Stop Overheating Phones

Why You Should Never Put Your Phone in the Fridge

As temperatures remain high in the UK, typical of summer, electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are prone to overheating if not adequately protected. A so-called ‘insider tip’ is currently trending on social media, recommending that phones or affected devices be put in the fridge to cool down. However, this trend is leading to an increase in faulty smartphones being sent to repair shops, according to Techspot.

This is because the rapid cooling in the fridge can cause serious damage to the hardware of devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25, Apple iPhone 14, or Google Pixel 7. The rapid cooling of the warm air inside the smartphone causes condensation, which can settle in gaps or even on vital components. The device warming up again as soon as you remove it from the fridge increases the risk of moisture build-up even further. Even if your device has a high IP rating, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 with IP67 rating, this is extremely harmful.

7 Easy Ways to Stop Your Phone from Overheating

Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones, such as those found in the Apple Watch Series 10 or iPad Air M2, are not designed to withstand rapid temperature changes – neither from hot to cold nor the other way round. This is why it is so important not to leave devices outside for too long, whether in summer or winter. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to battery damage, ranging from accelerated wear and tear to the battery swelling and even catching fire.

A better approach is to disconnect your device from any chargers or power banks and place it somewhere out of direct sunlight. This will allow it to cool down slowly and safely. Close any apps and processes that are putting a strain on the RAM or running continuously in the background and consider switching airplane mode on. Otherwise, this will further increase heat build-up. Removing protective cases, such as those made of silicone or leather, can also help, as they can trap heat underneath. If the device still doesn’t cool down, activate power-saving mode or shut it down completely straight away. This prevents further strain on the battery.

Special mobile phone coolers are also available to buy on Amazon UK and similar sites, although their effectiveness has not been proven. It is essential to take precautions to prevent overheating, especially during the summer months, to ensure the longevity of your device and avoid costly repairs.