Here's why your Google Pixel is overheating & what you can do about it

Overheating is a common issue faced by many smartphone users, and Google Pixel owners are no exception. While the Pixel line is known for its exceptional cameras and bloat-free UI, heat management isn’t something these phones are good at. In this article, we’ll delve into the root causes of Pixel overheating, explore some real-world scenarios, and provide practical solutions to help you keep your device running cool and efficient.

Overheating phones always have been and will likely continue to be a major problem. However, things took a turn for the worse when Google introduced its in-house “Tensor” SoC for its Pixel phones. The OG Tensor debuted with the Pixel 6 series with an aim to enhance AI and ML features on these phones. While all the AI advancements are great, there’s no denying that reports about Pixel phones overheating skyrocketed.

Users with the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series all experienced overheating issues due to some reason or the other. Of course, I’ll explain the potential reasons later on. However, it’s clear that the Tensor SoCs used in the Pixel phones aren’t as efficient as their Snapdragon counterparts.

Taking the temperature up a notch is a missing vapor chamber. Even the latest Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t pack a vapor chamber to tone down the heat. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 has a decent vapor chamber to manage the thermals. Most other smartphone companies are throwing in massive vapor chambers in their smartphones to prevent their phone from getting hot enough to iron clothes. But there’s more to this…

Smartphones are essentially miniature computers packed with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and various sensors and radios, all crammed into a compact form factor. This combination of cutting-edge hardware and limited space can lead to overheating issues, especially when the device is pushed to its limits. Here are some common culprits behind Pixel overheating:

Intensive tasks: Demanding applications and processes, such as gaming, hotspot tethering, and video recording, put a significant strain on the device’s processor, and other components, generating excessive heat.

Exposure to high temperatures: Using your Pixel in direct sunlight or in extremely hot environments can cause the internal components to heat up more quickly, leading to overheating issues. In my neck of the woods — India, no phone is safe from overheating during the summers. So, unless you’re in a temperature controlled room, you unfortunately might have to cut down your smartphone usage to avoid it heating up.

Battery charging: While charging your device, especially when using a fast charger or playing resource-intensive games simultaneously, the battery and charging circuitry can generate substantial heat.

Software inefficiencies: Poorly optimized software or background processes running continuously can cause the processor to work harder than necessary, leading to increased heat output. Apart from that, bugs that might slip through the cracks could also result in your SoC going in overdrive for no apparent reason, leading to your phone getting uncomfortably hot. Google Pixel users are no strangers to abnormal overheating problems after software updates.

Hardware issues: In some rare cases, overheating may be a symptom of a deeper hardware problem, such as a faulty component or a manufacturing defect.

As a Pixel 7a and Pixel 8 user, I’ve encountered overheating issues firsthand. During extended gaming sessions or while recording 4K videos, I’ve noticed my devices becoming uncomfortably warm to the touch, sometimes even forcing them to throttle performance or shut down unexpectedly. Now that summer is upon us, even scrolling through Reels on Instagram and my X feed result in the phone overheating. Here’s a screenshot of the Pixel 8’s temperature while I was watching some Reels on Instagram.

One particular incident that stands out was when I was using my Pixel 7a to play a few rounds of Call of Duty: Mobile. I was only a few rounds in the game when I started noticing the phone getting extremely hot. This heat resulted in the phone heavily throttling the performance. I’ve used budget, mid-range, and the highest-end smartphones, and I’ve never encountered a situation where the game almost came to a complete halt due to the phone overheating. I’m not even exaggerating! I quickly whipped out my Pixel 8 to record a video of the problem, check it out below:

Luckily, I haven’t noticed such a significant drop in performance on the Pixel 8 during my gaming sessions. However, the phone does get hot enough to make me stop playing after 30 to 45 minutes. P.S. I would play for a couple of hours over the weekend on the OnePlus 11 without feeling like the phone’s going to melt.

While overheating can be a frustrating issue, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the problem and ensure your Pixel runs smoothly. Although, these steps aren’t something a user should have to follow in the first place. Google Pixel phones are amongst the most premium smartphones out there, we users shouldn’t exactly have to resort to workarounds to prevent our phones from overheating for no apparent reason. Nevertheless, here’s what you could do if you find your device running hot:

Keep your device cool:

• Avoid direct sunlight or hot environments.
• Use a case or cover that allows proper heat dissipation.
• Consider using a cooling pad or fan when engaging in intensive tasks.

Manage resource-intensive tasks:

• Close unnecessary apps and background processes. But make sure not to close apps you use frequently, the Android OS is smart enough to keep things in the background without taxing the SoC. In fact, closing apps (removing them from the recents menu) after using them might result in your phone having to work harder to launch the app from scratch.
• Limit multitasking and switch between apps judiciously.
• Adjust display brightness and disable features you don’t need.

Monitor battery health and charging:

• Use official or certified chargers and cables.
• Avoid charging your device while performing resource-intensive tasks.
• Replace your battery if it’s showing signs of degradation.

Update software and apps:

• Check for software updates that may include optimizations and bug fixes. TIP: Try and avoid installing the latest update right away. It’s best to hold up for a day or two to understand if the update brings any bugs and issues that might hamper the performance of your Pixel.
• Go to the Google Play Store and check for available updates for apps. In certain situations, a bug in an app might result in your phone overheating or draining too much battery, so keep an eye out for any updates.

Seek professional assistance:

If overheating persists despite your efforts, consider contacting Google Support or an authorized service center, as there may be an underlying hardware issue.

Google’s recommendations:

Google has a whole support page dedicated to managing your phone’s temperature. The company also suggests unplugging your phone and leaving it in a cooler place until the temperature drops before you use it again.

While overheating can be a frustrating experience, taking proactive measures can go a long way in minimizing the risk and ensuring your Pixel operates at peak performance. Here are some preventive measures and best practices to consider:

Enable battery optimization features: Google’s Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness features can help optimize your device’s power consumption and display brightness, reducing the likelihood of overheating.

Manage background data usage: Background data and sync features can strain your device’s resources, leading to overheating. Consider disabling or limiting these features when not in use.

Keep your device clean: Dust and debris can accumulate over time, obstructing proper airflow and heat dissipation. Regularly clean your Pixel’s ports, speakers, and other openings to ensure optimal cooling.

Use Pixel-specific accessories: Consider investing in Pixel-certified cases, chargers, and other accessories designed specifically for your device. These accessories often provide better heat management and compatibility.

All smartphones overheat, including Pixels. By understanding the causes, implementing practical solutions, and following preventive measures, you can keep your Pixel running cool and efficient, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Remember, addressing overheating issues promptly can help extend your device’s lifespan and prevent potential hardware damage. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if the problem persists.