When I started searching for an overheating phone solution last year, my daily driver would often hit 46-47°C in just 20 minutes of BGMI. That level of heat is not normal, and it can impact battery health over time.
Over the next 3 months, I tested different solutions I found online and in forums. Many did not make a difference. These 7 methods are the ones that helped lower my average gaming temperature from around 46°C to 40°C, based on readings from AccuBattery.
This list is based on my personal testing. The logic behind each fix aligns with general manufacturer guidelines from brands like Samsung and OnePlus. I am not a technician—just sharing what made a difference for me while testing budget devices in the Best Phones Under Rs. 15,000 category.
1. Restrict Background Apps That Use CPU Silently
What I Noticed
On my phone, apps like Instagram and Meesho were using 6-8% battery even on days I did not open them. This suggests they were running background processes.
What I Changed
I went to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. For apps with high drain that I did not use, I selected “Restricted” or “Limit Background Activity”.
My Observation
After restricting 4 apps, the idle temperature on my device was around 3°C lower on average. This may vary on other phones.
2. Avoid Charging and Heavy Gaming at the Same Time
This was a habit I had to change. At 15% battery, I would often plug in the charger and start a game. The phone would get very hot within 10 minutes.
The Likely Reason
Charging generates heat in the battery. Gaming puts load on the processor, which also generates heat. Combined, the temperature can go above 48°C, which is not good for long-term battery health.
What I Do Now
If my battery is below 20%, I usually charge to 80% first. Then I play. If I have to use it while charging, I keep brightness below 40% and remove the case. This seemed to help keep the temperature lower in my case.
3. Remove the Phone Case During Intense Tasks
Phone cases, especially thick silicone or leather ones, can trap heat. The phone body is part of the cooling design.
When I Remove Mine
During gaming sessions longer than 30 minutes, 4K video recording, or using GPS in a car.
Important Note
I do not remove the case in direct sunlight. Glass back phones can absorb heat faster without a case. I experienced this once at the beach and the phone got hotter.
4. Manage 5G, 120Hz Refresh Rate, and Brightness
These three features can use a lot of power. A 5G modem in a weak signal area, a 120Hz display, and 100% brightness together may draw 4-5W power continuously.
My Current Settings
1. At Home on WiFi: I set network mode to 4G/LTE. 5G is not needed if I am on WiFi and it can save battery.
2. During Gaming: I use Game Mode to set the refresh rate to 60Hz. For me, the temperature difference was about 2-3°C.
3. Brightness: I use Auto-Brightness. Manually, I try to keep it between 40-60% indoors.
5. Keep the Phone Away From Direct Heat Sources
A car dashboard in the sun is one of the fastest ways to overheat a phone. In my testing, it can reach 55°C in 15 minutes.
My Habit Now
In the car, the phone stays in the glove box or a side door pocket. Never on the dashboard. Outdoors, it stays inside a bag.
Warning
If a phone gets overheated, putting it in a fridge or freezer is not recommended. Rapid temperature change can cause condensation inside, which may lead to water damage. Most manufacturers advise against this. A fan or an AC room is a safer option.
6. Keep Software Updated and Storage Under 85%
I had an instance where a system update improved my heating issue. The update log for my Realme phone mentioned “thermal management improvements”. After installing it, the issue was less frequent.
Two Things I Check
1. Software: Settings > System Update > I check once a month.
2. Storage: When storage was above 90%, my phone felt slower and warmer. I now keep it below 80% by using cloud backup. A restart once a month also seems to help.
7. Check for Hardware Faults if Nothing Else Works
If the above steps do not help and the phone still:
1. Heats up while idle on a table
2. Drains from 100% to 50% in under 2 hours
3. Shows a slightly swollen back panel
Then the issue might be hardware-related. In my previous phone, the battery had swollen. An authorized service center replaced it for ₹1700. Using original or BIS-certified chargers may help avoid such issues.
What Temperature Is Generally Considered Safe? My Data From 3 Months
| Activity | My Average Temp | Higher Risk Zone | What I Usually Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Browsing | 33°C – 37°C | 45°C+ | Close unused apps |
| Gaming (BGMI 60fps) | 39°C – 41°C | 48°C+ | Remove case, use a fan |
| Fast Charging | 36°C – 40°C | 45°C+ | Switch to normal charge if hot |
| Charging + Gaming | 44°C – 46°C | 50°C+ | I try to avoid this now |
Conclusion
In my testing, overheating was mostly related to usage habits and software settings. The 7 points above are what made a difference for my device. Results can vary based on phone model and environment. If the issue continues, contacting an authorized service center is a good next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I cool my phone faster in the fridge?
Ans: This is not recommended by manufacturers. Condensation can form inside and damage the motherboard. Warranty usually does not cover liquid damage. A fan or AC room is a safer method.
Q2. Do phones with vapor chamber cooling never overheat?
Ans: Based on my use, they overheat less, but they can still get hot. My iQOO Z9 Lite has a vapor chamber. It reached 43°C with 90fps gaming + charging. A phone without one might reach 47°C in the same test. It helps manage heat, but does not remove it completely.
Q3. Does Battery Saver mode reduce heat?
Ans: In my experience, yes. It limits CPU performance and background activity, which produces less heat. I use it when battery is below 25%. It is not ideal for gaming as it can cause lag.
Q4. Will turning off 5G keep the phone cooler?
Ans: It can. 5G modems can use more power than 4G, especially with a weak signal. If you are on WiFi at home, switching to 4G may help with battery and heat.
