Why Is My Iphone Overheating While Charging Causes And Fixes

It’s a familiar scenario: you plug in your iPhone to charge, only to find it growing uncomfortably hot minutes later. While a slight warmth during charging is normal, excessive heat can signal deeper issues—some of which threaten your device’s performance, safety, and longevity. Overheating not only slows down charging but may trigger automatic shutdowns or long-term battery degradation. Understanding why this happens and how to address it is essential for any iPhone user who relies on their device daily.

iPhones are engineered with thermal safeguards, but they’re not immune to temperature stress. Whether you're using a new iPhone 15 or an older model like the iPhone 11, overheating during charging can stem from a mix of hardware, software, and environmental factors. The good news is that most causes are preventable or fixable with practical steps.

Common Causes of iPhone Overheating During Charging

Heat generation during charging is natural due to energy conversion, but when temperatures rise beyond safe levels (typically above 35°C or 95°F), something is amiss. Below are the primary culprits behind excessive heat buildup:

• Poor-quality or counterfeit chargers and cables: Third-party accessories that don’t meet Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) certification often deliver unstable power, leading to inefficient charging and excess heat.
• Using the phone while charging: Running processor-heavy apps—like games, video editors, or navigation tools—while plugged in forces the CPU and battery to work harder, increasing thermal output.
• Environmental heat exposure: Charging in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or near radiators accelerates internal temperature rise.
• Background app activity: Apps refreshing in the background, syncing data, or running location services contribute to ongoing processing load even when the screen is off.
• Battery degradation: As lithium-ion batteries age, their internal resistance increases, making them less efficient and more prone to heating up.
• Software bugs or OS glitches: Occasionally, iOS updates introduce bugs that cause abnormal CPU usage or prevent proper thermal regulation.

Tip: If your iPhone feels hot but isn’t actively being used, check for rogue background processes by restarting the device—it often resolves hidden software strain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnose and Fix Overheating Issues

When your iPhone heats up during charging, follow this systematic approach to identify and resolve the root cause.

1. Unplug immediately if too hot: If the device exceeds comfortable touch temperature or displays a “Temperature” warning, disconnect it from the charger and turn it off. Let it cool in a shaded, well-ventilated area for at least 30 minutes.
2. Remove the case: Some thick or non-breathable cases trap heat. Removing the case during charging allows better airflow and faster heat dissipation.
3. Switch to original or MFi-certified accessories: Replace third-party chargers and cables with Apple-branded or MFi-certified alternatives. Avoid cheap USB adapters sold online.
4. Charge in a cool environment: Keep the phone away from windows, heaters, or enclosed spaces like under pillows or inside drawers.
5. Close unnecessary apps: Double-click the Home button (or swipe up on Face ID models) to access the app switcher and close unused apps.
6. Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and limit it to Wi-Fi only or disable it entirely for non-essential apps.
7. Update iOS: Check for software updates via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple frequently releases patches for thermal management improvements.
8. Reset settings if problem persists: Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This clears network and display configurations without erasing data.

Do’s and Don’ts When Charging Your iPhone

Do’s	Don’ts
Use Apple-certified chargers and cables	Use unbranded or counterfeit charging accessories
Charge in a cool, dry place below 32°C (90°F)	Leave the phone in direct sunlight or a hot car while charging
Remove thick cases during charging	Keep insulating cases on during fast or prolonged charging
Turn off the phone or enable Airplane Mode when possible	Play graphics-intensive games while charging
Monitor battery health monthly	Ignore persistent overheating warnings

Real Example: How One User Fixed Chronic Overheating

Jamal, a freelance photographer in Austin, noticed his iPhone 12 Pro was shutting down unexpectedly during shoots, especially when charging between sessions. He’d use a high-wattage third-party fast charger and keep the phone in a rugged OtterBox case. After one incident where the device displayed a temperature alert mid-edit, he decided to investigate.

He started by switching to Apple’s 20W USB-C charger and removing the case during charging. He also disabled Background App Refresh for cloud storage apps that were constantly syncing large photo files. Within two days, the overheating stopped. Later, he discovered that one editing app was running intensive filters in the background—a bug fixed after updating the app. His proactive troubleshooting saved him from premature battery replacement.

“Thermal stress is cumulative. Even brief overheating episodes accelerate battery wear over time.” — Dr. Lin Wei, Mobile Device Engineer at Consumer Tech Labs

Checklist: Prevent iPhone Overheating While Charging

Use this actionable checklist to maintain optimal charging conditions and extend your iPhone’s lifespan:

• ✅ Use only Apple or MFi-certified chargers and cables
• ✅ Charge in a room with ambient temperature between 22–27°C (72–80°F)
• ✅ Remove protective case during charging, especially thick or silicone ones
• ✅ Avoid using the phone for gaming, video calls, or navigation while charging
• ✅ Keep iOS and apps updated to benefit from performance and thermal fixes
• ✅ Turn on Low Power Mode during long charging sessions to reduce system load
• ✅ Monitor battery health regularly under Settings > Battery > Battery Health
• ✅ Restart your iPhone weekly to clear memory leaks and background tasks

When Hardware Might Be the Issue

Sometimes, overheating points to underlying hardware failure. A swollen battery, damaged charging port, or failing logic board can cause abnormal thermal behavior. Signs that suggest hardware problems include:

• The phone gets hot even when not charging
• Charging stops intermittently with no clear reason
• Battery drains rapidly despite low usage
• Physical warping or bulging on the back panel

If you observe any of these symptoms, stop charging the device and visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider. Continuing to use a phone with a compromised battery poses safety risks, including potential fire hazards.

Apple offers battery replacement services for out-of-warranty devices. If your battery health is below 80%, replacement is strongly recommended—not just for performance, but for thermal stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my iPhone to get warm while charging?

A slight increase in temperature is normal, especially during fast charging or wireless charging. However, if the device becomes too hot to hold comfortably or triggers a temperature warning, it’s overheating and requires attention.

Can wireless charging make my iPhone overheat more than wired charging?

Yes, wireless charging is generally less efficient and generates more heat due to energy transfer through induction. To minimize risk, use Apple-certified Qi chargers, remove thick cases, and avoid using the phone during wireless charging.

Does enabling Low Power Mode help reduce overheating?

Yes. Low Power Mode reduces background activity, email fetching, visual effects, and automatic downloads—all of which lower CPU usage and heat production. Enabling it during charging can help stabilize temperature.

Conclusion: Protect Your iPhone with Smart Charging Habits

Your iPhone’s performance and longevity depend heavily on how you treat its battery and thermal environment. Overheating during charging isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a red flag that can lead to reduced battery capacity, unexpected shutdowns, or costly repairs. By using certified accessories, avoiding extreme environments, and managing software demands, you can keep your device running cool and efficiently.

Small changes in daily habits make a significant difference. Regularly inspect your charging setup, monitor battery health, and respond promptly to warning signs. Your iPhone is designed to last years, but only if you respect its limits.

💬 Have you experienced iPhone overheating? What worked for you? Share your story in the comments—your insight could help others avoid the same frustration.