If your iPhone feels hot while it’s charging, you’re not alone. Many users notice that their iPhone warms up—sometimes noticeably—when plugged in. While a slight temperature increase is normal during charging, excessive heat can be a sign of underlying issues such as software bugs, charging hardware problems, or environmental conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore why your iPhone heats up while charging, what level of heat is normal, when it becomes a problem, and how to fix or avoid overheating.
🔥 Is It Normal for iPhones to Get Warm While Charging?
Yes—to a degree.
During charging, your iPhone performs energy conversion and battery management, which produces heat. Mild warmth is expected, especially when using fast charging or charging from 0% to 80% quickly.
However, it’s not normal for your iPhone to become:
- Uncomfortably hot to touch
- Hot enough to display a temperature warning
- Hot only in certain areas (e.g., near the battery or charging port)
Common Reasons Why iPhones Get Hot While Charging
Fast Charging Generates More Heat
iPhones with fast charging capabilities (iPhone 8 and newer) use higher wattage adapters to speed up charging. This rapid energy transfer generates heat, especially in the first 30 minutes.
Solution:
- Use certified 20W Apple chargers for optimal fast charging
- Avoid using third-party or high-wattage chargers that aren’t MFi-certified
Charging and Using the Phone Simultaneously
If you’re streaming video, playing games, or using GPS while charging, the processor is working hard. Combine this with battery charging, and the device heats up.
Solution:
- Avoid heavy use while charging
- Let the screen go dark
- Turn on Airplane Mode or Low Power Mode for faster, cooler charging
Wireless Charging Causes More Heat
Wireless chargers work by inductive charging, which naturally produces more heat than wired charging due to energy loss.
Solution:
- Use a high-quality Qi-certified charger
- Remove thick or metal cases
- Ensure proper alignment on the charging pad
Charging in a Hot Environment
Charging your iPhone in a hot car, under a pillow, or near heat sources can trap warmth and prevent heat dissipation.
Solution:
- Charge in a cool, ventilated place
- Remove your case while charging, especially thick or insulated ones
- Never charge under direct sunlight or in an enclosed space
Background App Activity or Software Glitches
Sometimes, apps running in the background or software bugs may cause the processor to overwork during charging.
Fixes:
- Restart your iPhone to clear background tasks
- Check battery usage:
- Settings > Battery > Battery Usage by App
- Close apps consuming excessive resources
- Update iOS:
Settings > General > Software Update
Damaged Charging Cable or Adapter
Using a damaged cable or a low-quality charging brick may lead to irregular power flow, generating excess heat.
Signs:
- Cable feels hot to the touch
- Charging is intermittent
- Charger makes buzzing sounds
Solution:
- Use only Apple-certified or MFi-certified chargers
- Replace any cable that shows signs of fraying or wear
Battery Health Degradation
Older or degraded batteries become less efficient and may produce heat when charging due to increased internal resistance.
Check battery health:
- Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- If Maximum Capacity is under 80%, consider a battery replacement
When to Worry About iPhone Overheating While Charging
Your iPhone has built-in thermal protections. If it becomes too hot, it may:
- Automatically stop charging
- Dim the display
- Disable features like the flash
- Display a temperature warning:
“iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it”
If you experience this:
- Unplug immediately
- Move to a cool area
- Remove your phone case
- Avoid charging again until it cools down
Persistent overheating may damage your battery and reduce its lifespan. If it occurs frequently, contact Apple Support.
Tips to Keep Your iPhone Cool While Charging
- ✅ Charge in a cool environment
- ✅ Use genuine Apple or MFi-certified chargers
- ✅ Avoid using your iPhone while charging
- ✅ Take off your phone case during charging if it’s bulky or insulated
- ✅ Keep your iPhone out of direct sunlight
- ✅ Update to the latest iOS version
- ✅ Enable Optimized Battery Charging
(Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging)
Summary
It’s normal for your iPhone to get slightly warm while charging, especially when using fast charging or wireless methods. However, excessive or frequent overheating can point to poor charging practices, environmental heat, software bugs, or hardware problems.
By using the right accessories, keeping your iPhone cool, and avoiding intensive use during charging, you can significantly reduce heat and protect your battery’s health and performance.
Quick Checklist:
| ✅ Cause | ✅ Solution |
| Fast charging | Use 20W Apple adapter only |
| Hot environment | Charge in a cool, ventilated place |
| Using while charging | Avoid multitasking while plugged in |
| Wireless charger heat | Use Qi-certified chargers, remove case |
| Software bugs | Restart and update iOS |
| Old battery | Check health and consider replacement |
Meta Description:
Is your iPhone getting hot while charging? Learn why it happens, when it’s normal, and how to cool it down—plus tips to prevent overheating and protect your battery life.
