Why your phone gets hot when you play, and how to keep it cool
Games push the processor, the screen and the battery all at once. A warm phone is normal; one that slows down isn't much fun. Here's what helps.
Games are among the most demanding things a phone does. The processor and graphics chip work hard, the screen stays bright and the battery keeps discharging. All of that becomes heat, and phones have no fan to get rid of it.
When a phone gets too warm it protects itself by slowing down. That's why a game can run smoothly for 15 minutes, then start to stutter.
What actually helps
- Don't play while charging. Charging adds its own heat, particularly fast charging.
- Take the case off for long sessions. Thick cases trap heat.
- Lower the graphics settings. Dropping the frame rate or graphics quality in the game menu cuts the load and helps your battery too.
- Reduce screen brightness. It's a simple way to take some pressure off.
- Close other apps, especially anything that's using location or downloading in the background.
- Get out of direct sun. A hot car or a sunny window can overheat a phone without any help from the game.
What to avoid
- The fridge or freezer. Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation inside the phone.
- Playing through a warning. If the phone shows a temperature alert, stop and let it cool down.
When to get it checked
If your phone runs hot while it's idle, the battery drains unusually fast or the back is starting to bulge, stop using it and contact the manufacturer or a repair shop. A swollen battery should be looked at promptly, so don't try to press it flat.