Summer in Spain and many other places can bring extreme temperatures that affect not only people but also our electronic devices, especially Android phones. Who hasn't experienced it when they go outside, to the beach, or to the pool, and their phone starts to heat up to the point of being uncomfortable? Or worse, noticing a drop in performance, a shorter battery life, or the phone giving off an alert because it's overheated. Protecting your Android from heat is more than necessary to avoid breakdowns, malfunctions, and even irreversible damage. In this article, you'll find out. all the tricks and recommendations collected from the best experts and technology portals so that your smartphone survives the summer without any problems.
Keep your phone safe from extreme heat During the summer months, it can become a real challenge. Direct sunlight isn't the only danger; poorly ventilated environments, the habit of leaving your phone in the car, and intensive use of apps or games are also dangerous. Did you know that even your phone case can be a silent enemy? We'll also tell you which apps are actually useful and which ones are best avoided. Read carefully and take notes to extend the life of your phone and enjoy the summer without worries.
Why is heat so bad for your Android phone?
Today's smartphones are designed to operate in a range of ambient temperatures that usually range between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. If this range is exceeded, the manufacturers themselves warn of the risks to the battery, display, or internal circuitryExcessive heat can cause:
- The mobile decrease its performance to protect itself by slowing it down.
- La battery degrades or loses capacity of load, shortening its useful life prematurely.
- Even if the overheating is severe, some components may be irreversibly damaged.
- If critical temperatures are reached, the phone can be turned off automatically to avoid greater evils.
It's not a question of being alarmed, but of being aware: Heat is one of the worst enemies of electronic devices, along with the humidity, sand or salt water that are common in the summer.
How to protect your Android from overheating: essential tips
1. Protect your phone from direct sunlight
It seems obvious, but it's one of the most common mistakes. Leaving your phone exposed to the sun, whether at the beach, at the pool, on a terrace, or on a towel, can trigger its temperature in a matter of minutes. Whenever you are outdoors, try to keep your phone in your bag, pocket, under an umbrella, or covered with a t-shirt.If you can leave it at home or somewhere cool, even better. Don't even think about it in the car: The interior can easily exceed 45 degrees in summer.
2. The cover, yes or no?
A case is your best ally against drops and scratches... but in summer, it can work against you. Many cases, especially thick ones or those made of non-breathable materials, They trap heat and make the phone dissipate temperature worse.If you notice that your phone is getting hotter than normal, temporarily remove the cover and let it "breathe" better. There are silicone or mesh covers that are more appropriate for this time of year.
3. Avoid charging your phone in extreme heat to protect your Android.
Charging is a process that in itself generates heat. Charging your phone in the sun, in bed, or under your pillow is a serious mistake., as it can dangerously raise the interior temperature. If you need to charge it, do so in a cool place on a hard, ventilated surface. Also, reduces fast chargingIf your phone allows it, disable fast charging on hot days or when your device feels warm. Normal charging is preferable; it's slower but much safer for the battery.
4. Limit the use of demanding apps and games in high temperatures
High-power applications, video games, recording long videos, or using the camera for extended periods of time can cause the processor and battery to rise. Avoid intensive use If the ambient temperature is already high, especially outdoors. If you must use GPS, for example, try limiting the time it's active and lowering the screen brightness.
5. Display: Brightness, Dark Mode, and Usage Time
The screen is one of the elements that generates the most heat. Use just the right amount of brightness to be able to see the content, but avoid setting it to the maximum unless absolutely necessary. A very interesting alternative is activate dark mode on the phone and compatible apps, as this way the screen needs to illuminate fewer areas and generates less heat (especially on OLED panels). Additionally, turn off the screen whenever you are not using it, as obvious as it may seem, and avoid leaving videos or apps open if you're not going to look at your phone immediately.
6. Close background apps to protect your Android
Many times, without realizing it, we have apps running in the background that continue to consume resources and, therefore, generate heat. Periodically close applications that you do not use to reduce the load on the CPU and battery. You can do this cleaning manually or using the Android Task Manager.
7. System and app updates
It seems like a minor tip, but keep the operating system and applications up to date helps optimize performance, energy efficiency, and resource management, which can mitigate heat generation in many situations.
8. Take care of the environment: humidity, sand and surfaces
It's not just direct heat that's affecting. Moisture and sand can seep through the ports and damage the interior.If you're going to the beach or pool, try to use waterproof cases if you're going to expose your phone to these elements, but remember that heat can rise faster inside the plastic than outside. Also, never rest your phone on hot surfaces: if you have to leave it somewhere, choose a cool, dry surface (even near a fan or air conditioner if possible).
9. Take special care when charging at night
Avoid leaving your phone under your pillow, between your sheets, or near fabrics while charging. Fabrics retain heat and can prevent dissipation, with the consequent risk to the battery and the components.
10. Do not put your phone in the refrigerator or under cold water.
One of the most widespread myths is that you can quickly cool your phone by putting it in the refrigerator or running it under cold water. This is a mistakeA sudden change in temperature can damage the screen and cause condensation, which is worse than the initial warm-up. If you need to cool it down, it's best to turn it off, remove the case, and leave it in a cool, well-ventilated place, preferably near a fan or air conditioner, until it returns to normal temperature.
Are apps useful for reducing mobile temperature?
App stores are full of apps that promise miracles. “cool down” your phone. According to experts and tests from various technological media, Most of these applications are not effectiveThey usually limit themselves to closing background processes, something you can do yourself from Android settings without installing anything additional. What's more, some of these apps can introduce intrusive ads or even work counterproductively, taking up resources and generating more heat.
However, there are serious applications such as CPU Monitor o CPU-Z that serve to monitor internal temperature and other system parameters. These are recommended if you want to keep track and make informed decisions about when to give your phone a break.
When should you worry and what should you do if your phone gets too hot?
Sometimes, your phone itself issues high temperature alerts and temporarily disables certain features. If this happens, or you notice your phone is so hot it's uncomfortable to touch:
- turn it off immediately and remove the case and any accessories.
- Do not charge it while it is cooling. nor expose it to sudden changes in temperature.
- Leave it on a cool, ventilated surface, if possible away from the sun or heat sources.
- If you can, bring it closer to a fan or a gentle draft.
- Only turn it back on when it has returned to normal temperature.
If your phone turns off on its own, don't force its use. Wait until it has cooled down. If the situation recurs frequently, consult with technical service because it may indicate an internal problem.
Using accessories to cool your phone and protect your Android
In the market have appeared mobile fans, small devices that attach to the back or ports of the phone and help dissipate heat, especially during intensive use (gaming, video recording, etc.). If you tend to put a lot of pressure on your device and notice it heats up quickly, they can be a good investment. Try to choose quality models and always check compatibility with your phone model. Of course, they're not essential for the average user, but they can make a difference in certain scenarios and help prevent damage from accumulated heat.
Other recommendations to protect your Android device in summer
- Clean up traces of sunscreen, water, or sand from the surface and ports of the mobile phone before using or storing it, to prevent these elements from damaging the circuits.
- Choosing to leave your cell phone at home or use an older terminal if you are going to be exposed to very extreme conditions and do not need to be constantly connected.
- Never leave multiple devices together in the same hot place, as they transmit heat to each other and can overheat in a chain.
- Consider using watertight or cooling covers, but be aware that heat is always more difficult to dissipate when there are plastics or non-breathable materials around the device.
What NOT to do if your phone is hot
- Do not expose it to cold water or sudden changes in temperature.
- Do not put it in the refrigerator, freezer, or use air conditioning at full power directly.
- Do not ignore temperature alerts or system warnings.
- Do not continue using it for demanding tasks until it cools down.
Protecting your Android phone from extreme summer heat requires paying attention to your daily habits and making small adjustments. By following these tips and maintaining conscious usage, you can avoid major problems and extend the lifespan of your device.
Watch for signs of overheating, act quickly at the first signs, and remember that during hot periods, your phone also needs a break to function properly. Share the information and more people will know how to protect their Android in the summer.