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CS tech tip: How to prevent your smartphone from overheating

August 13, 2020|

If you’ve ever gotten that dreaded error message – “Your phone must cool down before you can use it” – you know how nerve-wracking an overheating smartphone can be. Though it’s usually just a temporary inconvenience, consistent exposure to higher temperatures can degrade your phone battery over time, making it harder to hold a charge and sometimes preventing it from turning on at all.

Our tech can overheat for a number of reasons, from exposure to direct sunlight or too many apps running at once. To help you prevent any future phone meltdowns, here are some helpful tips to prevent your phone from overheating:

1. Don’t use your phone while it’s charging

Your phone is already working hard to charge up your battery – any added strain caused by apps running can cause your battery to get too hot. Overcharging can also cause your phone to overheat, so once your battery is full, remove it from the charger.

2. Avoid direct heat or sunlight

All it takes is a few minutes directly in the sun for your phone to get way too hot, especially if any parts are made of metal. Putting it in the shade or in a cooler place will prevent your phone from reaching its boiling point.

3. Keep your apps and software up-to-date

This one may seem unrelated, but sometimes old apps and software don’t run as efficiently as they should. They may contain bugs or glitches that cause your phone to work a little too hard, causing it to overheat.

4. Close unused apps and dial down your screen brightness

If you sense that your device is getting a little too warm, there may be too many apps running in the background. Turning down your screen brightness will reduce the strain on your battery, too.

If your phone is already on the verge of overheating or you see an error message, here’s how you can quickly cool down your device:

1. Remove the case from your phone

Your case can trap heat and make it harder for your phone to naturally cool itself down.

2. Place your phone in a cool area

Blowing cold air on your device or placing it in a shady area will speed up the cooling process. Do not, however, place your phone in the freezer or refrigerator. Sudden changes in temperature can damage your phone even more and cause bigger issues.

3. Separate your phone from other tech

Keeping too-hot tech close together, like in a purse or bag, slows down the cooling process. Letting them cool down separately prevents further damage.

If your smartphone is constantly overheating no matter what preventative steps you take, it might be time for an upgrade. Swing by your nearest Cellular Sales store to meet our wireless experts. They’ll show you all the latest smartphones, make sure your data plan still fits your needs, and connect you with tech that will help you live your life to the fullest.

Founded in 1993, Cellular Sales proudly serves as Verizon’s premier retail partner. With almost 800 locations nationwide and more than 7,000 employees, we connect customers with top-tier products and services. We were named Verizon Agent of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and have been listed nine times among Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing companies in the country. For more information, visit cellularsales.com or follow us on social media at facebook.com/cellularsales and @cellularsales on Instagram. For career information, visit cellularsales.com/careers.

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