Why does my iPhone get hot while charging?

It’s common for an iPhone to get warm while charging. Charging a lithium-ion battery naturally produces some heat, and the phone also creates heat as power moves through its charging circuitry.

It can feel hotter than usual when:

• You’re using it heavily while charging, like gaming, streaming video, using GPS, or downloading large files
• A faster charger is in use, since higher charging speeds can generate more heat than slower charging
• The case or charging surface traps heat, such as a thick case or charging on a bed or sofa
• The phone is doing background tasks, like restoring data, indexing after an update, or syncing photos
• The environment is hot or the phone is in direct sunlight

To help it stay cooler:

• Remove the case while charging if it gets warm
• Charge on a hard, flat surface
• Avoid using demanding apps while plugged in
• Keep it out of direct sun and away from hot cars
• Use a good-quality charger and cable that are compatible with your iPhone

If the iPhone gets very hot, shows a temperature warning, or seems swollen or smells burnt, unplug it and get it checked by Apple or an authorized service provider.