Most of us carry our smartphones everywhere, to the market, to work, on road trips, even to bed.
But what many don’t realise is that modern phones are not built to withstand extreme or prolonged heat, especially the kind we experience almost daily in Nigeria and much of Africa.
Hommer Zhao, electronics manufacturing expert at OurPCB, says there’s been a noticeable rise in heat-related smartphone failures due to overheating. “We’re seeing battery swelling, glitchy screens, and phones randomly shutting down,” Zhao explained.
“A lot of people assume their devices can handle any condition, but most smartphones are only designed to function safely up to around 35°C.” That’s just 95°F. Beyond that, you’re putting your hardware at risk.
I’ve spoken with too many people who didn’t even know their phone could overheat. But if you’ve ever had it suddenly dim, slow down, or go dark for no clear reason, especially on a hot day, chances are, that was heat damage beginning to show.
To protect your phone, Zhao offers seven practical steps. They’re quick, easy, and mostly common sense, but surprisingly overlooked.
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Never leave your phone in a parked car—or even your pocket
Cars turn into ovens in minutes. Leaving your phone on a dashboard or even in a side door pocket while the engine is off is a recipe for disaster. But it’s not just cars. On hot days, even keeping a phone in your trouser pocket can be risky, especially if you’re walking under the sun.
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Don’t charge in hot or sunlit rooms
Charging naturally warms up your device. Doing it in a warm environment makes the internal heat build up faster, and it has nowhere to go. Avoid plugging your phone in by a sunny window, or in rooms without ventilation.
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Shut down background apps when not in use
The more apps running in the background, the more your phone works—and the hotter it gets. Close everything you don’t need. Your processor will thank you.
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Use battery-saver mode during peak heat
It’s not just for emergencies. Battery-saver mode reduces performance and power usage, both of which lower internal temperature.
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Remove your phone case when necessary
Phone cases trap heat. If your phone is already warm and you keep it in a thick case, you’re stopping it from releasing any of that heat. Take it off when charging or using heavy apps.
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Keep it off hot surfaces
Don’t place your phone on warm countertops, car dashboards, or even on top of electronics like modems or speakers. The external heat adds to the problem.
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Stop using it if it feels hot
This is the hardest tip to follow but possibly the most important. If your phone feels unusually warm, stop using it. Let it cool down in the shade, away from all direct heat sources.
Zhao also made a critical point about navigation apps. “GPS navigation during daytime drives can quickly overheat phones, especially when mounted on a windshield or dashboard,” he warned. I’ve seen it happen; phones dying mid-journey, leaving drivers lost for directions.
The good news is that most overheating is preventable. These aren’t big lifestyle changes, just better habits. Think of them as summer essentials, no different from sunscreen or water bottles. Because while smartphones might feel like magic, they’re still machines, and machines hate heat.
In hot climates, we adapt our habits to survive the heat. Our devices should be treated with the same awareness. A little care goes a long way, and may save you thousands in avoidable repairs or replacements.
