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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Android Auto can cause your phone to overheat due to its intensive data usage.
- There are several tricks you can use to keep your phone cool.
- Closing apps, running your car’s AC, and using a new cable can all help.
Android Auto can be an incredibly useful tool, but it’s pretty taxing on your phone.
When your device is navigating, streaming music, charging, sending data, and more at the same time, it’s no surprise it might start to run hot — especially if you live in a warm climate. I’ve seen high temperature warnings on my phone several times while using Android Auto, and it’s frustrating to have to disconnect or even turn off your device when you need it most.
Also: I saw the future of Android Auto, and now Google has me dreading my own car
8 simple ways to keep your phone from overheating
Fortunately, there are several tricks you can employ to help keep your phone cool while running Android Auto. These might be simple fixes, but they can have a big impact. Here’s the best way to stop your phone from overheating.
1. Go wired instead of wireless
Phones tend to overheat when they’re overworked, and switching to a wired connection can help. Android Auto in wireless mode constantly uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth together, and using a cable takes some work off your device.
2. Remove your case
Especially while running demanding apps like navigation and music at the same time, your phone can use a little breathing room. This might not make much difference if you have a normal case, but if you have a rugged or heavy case, it’s a good idea to take your phone out of its case for a long drive.
Also: Android Auto runs faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 easy tweaks
3. Turn off your phone’s screen
Your phone’s screen uses a lot of power, which in turn makes your device run warmer. If you’re using Android Auto, you likely don’t need your phone’s screen in addition to your car’s screen, so turn off your phone’s display or at least lower its brightness.
4. Use your car’s AC
It’s the lowest of low-tech fixes, but if you’re consistently seeing overheating problems with Android Auto, point one of your car’s vents toward your phone (provided you’re using AC and not heat). Just as gaming PCs use CPU fans to keep the computer’s internals cool, airflow can make a significant difference in your phone, too.
Also: 6 Android Auto apps I wish I found sooner, because they make every drive easier
If you’re experiencing overheating issues, you’ll probably see an immediate temperature drop and performance boost with a simple redirection of a vent. There are even phone mounts that clip directly into a vent, and a lot of them double as wireless chargers.
5. Only use quality cables
Cheap cables or cables that are worn from years of use can be a big cause of your phone overheating. Android Auto pushes a lot of data, and a bad cable can lead your phone to repeatedly connect and disconnect, draw more power than necessary, or struggle to charge, all of which can cause heat.
Also: 10 useful cables and connectors I use every day
Make sure you have a high-quality cable that supports both fast data transfer and charging, and that it’s not unnecessarily long, which can cause electrical resistance. (A 3-foot option is probably best.)
6. Close unnecessary apps
Closing apps you don’t need can be surprisingly effective at keeping your phone cool, especially on older devices. Your phone is already taxed while running Android Auto, so close any social media apps that might be refreshing. Photo backup apps, messaging apps, and even shopping apps are usual culprits, but if you want to be safe, restart your phone before firing up Android Auto.
7. Download maps offline
Especially on a long road trip or a drive in an area with spotty service, downloading a map can help prevent your phone from overheating (you can find the instructions here). Navigation apps pull a lot of data while they’re in use, and offline maps can reduce some of that strain. As long as you still have a connection, you’ll still get features like real-time traffic and accident reports.
Also: 4 Android Auto settings I always turn on for a safer ride
8. Disable fast charging
Fast charging generates more heat on your device, and while your phone can usually handle it just fine, it can cause trouble if it’s doing several other things simultaneously. Without fast charging, your phone still charges, just at a slower pace that creates less heat. Repeated sessions charging in a hot car can be bad for your battery anyway, so even if you’re not seeing overheating issues, it’s a good idea to use slow charging in a vehicle. To disable fast charging, search for it in your settings and toggle it off.
