How to Keep Your Phone Cool in the Car

PDF download Download Article
Prevent your iPhone or Android from overheating in the car with these simple tips and tricks
PDF download Download Article

During the summer months, your car can feel like a sauna when it's left in the sun. Unfortunately, these temperatures are detrimental to sensitive electronics like your phone. By adjusting a few settings or keeping your phone out of the sun, you can easily keep it nice and cool.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Your Phone in the Heat

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-1.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you need to use your phone while you’re in your car, purchase a mount that attaches to one of the dashboard air vents. Turn on the air conditioner so it keeps your phone cold.
    • Be aware of the laws where you live about using your phone while driving. Keep your safety and the safety of others in mind.
    • Vent mounts can be purchased at many convenience stores or online. They either hold your phone with a clamp or with a magnet.
    • Be cautious using vent mounts in colder climates, since they would then be absorbing the heat coming from the vent.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-2.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Certain apps and phone settings run in the background and use up a lot of processing power. Go to your phone settings and turn off anything you’re not using.
    • Some phones have a “low battery mode” that automatically turns off apps that refresh in the background and help reduce the heat your phone produces.
    • Location services and games are taxing to your processor and they can make your phone heat up faster. If you don’t need to use them, turn them off.
    • Social media and contacting apps, since they constantly push notifications, are huge battery drainers and can overwork your battery.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-3.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re not expecting any calls or you don’t need to use data, switch your phone to airplane mode. When your phone is constantly searching for a signal, it will start to overheat.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-4.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Charging your phone heats your battery since it is an electrical process. If the battery is hot and you charge your phone, it will only make it hotter and affect the battery life. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave your house. [1]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-5.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A phone case can act as an insulator and make your phone too hot. If you have to keep your phone in your car, remove the case for the time being. [2]
    • Use a light-colored case rather than a dark-colored case. Light reflects off of lighter colors while darker colors absorb the heat.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Storing Your Phone Safely

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-6.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since the interior of a car can get hotter than it is outside, your phone could overheat and destroy your battery. Store your phone in the center console or in the trunk so it is away from windows where sunlight cannot reach it. [3]
    • Park in a location that receives a lot of shade rather than in the sun if you are able.
    • Avoid storing your phone in the glovebox since the heat from the engine or transmission can add to the damage. [4]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-7.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep a pouch under your car seat where you can store your phone. Put your phone there whenever you have to leave it in the car. Your phone will be out of the sun and out of sight. [5]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-8.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Put reflective window covers over your windshield and your back window when you’ve parked your car to block out the maximum amount of light. Rather than the interior of your car absorbing heat, it will reflect back outside. [6]
    • Window covers can be purchased at many big box stores, automotive stores, or online.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-9.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lay your phone on the floor on your back seat and cover it with a white towel. Since heat rises, the floor will be the coolest area in your car. [7]
    • A dark-colored towel will absorb heat and make your phone warmer.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-10.jpg\/aid9980501-v4-728px-Keep-Your-Phone-Cool-in-the-Car-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep a lunch box with built-in insulation in the backseat of your car. When you have to leave your phone, keep it in the lunch box. Not only does insulation keep in the cold; it will keep out the heat. [8]
    • Keep an ice pack in a separate pocket of the lunch box so it stays cold for longer. If there isn’t another compartment, put the ice pack in a resealable bag and wrap it in a small towel so your phone doesn't suffer any water damage.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find the PUK Code to Unlock Your SIM
      How to
      Unlock a SIM
      How to
      Find a Payphone Anywhere in The World
      How to
      Keep Your Phone's Battery Healthy (And Last Longer)
      How to
      Activate Call Forwarding
      How to
      Tell if Your Phone Is Tapped
      How to
      Respond to Emoji Texts
      How to
      Ping an Android or iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Methods to Try
      How Fix a Frozen or Unresponsive Smartphone
      15+ Interesting Topics for When You Talk to a Girl on the Phone
      Why Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed and How to Fix It
      2 Easy Ways to Get Cell Phone Records
      What Does 'No Caller ID' Mean?+How To Stop Them
      How to
      Cover a Phone Jack on the Wall
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/06/why-does-my-phone-get-hot-slow-down-summer
      2. ↑ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/prevent-android-phone-overheating/
      3. ↑ https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno/stories/news/2014/07/06/top-8-tips-phone-cool-summer-heat.html
      4. ↑ http://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/03/14/keep-iphone-from-getting-too-hot/
      5. ↑ http://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/03/14/keep-iphone-from-getting-too-hot/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/KKlrQeMUOlk?t=25s
      7. ↑ http://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/03/14/keep-iphone-from-getting-too-hot/
      8. ↑ https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno/stories/news/2014/07/06/top-8-tips-phone-cool-summer-heat.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,764 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement