Phone Gets Hot When Charging? Causes, Dangers & Easy Fixes

If you've ever noticed that your phone gets hot when charging, you're not imagining things. It’s something many of us have experienced, and while it might seem harmless at first, it can be a sign that something’s off, either with your device, your setup, or your charging habits.
This guide breaks down why your phone is overheating when charging and what simple fixes you can do to keep things cool and safe.
In this blog:
- Common Reasons Why Your Phone Gets Hot When Charging
- Is It Bad If Your Phone Is Overheating When Charging Frequently?
- What to Do If Your Phone Gets Hot When Charging
- Tips to Prevent Your Phone From Overheating While Charging
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get started!
Common Reasons Why Your Phone Gets Hot When Charging
Understanding what’s causing the heat is the first step to preventing it. Below are the most common reasons why your phone gets hot when charging.
Many phones today come with fast charging features that allow you to power up in record time. But here's the catch: drawing high voltage in a short period creates more heat. It's especially noticeable when your battery is below 50% as that's when the phone pulls the most power.
If your phone is overheating when charging during fast charge cycles, it may help to switch to a slower, standard charger occasionally.
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Using the Phone While Charging
This one’s easy to miss. Watching videos, gaming, video calling, or even scrolling social media while plugged in puts double stress on your device. The battery is trying to charge, but the processor is also working hard. That combo produces heat fast.
If possible, let your phone rest during charging sessions.
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Poor-Quality Chargers or Cables
Generic or knock-off chargers may not be regulated well. Some push out unstable power levels, which can heat up your phone's internal components. A few users even reported serious overheating from faulty third-party adapters.
Stick with original or certified accessories to avoid trouble.
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Charging in Hot Environments or With Poor Ventilation
Where you charge matters. If your phone is lying under a pillow, in the sun, or next to a heat source, it won’t cool down properly. And if it’s in a bulky case, heat gets trapped even more.
Try to charge on a cool, flat surface and take the case off if it runs hot.
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Background Apps or System Activity
Sometimes the culprit isn’t the charger but what’s running on your phone. Apps updating, syncing photos, or just glitching in the background can keep your processor working overtime.
When your phone gets hot when charging but you’re not using it, check what apps are active in the background.
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Battery Health and Age
All batteries wear out over time. An older battery doesn’t regulate heat as well and can become inefficient during charging. If you’ve had your device for a few years, this could be a major factor.
Some users have even reported phones refusing to charge or shutting down due to long-term heat damage from aged batteries.
Is It Bad If Your Phone Is Overheating When Charging Frequently?
Occasional warmth is expected, but consistent overheating can slowly damage your device.
- It Wears Down Your Battery. Heat breaks down battery health over time. The more your battery heats up, the faster it loses capacity. That means shorter battery life and more frequent charges.
- Charging Becomes Less Efficient. When your phone is too hot, it may automatically slow down charging to prevent damage. You’ll notice it takes longer to reach 100%, especially when fast charging is involved.
- Other Components Start to Suffer. It's not just the battery. Excessive heat can weaken the internal chips, screen, and even the motherboard. Some users have experienced phones refusing to charge altogether due to board-level issues caused by heat.
- You Might Notice Lag or Glitches. Performance problems like lag, freezing, or crashing apps can happen if the phone keeps running hot. The processor will slow down to manage the heat, which affects how your device runs.
What to Do If Your Phone Gets Hot When Charging
If your phone is overheating when charging, try these quick fixes to bring the temperature down:
- Unplug It Temporarily. If it’s getting too warm, stop charging and let it cool off. Don’t wait for a warning message, just unplug it.
- Remove the Case. Let the heat escape by taking off your phone’s case while charging, especially if it's thick or rugged.
- Move It to a Cooler Spot. Avoid charging your phone in hot places, like near windows or under blankets. Charging on a desk or tabletop is usually best.
- Close Background Apps. Swipe away apps you’re not using and disable anything running in the background to lighten the load.
- Use Airplane Mode or Turn It Off. Enabling airplane mode or powering down completely will reduce the energy demand and let your phone charge more efficiently.
- Switch to a Wall Outlet. Charging from laptops or car ports can sometimes cause heat if the power isn’t stable. A wall outlet with a certified adapter is more reliable.
Tips to Prevent Your Phone From Overheating While Charging
You don’t need to stop charging completely. Just tweak a few habits. Here’s how to keep your device cooler long-term:
- Use Trusted Charging Gear. Invest in high-quality cables and chargers made for your specific phone model. It’s safer, more efficient, and much cooler (literally).
- Don’t Overcharge. Avoid leaving your phone plugged in overnight or long after it hits 100%. Many phones still draw a small amount of power even when full.
- Avoid Multitasking While Plugged In. Try not to watch videos, play games, or run intensive apps during charging sessions. If you must use it, keep it light.
- Keep Your Software Updated. Updates often come with bug fixes that improve performance and battery behavior. That can help reduce unnecessary heat.
- Monitor Battery Health. Check your phone’s battery settings if available, or use a third-party app to see if your battery is still in good shape. If not, a replacement could solve your heating problems.
- Remove Unnecessary Apps. Sometimes a buggy app can drain power in the background. If your phone gets hot when charging and you haven’t added anything new recently, check your battery usage for clues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for phones to get warm while charging?
Yes, it's perfectly normal for your phone to feel slightly warm while charging, especially if you're using fast charging or using the device at the same time. However, if the heat becomes excessive or your phone feels hot to the touch regularly, it may signal a problem with your charging habits, accessories, or battery health.
Why is my phone charger burning hot?
A charger can become extremely hot due to internal faults, prolonged use, or using poor-quality components. Excessive heat may result from damaged wiring or a defective power brick. Always use chargers from trusted brands, keep them uncovered during use, and unplug them when idle to minimize overheating risks.
What are the potential dangers of charging your phone in bed?
Charging your phone in bed can be hazardous because soft bedding materials trap heat. This can raise the device’s temperature to dangerous levels, possibly leading to fires. Always place your phone on a hard, flat surface away from pillows, blankets, or anything flammable while it's charging.
Wrapping Up…
Seeing your phone gets hot when charging isn’t always a big deal, but it should never be ignored if it happens regularly. If your phone is overheating when charging, take a closer look at your setup, cables, and apps.
Stick to safe charging practices, give your phone room to breathe, and keep an eye on performance changes. With a few simple adjustments, you can protect your battery, avoid long-term damage, and charge more confidently.
And if the issue keeps coming back? It might be time to check in with a technician or consider replacing that battery before it causes more serious damage.
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