Hot Line: How to make sure your phone doesn’t overheat this Summer

With much of the country set to swelter this weekend, most of us will take precautions against the sun when out in the heat (SPF is our best friend), but many of us will forget that our phones are also sensitive to high temperatures.
Luke Hopewell · 02 February 2024 · 6 minute read

Avoid Direct Sunlight

It seems obvious, but this is the best way to keep your phone chilled out on a hot day. Direct sunlight can be detrimental to your phone's temperature regulation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight not only increases the external temperature but also raises the device's internal temperature. To safeguard your phone, store it in the shade or in a cool place, particularly when not in use.

Use a phone cooler


Consider investing in a phone cooler or a cooling case designed to dissipate excess heat. These accessories often use innovative cooling technologies like fans or heat sinks to actively regulate your phone's temperature. While this may be an additional accessory, the long-term benefits in terms of device performance and longevity can be significant.

Use An Ice Brick

First: check your phone is water resistant. That’s important. Next, chuck it in the picnic esky (or chilly bin) near a cooling brick. Not only will it keep it out of direct sunlight, but your phone will be able to keep a direct eye on how your drinks are going.

Ditch Your Phone Case

Phone cases, especially those made of materials that don't dissipate heat effectively, can contribute to your phone's temperature elevation. Remove the case periodically to allow better heat dissipation. If you're worried about protection, consider using a case designed for heat dissipation or opting for a bumper-style case that exposes more of the phone's surface.

Lower Your Screen Brightness

Lowering your phone's screen brightness not only conserves battery life but also reduces the heat generated by the display. Modern smartphones often have adaptive brightness settings that automatically adjust to the ambient light, offering an optimal balance between visibility and heat production.

Turn Off Background Processes

Many apps continue to run background processes even when you're not actively using them. Navigate to your phone's settings and disable unnecessary background processes to reduce the overall workload on your device, consequently helping to maintain a cooler temperature.

Avoid Intensive Tasks

Resource-intensive activities like gaming, video streaming, or other demanding applications can significantly raise your phone's temperature. Limit the duration of such tasks, especially in hot weather, to prevent prolonged exposure to high temperatures and potential thermal throttling.

By Luke Hopewell

Editor, tech expert and Senior Specialist Writer at Telstra Exchange

Luke Hopewell is an editor, tech expert and Senior Specialist Writer at Telstra Exchange. Luke joined Telstra in 2019 where he has had the privilege to help bring stories to life in a unique and human way. He was previously the head of editorial at Twitter Australia and the editor of cult tech site Gizmodo. For over a decade, Luke’s passion for technology has always driven him to seek out the latest gadgets and game-changers, and help others to understand how it all works. In another life he was a cyber security specialist where he sought to educate people about how to stay safe online. When he's not writing, he's getting outdoors and patting all the nice dogs he meets.