Keep your Galaxy device at its normal operating temperature

Whether you're using a phone, tablet, smart watch, or earbuds, all Galaxy devices have a set temperature range, where they operate at their best. While they may feel warm under certain conditions, like charging, this does not affect the device's lifespan or performance. However, if your devices get too warm, it could cause some issues. Use this guide to help keep your devices at their normal operating temperature.
Girl in blue jacket looking at phone
Girl in blue jacket looking at phone

Keep your Galaxy device at its normal operating temperature

Note
Results and symptoms may vary depending on the device and model being used. Some instructions will not apply to certain devices.

Factors that may impact temperature

Although your Galaxy devices may get warm sometimes, they have built-in safeguards to alert you and protect themselves if their temperature exceeds the normal operating range. Check out the CTIA's useful tips on safe usage for more information.

 

Factors that can affect your device's temperature:

  • Using your device outside of normal operating conditions, which are ambient temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Placing your device on or near a heat source, leaving it in a parked car on a hot day, or continual use in direct sunlight.
  • Using multiple apps for an extended period of time, or using processor-intensive apps such as gaming or GPS tracking.
  • Charging the device with a non-Samsung, incompatible, or defective charger (and USB cable).
  • Initial setup and data transfer from a previous device.
  • System or firmware updates.
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What if a device feels too warm?

Here are some tips for what to do if your Galaxy devices warms up:

  • Disconnect the charger, and close any running apps until the device cools down. If you are wearing earbuds, stop playing music, don't use voice command, and turn off ambient sound. If you have the Gear IconX, turn off the pace setter.
  • Try using a different Samsung-approved charger (and USB cable) when charging. If you are using a wireless charger, remove metal or magnetic material between the device and the charger.  Be sure to charge the device on a hard, flat surface.
  • If applicable, turn off Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth when you're not using them. Turn down the device's screen brightness, and delete unused or unnecessary files and apps.
  • Keep the device's software and apps updated to the latest software version.
  • Do not use or wear the device until it cools down completely. If the device is still too warm to touch, you should contact Samsung support.
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What happens when a phone needs to cool down?

If your phone gets too hot, you should remove your phone from any of the conditions listed above and let it cool down before using it again. In this situation, the phone may power off, close apps, temporarily stop charging, and/or dim the display. Your phone will also display one of the following notifications to let you know your phone needs to cool down. The wording may vary by model.

  • Notification: Cooling down.
  • Power off device: Your device is overheating. It will now power off to cool down. 
  • Device powered off automatically: Your device is overheating. It powered off to prevent damage. Overheating can be caused by: Using graphics-intense applications, such as games and navigation applications, for long periods of time. Transferring large files. Using your device in a hot environment.
  • Device overheating: Your device is overheating. Steps will be taken to cool it down. You can still use your device, but the screen may get dimmer, the device may slow down, charging may pause, and apps will be automatically closed. After the device cools down, performance will return to normal automatically.
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What happens when a smart watch needs to cool down?

When your watch reaches certain temperatures, it will send you alerts and also perform some precautionary steps to protect itself from damage. If you're wearing the smart watch, immediately remove it from your wrist and let it cool down.

 

Here's what will happen when your watch needs to cool down and what you should do:

  • First alert: If the watch reaches 113 degrees Fahrenheit, a warning message will appear on the screen. Remove the watch from your wrist and allow it to cool down. Doing so will prevent damage to the watch's battery life.
  • Second alert: If the watch's temperature continues to rise, a second warning message will appear, at which time calling and other functions may be disabled, except incoming 911 calls.

    Note: Any connected 911 calls will remain active until you terminate the call. Depending on your service provider, you may not be able to make or receive 911 calls until the watch cools down.
  • Third alert: After exceeding 113 degrees Fahrenheit, a third warning message will appear, and then the watch will automatically power off.
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What happens when earbuds need to cool down?

Your Samsung earbuds will constantly beep as a safety measure to alert you that they need to cool down. If you're wearing the earbuds when they feel hot the touch or start beeping, immediately remove them from your ears. Do not place the earbuds in the charging case or use them again until the earbuds have cool down completely.
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