I debated posting this cNet a piece on how to cool down an overheated phone. It’s pretty basic: Put it where it’s less hot.
Then, the internet happened. In a Facebook group I’m in, one of the guys posted that he has to keep his phone chargers zip-tied in his truck because his guys take them. Then I read that you shouldn’t put an overheating phone in the fridge. Fridge? It’s a computer for ____ sakes!
So, I decided—in case it’s useful as a hand-off to the guys or part of a pep talk so Cheap Ladder Bruno doesn’t bake his phone, or even fodder for your social media—to post it.
There are some decent tips if your phone is frying, like take it off the charger or out of a case.
pSafe, where I got the fridge gem, also advises not to stack devices, as this can further heat them.
Call me.
How to cool an overheated phone if it gets too hot
1. Remove the charger cable if you plugged it in.
2. Move it into a cool, dark place.
3. Turn off the phone to let the processor completely spin down and cool.
4. Remove the case if it’s in one. This allows cooler air to circulate around the phone’s metal or glass surfaces.
5. Let cool, dry air blow on it (from your car’s AC, a fan, or your refrigerator for a short period of time). This will help bring the phone’s internal temperature down faster and get it working again.
6. We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes, or longer, before turning it on to see if it’s sufficiently cooled.
