A quick breakdown of how high temperatures affect smartphone batteries, and what you can do to prevent long-term damage.
If your phone feels hot and loses battery faster during the summer, it’s not your imagination. Heat messes with lithium-ion batteries, and it’s a bigger issue than most people realize.
What’s Actually Happening
Smartphone batteries are chemical systems. When they get too hot—usually above 35°C (95°F)—the internal reactions speed up, which temporarily increases power draw and long-term degradation.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
- Faster battery drain
- Screen dimming or throttled performance
- Phone refusing to charge
- Unexpected shutdowns
Long-Term Effects
Regular heat exposure permanently shortens your battery’s lifespan. That’s why phones that sit on car dashboards or near windows tend to age badly.
How to Avoid It
- Don’t leave your phone in the car
- Avoid charging under your pillow or in direct sunlight
- Use airplane mode if you’re outside and don’t need full signal
- Turn off unnecessary background apps
The Bottom Line
Heat is one of the fastest ways to kill a battery. Keeping your phone cool won’t just make it last through the day—it’ll make it last years longer.