Why Does My Tablet Get So Hot During Video Calls And How To Cool It Down

Video calls have become a daily part of work, education, and staying connected with loved ones. But if you've noticed your tablet growing uncomfortably warm—or even shutting down mid-call—you're not alone. Excessive heat during video conferencing is a common issue that affects performance, battery life, and long-term device health. Understanding the root causes and knowing how to respond can help you maintain a smooth experience without risking hardware damage.

Why Tablets Overheat During Video Calls

When you initiate a video call, your tablet activates multiple high-demand systems simultaneously: the camera, microphone, speaker, Wi-Fi or cellular radio, screen at full brightness, and processor running real-time encoding and decoding of audio and video data. This creates a significant spike in power consumption and computational load.

The central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) are pushed to their limits to manage video compression, maintain network stability, render user interfaces, and process background apps. As these components work harder, they generate more heat. Unlike desktop computers with active cooling fans, tablets rely on passive dissipation—meaning heat must slowly transfer through the chassis into the air. When usage exceeds thermal design limits, temperatures rise quickly.

Environmental factors compound the problem. Using your tablet in direct sunlight, on a bed or couch (which blocks ventilation), or inside a thick case traps heat. Poor signal strength forces the wireless module to boost transmission power, increasing energy draw. Background apps consuming resources in parallel can also elevate internal temperature before the call even begins.

“Modern tablets are incredibly powerful, but their compact design leaves little room for heat management. Sustained high-load tasks like video calling push them to their thermal edge.” — Dr. Alan Zhou, Mobile Hardware Engineer at TechInsight Labs

Signs Your Tablet Is Overheating

You don’t need a thermometer to know when your device is too hot. Watch for these warning signs:

• Physical warmth: The back or edges feel uncomfortably hot to the touch.
• Performance throttling: The screen lags, apps freeze, or video quality drops suddenly.
• Automatic shutdowns: The device powers off unexpectedly, often displaying a temperature warning.
• Battery drain acceleration: A 30-minute call depletes more than 25% of the charge.
• Camera or mic disabling: Some tablets disable camera functions when internal sensors detect excessive heat.

If your tablet frequently hits these thresholds, continued use under such conditions may degrade the battery, reduce processor lifespan, or cause permanent display issues due to thermal expansion.

Tip: Never ignore sudden shutdowns during video calls—they’re a protective response to dangerous heat levels.

How to Cool Down an Overheating Tablet

If your tablet is already hot, immediate action can prevent long-term harm. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring temperatures back to safe levels:

1. End the call and close all apps. Stop the primary source of stress first. Swipe away running applications from the recent apps menu.
2. Turn off the screen. The display is a major heat contributor. Power it down completely for faster cooling.
3. Remove the case. Most protective cases insulate heat. Take it off to expose the body to airflow.
4. Move to a cooler environment. Get out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or warm surfaces.
5. Place on a hard, flat surface. Avoid fabric, cushions, or laps where heat gets trapped underneath.
6. Do not put in the fridge or freezer. Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation inside the device, leading to corrosion or short circuits.
7. Wait 10–15 minutes before resuming use. Allow internal components to stabilize.

After cooling, avoid jumping straight back into another long call. Instead, optimize settings to reduce future strain.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Heat Buildup

Proactive habits make a big difference. These strategies minimize thermal stress before it starts:

Optimize Video Call Settings

High-resolution video (1080p or higher) demands more processing power. If your internet connection supports HD, that doesn’t mean you should always use it. Lowering resolution reduces CPU load significantly.

• In Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, disable HD video in app settings.
• Turn off your camera when not needed—audio-only mode generates far less heat.
• Use speakerphone instead of holding the tablet close; this improves airflow around the device.

Manage Background Activity

Background apps silently consume memory and processor cycles. Before starting a call:

• Close unused apps.
• Disable auto-sync for email and cloud services temporarily.
• Turn on “Low Power Mode” or “Battery Saver” if available—it limits background activity and caps performance to reduce heat.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Tablets lack fans, so passive cooling depends on surface exposure and ambient temperature. Always use your device on a desk or table, never buried in blankets or between pillows. Consider using a stand to elevate it slightly, promoting air circulation underneath.

Keep Software Updated

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve thermal management algorithms and optimize resource allocation. Running outdated software may mean missing critical efficiency patches.

Tip: Schedule video calls during cooler parts of the day, especially if you're in a hot climate without air conditioning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tablet Temperature Management

Do’s	Don’ts
Use your tablet on a hard, flat surface	Use it while charging during long calls
Remove the case during extended use	Place it in direct sunlight or near heaters
Lower screen brightness manually	Put it in the refrigerator to cool down
Update operating system and apps regularly	Run multiple heavy apps alongside video calls
Enable battery saver mode during long sessions	Ignore repeated overheating warnings

Real-World Example: Remote Learning Challenges

Sophia, a high school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, began experiencing frequent tablet shutdowns during her online classes last summer. Her students would see her disappear mid-lesson, only for her to rejoin five minutes later. After investigating, she realized her iPad was reaching unsafe temperatures due to a combination of factors: she used it for back-to-back 90-minute sessions, kept it in a leather folio case, and taught from her bedroom, where afternoon sun heated the wooden desk.

She implemented several changes: switching to a lightweight silicone case, moving her setup to a shaded corner, closing unused tabs in Safari, and lowering video quality in Google Meet. She also started taking 10-minute breaks between classes to let the device cool. Within a week, the crashes stopped entirely, and her battery lasted longer throughout the day.

Sophia’s experience highlights how environmental and behavioral adjustments—not just hardware limitations—play a crucial role in thermal control.

When Hardware Limits Matter

Not all tablets handle sustained loads equally. Older models or budget devices often have less efficient processors and smaller heat-dissipating surfaces. For example, a 5-year-old tablet running Android 10 may struggle with modern video conferencing apps optimized for newer chipsets.

If you rely heavily on video calls, consider whether your current device meets minimum performance standards. Look for features like:

• Modern processors (e.g., Apple A12 Bionic or later, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series or higher)
• Adequate RAM (at least 4GB for multitasking)
• Thermal design improvements (metal chassis dissipates heat better than plastic)

Upgrading to a newer model designed for productivity can eliminate chronic overheating issues, especially if you're using your tablet as a primary communication tool.

Checklist: Keep Your Tablet Cool During Video Calls

Use this checklist before every important call to ensure optimal performance and temperature control:

1. ✅ Close all unnecessary apps
2. ✅ Remove protective case
3. ✅ Position tablet on a cool, hard surface
4. ✅ Lower screen brightness to 50–60%
5. ✅ Disable HD video in conferencing app settings
6. ✅ Turn off Bluetooth and GPS if not needed
7. ✅ Avoid charging during the call
8. ✅ Ensure good Wi-Fi signal to reduce radio strain
9. ✅ Take short breaks during multi-hour sessions
10. ✅ Monitor for early signs of overheating

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an overheating tablet catch fire?

While extremely rare, lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk if damaged or exposed to extreme heat over prolonged periods. Modern tablets include multiple safety cut-offs that shut down the device well before reaching dangerous temperatures. However, consistently ignoring overheating warnings increases long-term risks. Always allow proper cooling and avoid exposing devices to external heat sources like car dashboards.

Is it safe to use a fan to cool my tablet?

Yes, gently directing airflow from a room fan toward your tablet is a safe and effective way to enhance passive cooling. Just avoid placing the device directly in front of a high-speed industrial fan or using compressed air, which can force dust into ports. Natural convection or mild airflow helps dissipate heat without introducing moisture or static.

Does screen brightness really affect temperature?

Absolutely. The display is one of the top power consumers in a tablet. On many devices, max brightness can increase total power draw by 30% or more. Reducing brightness to 50–60% not only extends battery life but also lowers overall heat output. Use adaptive brightness settings or adjust manually based on ambient light.

Conclusion: Protect Performance and Longevity

Your tablet's temperature isn't just about comfort—it reflects its operational health. Persistent overheating during video calls signals that system resources are stretched beyond sustainable limits. By understanding the causes and applying smart usage habits, you can maintain stable performance, extend battery life, and avoid premature wear.

Start today by removing the case, optimizing your app settings, and ensuring proper ventilation. Small changes yield noticeable results. If you're still struggling despite best practices, it may be time to evaluate whether your device meets the demands of your digital lifestyle.

💬 Have a tip that helped you keep your tablet cool? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help others stay connected without the heat!