Ever grabbed your phone while it’s charging and felt like it could fry eggs? Yeah, that’s not normal. Phones, tablets, watches. They all get warm while charging. But if they’re getting too hot to touch, you’ve got a problem.
Overheating doesn’t just make your device uncomfortable to hold. It can slow down performance, wear out the battery, and in rare cases, even pose a safety risk. But don’t worry. Most of the time, it’s something small you can fix at home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what causes overheating while charging, and how you can fix it step by step. Let’s make your device stay cool and safe again.
Why is your device overheating while charging?
#1 You’re using the wrong charger
If the charger isn’t made for your device, it can overheat fast. Some cheap or non-branded chargers don’t control power flow properly. This causes your phone to take in more power than it needs, heating things up quickly.
Make sure you’re using a certified charger for your phone or tablet. If it’s an iPhone, stick to Apple-certified cables. Same goes for Android devices—use the charger that came with it or a brand that’s known to be safe.
#2 You’re charging in a hot place
Charging your phone under a pillow, on a car dashboard, or in direct sunlight? That’s a no-go. Heat gets trapped, and your device can’t cool down properly.
Try to charge it in a cool, open space. A desk, table, or tile surface works best. Avoid charging it on beds or soft surfaces where heat can build up.
#3 You’re using it while it charges
Watching videos, gaming, or video calling while charging? That’s a fast way to overheat your phone. It’s doing too many things at once—charging and running heavy apps.
Give it a break. Let it charge without using it if possible. Your phone will thank you.
#4 Your phone case is trapping the heat
Some cases don’t let heat escape. Especially thick or rubbery ones. They trap warmth inside and make the phone hotter than it should be.
Try removing the case while charging. Then check if your phone stays cooler without it.
#5 Your battery may be aging or damaged
Old batteries don’t handle charging well. They can get hot fast and even swell up. Yikes.
If your device is over 2-3 years old and gets hot all the time, it may be time for a battery check. Some phones even tell you battery health in settings. If not, visit a tech store or service center.
What should you do when your device gets hot while charging?
Alright, now let’s fix this. Try these steps one by one. Start with the easy ones.
#1 Unplug it right away
If your phone feels too hot, stop charging immediately. Don’t wait. Let it cool down naturally before doing anything else. Safety first.
#2 Move it to a cooler place
Take it off soft surfaces like beds or couches and place it on something cool and flat. A table, countertop, or even your floor works.
#3 Use the right charger and cable
Here’s how to make sure you’re using the right stuff:
- Use the original charger that came with your device.
- Or pick one that’s approved by the phone brand (like Samsung or Apple).
- Avoid off-brand, super cheap chargers from unknown sellers.
#4 Restart your phone
Sometimes, a quick restart helps. It can stop background apps or glitches that are making the phone work harder and heat up.
Just turn it off, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on. Simple.
#5 Update your software
Software bugs can mess with how the phone handles charging. So make sure your phone is running the latest version.
Here’s how to check on iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If there’s an update, tap Download and Install.
And on Android:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to System or About Phone.
- Tap Software Update or Check for Updates.
Update it, then charge again and see if it stays cool.
#6 Turn off background apps
Apps running in the background can make your device hotter. They use up your battery and memory while you charge.
Close anything you’re not using. Also, turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or location if you’re not using them.
#7 Clean the charging port
If there’s dust or lint in the port, it can mess with charging and even cause overheating. Use a wooden toothpick or soft brush to gently clean it. Don’t use metal or water.
#8 Disable fast charging (if possible)
Fast charging is convenient but adds more heat. Some Android phones let you turn it off in the settings.
Go to Settings > Battery > More Battery Settings and look for something like Fast Charging or Adaptive Charging. Turn it off and see if that helps.
#9 Try wireless charging
If your cable is the issue, try wireless charging. It can be slower, but sometimes it’s more stable.
Place your phone flat on a certified wireless charger. Make sure it’s aligned properly. If it still gets hot, maybe the charger is not compatible.
#10 Check if it’s a system-wide issue
Overheating doesn’t only happen to phones. For example, there’s a known apple watch charging issue that causes the watch to get warm or stop charging at all. Just like that, other devices can have their own quirks.
If your device has been acting strange even when it’s not charging, it could be a larger problem. Time to check with support.
When should you get help from a professional?
If you’ve tried everything above and your phone still gets hot every time it charges, don’t ignore it. This could be a hardware issue or a bad battery.
Here’s when to get help:
- Your phone gets hot even when it’s not charging.
- The battery looks swollen or the back cover is bulging.
- Your phone shuts off randomly or takes forever to charge.
Visit an authorized service center or your brand’s support store. If it’s still under warranty, don’t wait.
The takeaway
Overheating while charging is more common than you think. But here’s the good news—it’s usually caused by simple things like a bad charger, too many apps running, or charging in the wrong place.
Start with the basics. Use the right charger, charge in a cool spot, and avoid using your phone while it’s plugged in. If none of that works, clean the port, check your settings, or try wireless charging.
Remember, not all heat is bad. But if your phone feels like it’s about to burn your hand, it’s time to act. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or even an apple watch charging issue, the steps are similar—stay calm, try the basics, and get help if needed.
You’ve got this. Follow these tips, and your device should stay cool and safe from now on.
If this helped, drop a comment and let me know how it went.