Phone overheating? Causes and how to cool it down
A phone can get warm during games, charging and in the sun, but a hot body for no reason is a warning sign. Start with the simple things.
- Most common cause
- heavy processor load, sun, charging or an app running in the background
- Time
- 15–30 minutes
- Repair shop, if nothing helps
- 200–680 zł for a battery replacement
Don't put a hot phone in the fridge or freezer. Sudden cold makes water condense inside and can damage the battery. If the battery is swollen, the phone is too hot to touch or you smell burning, stop using it and don't charge it. Before making bigger changes to the settings, back up your photos and data.
Step by step
Put the phone down and let it cool
Turn it off or at least leave it in a cool, shady place. Take the case off. Unplug the charger. Don't cool it with ice or in the fridge.
Check that it is not just the weather
A phone left in the sun, in a car or on a blanket will overheat quickly. This is a normal protection and not a fault.
Find the app that is heating it up
In the battery settings, check which apps use the most power. Close them, update them or delete them. Games, navigation, the camera and apps working in the background are the usual culprits.
Check the charger and cable
Use a charger that is compatible with your phone. Cheap, unbranded chargers heat the phone and can damage it. Don't use the phone heavily while it charges.
Update the system and apps
Software bugs can leave the processor running at full speed. Check for system and app updates, then restart the phone.
Free up memory and turn off unneeded features
Turn off Bluetooth, GPS and mobile data if you are not using them. Lower the screen brightness. Delete files you don't need, because a full memory also strains the phone.
Warning: factory reset as a last resort
If the phone heats up for no reason even after a restart, you can restore the factory settings. This deletes all data from the phone, so back up first. The path depends on the brand and system version, so search Settings for “reset”.
- The phone is hot with the screen off and no app running.
- The body or screen is bulging (swollen battery).
- You smell burning or the phone shuts down by itself because of the temperature.
- The phone was previously dropped or got wet.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Battery replacement | 200–680 zł |
| Charging port replacement | 160–480 zł |
| Motherboard diagnosis and repair | 410–1200 zł |
| System reinstall | 110–270 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
If the battery is the cause, replacing it usually pays off, because it is the most common and a fairly cheap repair. Repairing the motherboard in an older model often makes no sense. Use the calculator to see whether it is better to repair or buy a new phone.
Check if repairing your phone is worth it
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Is it normal for a phone to get warm while charging?
Slightly warm, yes. If it gets very hot, you can't hold it or charging keeps stopping, check the charger, the cable and the battery.
Can a case cause overheating?
A thick case makes it harder for heat to escape, especially during games and charging. Try taking it off.
Can I put a hot phone in the fridge?
No. A sudden change in temperature can damage the battery and the electronics. It is better to put it in the shade and turn it off.