Why Does My Tablet Overheat During Video Calls Quick Cooling Fixes

Video calls have become a daily necessity—whether for work, school, or staying in touch with loved ones. But if your tablet grows uncomfortably hot during these sessions, it’s more than just a nuisance. Overheating can degrade battery life, throttle performance, and even cause permanent hardware damage over time. Understanding the root causes and knowing how to cool your device quickly and safely is essential for maintaining both productivity and device longevity.

Why Tablets Overheat During Video Calls

Tablets are powerful, but they’re also compact. This combination creates a perfect storm when running resource-heavy applications like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime. Several interrelated factors contribute to excessive heat generation:

• High CPU and GPU usage: Video calling apps process real-time camera input, encode video streams, decode incoming footage, and manage audio—all of which demand significant processing power.
• Poor ventilation: Unlike laptops, tablets lack internal fans. Heat builds up rapidly in their sealed enclosures, especially when held in hands or placed on soft surfaces like beds or couches.
• Bright screen settings: High screen brightness increases power draw and contributes directly to thermal load.
• Background apps: Other running applications consume memory and CPU cycles, forcing the system to work harder and generate more heat.
• Aging batteries: As lithium-ion batteries degrade, they become less efficient and produce more heat during operation and charging.
• Direct sunlight or warm environments: Using a tablet near a window or in a hot room raises ambient temperature, reducing its ability to dissipate heat.

“Modern tablets are designed to handle intense tasks, but sustained thermal stress from video calls can push them beyond safe limits.” — Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Electronics Thermal Management Specialist

Immediate Cooling Fixes to Stop Overheating Now

If your tablet is already hot to the touch, act quickly to reduce temperature and prevent automatic shutdowns or long-term wear. These steps provide fast relief:

1. End the call immediately: The fastest way to stop heat generation is to close the video app. Even pausing may not be enough—the background processes often continue running.
2. Turn off the screen: Press the power button to lock the screen. This reduces display energy use and gives the processor a chance to idle.
3. Remove the case: Protective cases, especially thick or non-breathable ones, trap heat. Take it off to allow better airflow.
4. Move to a cooler environment: Relocate away from direct sunlight, heaters, or poorly ventilated areas. A shaded, air-conditioned room helps significantly.
5. Place on a hard, cool surface: Avoid fabric or carpet. Use a wooden table, marble countertop, or even a ceramic tile floor to help conduct heat away.
6. Do NOT put in the fridge or freezer: Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation inside the device, leading to short circuits.

Tip: If you must keep using the tablet while it cools, switch to audio-only mode. Turn off the camera to drastically reduce processing load.

Long-Term Prevention: Optimize Your Setup

Preventing overheating is far more effective than reacting to it. With a few adjustments to your habits and setup, you can maintain optimal temperatures even during extended video sessions.

Adjust App and System Settings

Lowering the demands on your tablet reduces heat at the source. Consider these configuration changes:

• Reduce video resolution in your conferencing app (e.g., set Zoom to 720p instead of 1080p).
• Disable HD video transmission if your internet connection is stable but doesn’t require full quality.
• Turn off virtual backgrounds—they require extra GPU power for real-time segmentation.
• Use speakerphone or wired headphones instead of holding the tablet, which blocks vents and adds body heat.
• Enable “Low Data Mode” or similar settings to reduce bandwidth and processing strain.

Manage Background Activity

Close unused apps before starting a call. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom (or double-click Home) to access the app switcher. On Android, use the Recent Apps button. Swipe away all non-essential apps to free up RAM and reduce CPU overhead.

Keep Software Updated

Manufacturers frequently release firmware updates that improve thermal management and optimize app efficiency. Check for system updates monthly under Settings > System > Software Update.

Cooling Accessories and Smart Workarounds

While tablets aren’t designed for external cooling, certain accessories can make a meaningful difference in heat control.

Solution	Effectiveness	Notes
Passive aluminum cooling pad	High	Conducts heat away; no power needed. Works best on flat surfaces.
Foldable stand with ventilation	Medium	Elevates tablet for airflow; avoid blocking rear cameras or sensors.
USB-powered fan attachment	Medium-High	Provides active airflow; may drain battery faster unless externally powered.
Gel cooling pads	Low-Medium	Cool initially but lose effectiveness after 10–15 minutes.
DIY book or clipboard stand	Low	Improves ergonomics and slight airflow; minimal cooling benefit.

Tip: Pair a passive cooling pad with a tablet stand to create an effective, low-cost workstation ideal for back-to-back meetings.

Real-World Example: Remote Worker Reduces Overheating by 60%

Sophia, a freelance graphic designer from Portland, used her iPad Pro for 4–6 hours of client calls daily. After two months, she noticed frequent app crashes and sluggish performance. Her tablet would shut down unexpectedly during calls, especially in the afternoon.

She investigated and discovered the back of the device reached 48°C (118°F)—well above the safe operating range. By implementing a few key changes—removing her silicone case, lowering screen brightness, disabling HD video, and placing the iPad on an aluminum laptop tray—she reduced peak temperatures to 37°C (99°F). She now uses a small USB desk fan pointed gently at the side of the tablet during long sessions, extending stability without compromising portability.

The result? No more crashes, longer battery life per charge, and noticeably smoother app performance. Her proactive approach saved her from needing a replacement device prematurely.

Checklist: Prevent Tablet Overheating During Video Calls

Use this actionable checklist before starting your next video session:

• ✅ Close all unnecessary background apps
• ✅ Lower screen brightness to 50% or less
• ✅ Disable HD video and virtual backgrounds
• ✅ Remove protective case
• ✅ Place tablet on a hard, flat surface
• ✅ Avoid direct sunlight or hot rooms
• ✅ Use wired headphones or speaker mode
• ✅ Keep charger unplugged unless battery is low
• ✅ Position near a fan or air vent for passive airflow
• ✅ Limit continuous call time to 90 minutes max; take 10-minute breaks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can overheating permanently damage my tablet?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures degrades the battery, reduces storage lifespan, and can warp internal components. Lithium-ion batteries exposed to temps above 45°C (113°F) regularly may lose up to 20% of capacity within a year.

Is it safe to use my tablet while charging during a video call?

Not ideal. Charging generates additional heat, and combining it with high-performance tasks like video calling increases thermal load significantly. If possible, start the call with a fully charged tablet and unplug the charger.

Why does my tablet overheat even when I’m not doing anything?

This could indicate a rogue app running in the background, malware (rare on iOS, more common on Android), or a failing battery. Check battery health in Settings and review app battery usage to identify abnormal consumers.

Conclusion: Stay Cool, Stay Connected

Overheating during video calls isn’t inevitable—it’s a solvable problem rooted in usage patterns and environmental conditions. By understanding what drives heat buildup and applying practical fixes, you can protect your tablet’s performance and extend its usable life. Simple changes like adjusting settings, improving airflow, and using smart accessories make a dramatic difference.

Don’t wait for your device to shut down mid-meeting. Take preventive action today. Implement one or two strategies from this guide and monitor the results. Small habits compound into long-term reliability.

💬 Have a cooling hack that works for your tablet? Share your experience in the comments and help others stay cool during their next video call!