We all take our phones everywhere—markets, meetings, long rides, even to bed. But one thing most people don’t think about? Just how much heat these devices can actually handle.
If you live in Nigeria or pretty much anywhere across Africa, chances are your phone’s already begging for shade. Most smartphones today aren’t built for constant heat. And yes, that includes the heat we face on the daily.
Hommer Zhao, a tech manufacturing specialist at OurPCB, says he’s seen a sharp increase in phone problems linked to heat. “We’re talking swollen batteries, flickering screens, and devices that just shut down out of nowhere,” he noted.
Surprisingly, phones aren’t built to handle anything beyond about 35°C (that’s just 95°F). Go over that too often, and your phone might start acting up—or worse, give up.
Ever noticed your screen dim randomly, or your phone slowing down for no reason on a hot day? That’s not a glitch. That’s your phone overheating and trying to save itself.
Zhao shared a few easy but often ignored tips to keep your phone from frying:
1. Don’t leave your phone in a hot car—or even in your pocket.
Cars heat up fast, and so does your phone when trapped inside. But even your trouser pocket can be risky under the blazing sun.
2. Avoid charging it in hot, stuffy rooms.
Charging generates heat. Combine that with an already warm room and you’ve got a hot mess. Stay away from windows and rooms with no airflow.
3. Close apps you’re not using.
Background apps push your phone’s processor to work overtime. That means more heat. Shut down what you don’t need.
4. Use battery saver mode—even if your battery’s fine.
It limits activity on your phone and helps it stay cool, especially during the hottest part of the day.
5. Take off the phone case if it’s overheating.
Cases trap heat. If your phone feels warm, remove the case and give it a breather.
6. Keep your phone off hot surfaces.
Don’t set it down on car dashboards, kitchen counters, or on top of electronics. Those surfaces only add more heat.
7. If it feels hot, stop using it.
Tough love, but crucial. Let your phone rest in the shade if it’s getting too warm.
One surprising heat culprit? Using GPS in a car during the day. Mounting your phone on the windshield under the sun turns it into a mini oven. No one wants their phone to crash mid-drive, especially when you’re depending on it for directions.
Here’s the upside: heat damage is almost always preventable. These aren’t huge sacrifices—just smart little habits that’ll keep your phone happier (and working longer).
So, just like we protect ourselves with water bottles and sunscreen, it’s time to show our phones the same kind of care. A little attention now might save you from a dead screen—and a heavy repair bill—later.
