iphone on fire while gaming

Stop Your Phone from Overheating While Gaming

Mobile gaming is more popular than ever, but if your phone gets hot enough to fry an egg, it’s time to make some changes.

Whether you play for fun or competitively, overheating doesn’t just ruin your gaming session, it can also damage your phone permanently.

Published on May 25, 2025

Why Mobile Gaming Heats Up Your Phone

Gaming pushes your phone’s processor (CPU) and graphics chip (GPU) to work harder than almost any other app. That constant demand can:

  • Drain the battery fast
  • Heat up the internal parts
  • Slow down performance
  • Cause your phone to crash or shut down

The more intense the graphics or the longer you play, the hotter your phone gets.

How to Stop Your Phone Overheating While Gaming

The best fix is prevention. Here's how to stop overheating before it starts:

1. Use Game Mode or Performance Settings

Many Android phones have built-in Game Modes. These manage resources and reduce background activity.

iPhones automatically adjust, but you can also tweak battery and brightness settings.

2. Avoid playing while charging

Gaming while plugged in creates a double load — charging heats the battery, and gaming heats the CPU. Do one or the other, not both.

3. Turn off background processes

Close apps like Instagram, Spotify, or YouTube before you start gaming. They quietly use memory and power.

4. Check your phone’s temperature

Use free apps like CPU Monitor or Device Info HW to keep an eye on your phone’s internal heat.

5. Keep your phone and apps updated

Updates often include performance fixes that can stop your phone from working too hard.

6. Invest in a cooling fan

A phone cooling fan is one of the most effective ways to eliminate overheating problems.

This dual cooling fan with built-in heat sink is a perfect option for mobile gaming:

7. Use Airplane mode for offline games

This shuts down mobile signal, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth — reducing heat and saving battery.

8. Get a better case

Some cases are breathable or made with materials that help heat escape. Avoid thick rubbery cases when gaming.

How to Cool Your Phone Down Quickly

If your phone is already hot, try these steps straight away:

android phone in snow with thermometer

1. Pause the game

Give your phone a few minutes to rest. Just like you, it needs a breather.

2. Close other apps

Background apps can secretly hog your CPU. Close them to give your phone some relief.

3. Turn down the screen brightness

Lower brightness means less power, which means less heat.

4. Remove your case

Most phone cases trap heat. Take it off to help the phone breathe.

5. Move to a cooler space

Step away from the sun or put your phone near a fan or air vent.

Never:

  • Put your phone in the fridge or freezer, it can damage the screen or cause condensation inside.

  • Use random apps that promise to "cool your phone", they often don’t work and may contain malware.

Keep Calm and Game On

Gaming should be fun, not stressful. With the right habits and tools, you can enjoy smoother play and keep your phone safe from heat damage.

If you game regularly, we highly recommend investing in a quality phone cooling fan. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your phone cool during long sessions.