How to keep your iPhone from overheating and avoid permanent battery damage

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s very hot. Major heat waves have hit regions all over the world, including the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia.

With dangerously high temperatures in some areas, authorities have advised staying indoors and taking it easy. The same can be said for your iPhone. According to Apple, “using an iOS or iPadOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life.” Here’s how to protect your device and what to do if it gets too hot.

How hot is too hot for your iPhone or iPad

Apple recommends using your iPhone in an environment between 32 degrees and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything outside of that scope might affect your device’s functionality. Your device is designed with built-in protections to prevent overheating. But that comes with a cost, since using your iPhone or iPad in consistently high temperatures might permanently impact its battery.

If your iPhone or iPad gets warm when restoring a backup, playing games, streaming a high-quality video, or using a wireless charger, that’s normal. It should cool down after any of these actions stop.

You’ll know it gets too warm when your screen gets dimmer, it’s not wirelessly charging properly, performance is slow or laggy, or your camera flash stops working. These are internal measures your iPhone or iPad takes to try and regulate its temperature.

If your device remains in high temperatures you might get an alert saying “Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down.” Note: In this mode, you can still make emergency calls and use navigation by audio, so even when it’s baking on your car’s dashboard, it can still provide basic directions.

If your device looks like this, it’s having a meltdown.
Credit: Apple

How to cool down your iPhone or iPad

If your device starts showing any of the performance issues above or goes into emergency cool-down mode, turn off your device and immediately move it to cooler temperatures or out of direct sunlight. It also helps to remove the case if it has one, put it in front of a fan, or yes, even blow on it. Your device should cool down within a few minutes and restore functionality.

In general, avoid leaving your iPhone or iPad in a car or in direct sunlight. These are surefire ways to “cook” your device, and no one likes an overcooked iPhone or iPad.