iPhone overheating while charging is a common problem that many users experience. This issue can be alarming and uncomfortable, but it’s often fixable with some simple steps. To prevent your iPhone from getting hot while charging, try removing the case, stop using resource-intensive apps, and avoid charging in direct sunlight.
Another cause of overheating is using an improper charger. Always use the official chargers to avoid this issue. Additionally, a poorly ventilated phone case can trap heat. Taking your iPhone out of its case during charging can help it cool down faster.
Outdated software could be another reason why your iPhone gets hot. Regularly updating your phone and apps can help manage background processes that might cause heating. If these solutions don’t work, consider resetting your iPhone to default settings to eliminate any misconfigured settings causing the problem.
Why Your iPhone Overheats While Charging
It’s normal for your iPhone to feel slightly warm during charging, especially when fast charging or using resource-intensive apps. However, excessive heat can signal an underlying issue that affects performance and long-term battery health.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Using Your iPhone While Charging
Running apps (especially games, video streaming, or navigation) while charging increases CPU and GPU activity, generating extra heat.
2. Faulty or Non-Certified Chargers
Using cheap or non-MFi (Made for iPhone) certified cables and adapters can deliver inconsistent voltage, causing the battery to overheat.
3. Environmental Heat
Charging your iPhone in direct sunlight, on a bed, or inside a car can trap heat and prevent proper cooling.
4. Background Processes
Automatic updates, iCloud syncing, or location services running in the background can cause your device to heat up even when idle.
5. Software Bugs or iOS Updates
Occasionally, a new iOS version or background indexing after an update can temporarily increase heat output.
6. Battery or Hardware Issues
If your iPhone consistently overheats even when idle or charging normally, the battery or internal power management system may be degraded.
🧊 How to Cool Down an Overheating iPhone
When your iPhone gets too hot, stop charging immediately and let it cool down naturally.
Follow these steps:
- Unplug the Charger — Stop charging and remove any case.
- Move to a Cooler Place — Avoid direct sunlight or hot surfaces.
- Close Background Apps — Double-tap the home bar or swipe up to close resource-heavy apps.
- Turn On Airplane Mode — Disables wireless radios that generate heat.
- Avoid Forced Cooling — Never put your iPhone in a refrigerator or near a fan; rapid cooling can cause condensation damage.
(source: Apple Support)
⚙️ Preventing iPhone Overheating While Charging
✅ 1. Use Certified Accessories
Always use Apple-certified (MFi) cables and adapters.
- Official Apple 20W USB-C adapter or higher-quality third-party options (Anker, Belkin, Ugreen).
✅ 2. Charge in a Cool, Ventilated Area
Avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds or couches that trap heat.
✅ 3. Remove Your Case While Charging
Thick or non-ventilated cases can trap heat; consider MagSafe-compatible or heat-dissipating cases.
✅ 4. Avoid Intensive Use During Charging
Don’t play games, stream 4K video, or use GPS while charging.
✅ 5. Enable Low Power Mode
Reduces background activity and CPU load, keeping the device cooler.
✅ 6. Keep iOS Updated
Apple frequently releases patches that optimize battery and thermal performance.
✅ 7. Check Battery Health
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, consider a replacement.
✅ 8. Avoid Fast Charging Overnight
Fast charging generates more heat. For overnight charging, use a slower 5–10W charger.
🧠 Apple’s Built-In Overheating Protection
Modern iPhones automatically manage temperature:
- Charging On Hold: iPhone pauses charging if it gets too hot.
- Brightness Reduction: The screen dims to reduce heat output.
- Performance Throttling: The CPU slows down temporarily to prevent thermal damage.
If you see a message like “Charging on Hold: Charging will resume when iPhone returns to normal temperature,” this is normal and helps protect your battery.
(source: Apple Support)
🔍 When to Seek Professional Help
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store if:
- Your iPhone overheats even when idle.
- It becomes too hot to touch.
- The battery drains rapidly or bulges.
- You see repeated “Temperature” warnings.
You can schedule a repair or battery replacement via Apple’s Service Page.
🧩 Quick Summary
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Using phone while charging | Avoid heavy use; let it rest |
| Non-certified charger | Use Apple or MFi-certified accessories |
| Hot environment | Charge in a cool, shaded area |
| Background apps | Close unused apps / enable Low Power Mode |
| Software issues | Update iOS / restart device |
| Battery wear | Check battery health or replace battery |
✅ Key Takeaway
Mild warmth during charging is normal, but consistent overheating isn’t.
By using certified accessories, keeping your iPhone updated, and charging in a cool environment, you’ll extend both battery life and device longevity — keeping your iPhone safe, cool, and efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the phone case and avoid direct sunlight while charging
- Use official chargers to prevent overheating
- Regularly update your iPhone and apps to manage background processes
Understanding iPhone Overheating
iPhone overheating can be caused by several factors including physical conditions, technical reasons, and battery-related issues.
Physical and Environmental Factors
When using an iPhone in hot weather or direct sunlight, it can easily overheat. The ambient temperature plays a big role in this. If the device is exposed to extreme heat, it may struggle to cool down.
Using a phone case that blocks vents can trap heat. This can prevent the phone from releasing heat through its back plate. Removing the phone case while charging can help it stay cooler.
Keeping the phone inside a hot car or close to other hot devices can also make it overheat. It’s best to store the iPhone in a cool, shaded place to avoid such problems.
Technical Causes of Overheating
The iPhone’s processor can get very hot when running resource-intensive apps. Streaming, gaming, and recording videos are tasks that can make the processor work hard and generate a lot of heat.
Background activity can also cause overheating. Apps running in the background use resources and can keep the processor busy. Closing background apps can help reduce heat.
Not regularly updating the iOS can result in inefficient software management. Software updates often come with bug fixes and optimizations that help the phone run better and cooler.
Battery and Charging Related Issues
The battery is a common source of heat. Charging the iPhone using non-official chargers can cause it to get hot. It’s wise to use MFi (Made for iPhone) certified chargers for safety and efficiency.
Wireless charging can also make the phone warmer than wired charging. Removing the phone case and placing the phone on a flat, cool surface during charging helps manage heat.
If the battery life is noticeably short, it could be working harder than usual. This can make the phone generate more heat. Having the battery checked or replaced might resolve overheating issues.
