Smartphone in the sun: Avoid overheating and cool down properly

Navigation, photos, music and messages: In summer the phone often runs especially long while on the go. Direct sunlight, a hot car and charging at the same time can, however, heat the device significantly. A temperature warning or a paused charging process is a protective signal and should not be ignored.

Why the smartphone gets so hot in summer

Several sources of heat can come together: high outside temperature, direct sunlight, a bright screen, navigation, camera, games or video, and in addition charging the battery. Especially unfavorable are enclosed places like a parked car, a bag in the sun or a tight compartment without air circulation.

Apple specifies an intended ambient temperature range of 0 to 35 degrees Celsius for iPhone and iPad and points out that very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life. Google also recommends not leaving the phone in direct sunlight or in a hot vehicle.

How to respond to a temperature warning

1. Take out of the sun:Place the device in a dry, shaded and well-ventilated area.
2. Unplug the charging cable:Charging generates additional heat. Wait until the phone has cooled down significantly.
3. Stop intensive use:Close navigation, camera, games, video and hotspot. If necessary, turn off the device.
4. Temporarily remove the case:If it can be removed easily, heat can escape more effectively.
5. Be patient:Only use intensively or charge again once no warning appears and the casing is at a normal temperature.

Please do not put it in the refrigerator or freezer

A hot smartphone should cool down slowly at normal ambient temperature. Refrigerator, freezer, ice pack, ice or cold water are unsuitable. The rapid temperature change can promote condensation; moisture and electronics are not a good combination. Do not place the device directly on a wet washcloth either.

Prevent overheating while on the go

• Keep the phone in the shade, not on the dashboard, windowsill or a towel in the sun.
• Use navigation, if possible, in a mount in front of an air vent, without blowing very cold air directly onto the device.
• When charging outdoors choose a shady spot and do not hide the device under clothing or blankets.
• Reduce display brightness and close any unnecessary wireless connections or apps.
• Keep power bank and smartphone away from direct sunlight. Our Carry-on checklist.

Back up photos and important data

A defect is particularly annoying when holiday photos are stored only on one device while you're away. Set up a backup before the trip or regularly over Wi?Fi. You can find practical options in the article Back up holiday photos from your phone. If you travel abroad, you should also Roaming and data limits check beforehand.

When professional help is advisable

If the device remains unusually hot after cooling down, repeatedly shuts off, or the battery is visibly swollen, do not use or charge it further. A swollen battery must not be pressed or opened. Contact the manufacturer, retailer or a qualified repair service.

Sources and further information

• Google: Too high or too low temperatures for smartphones
• Apple: Keep iPhone and iPad within intended operating temperatures
• Apple: Message 'Charging Paused'

Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.