a shaded area before using it.
- Never put a hot phone in the fridge or freezer — rapid temperature changes can cause condensation inside and lead to water damage.
- A swollen or warped battery is a fire hazard. If your phone case does not fit anymore or the screen is lifting, stop using the phone and take it to a professional immediately.
Parts You May Need
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Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Remove your case and let it cool
Phone cases trap heat. Take off your case and set the phone on a cool, flat surface away from direct sunlight. Do not use the phone while it cools down. Give it at least 5 minutes.
- 2
Close background apps and stop heavy tasks
Swipe up from the bottom to see open apps and swipe them away to close. If you were gaming, using GPS navigation, or recording video, those tasks generate a lot of heat. Stop them and let the phone rest.
- 3
Check for rogue apps draining the battery
Go to Settings > Battery and look at which apps have used the most battery in the last 24 hours. If an app you barely use is near the top, it is running too much in the background. Delete it or go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for that app.
- 4
Update iOS and your apps
Software bugs are a common cause of overheating. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update. Also open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and update all your apps. Bug fixes often solve overheating problems.
- 5
Check your charging setup
Using a cheap or damaged charger can cause the phone to heat up while charging. Switch to an Apple-certified (MFi) cable and power adapter. Also avoid using your phone while it charges — that creates the most heat.
If That Didn't Work
- Direct sunlight on the phone — especially in a car — can overheat it quickly.
- A new iOS update can temporarily cause extra processing and heat as it re-indexes data.
- A failing battery generates more heat than a healthy one.
- Poor cell signal forces the radio to work harder, which creates heat.
When to Call a Professional
If your phone overheats even when idle with no apps running, the battery may be degrading. Check Battery Health in Settings — if it is below 80%, a battery replacement should fix the overheating. If the phone is physically warped or swollen, stop using it immediately and take it to a repair shop.
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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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