How to Solve Heating Problems on Pixel 6 and Pixel 7: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a proud owner of a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 7, you might have noticed that your device occasionally heats up more than you’d like, particularly during resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video recording, or streaming. This warmth not only affects performance and battery life but also your overall comfort. This article aims to provide you with clear insights into the reasons behind your phone’s overheating, methods to prevent it, and steps to remedy the situation should it arise.

The Role of the Tensor Chip

Unlike the highly efficient Snapdragon Gen 2 by Qualcomm, a prominent player in the Android market, Google’s choice of the Tensor chip, built upon Samsung’s Exynos designs, doesn’t quite match up in terms of energy efficiency and heat management. Nevertheless, Google has invested significant effort into addressing heating concerns through software updates. Yet, beyond these software optimizations, what proactive steps can you take to ensure your phone operates at its best?

How to prevent overheating on Pixel devices

Fortunately, there are several measures you can adopt to prevent overheating issues altogether. Here’s a rundown of practical tips:

Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Scanning: These functions can continue to operate even when Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned off, contributing to heating problems. To disable them, navigate to your phone’s settings, search for “Wi-Fi scanning,” and toggle off the feature. Do the same for Bluetooth scanning.
Manage Resource-Intensive Features: Pause resource-hungry features or apps when they’re not in use. Activities like video calls, camera recording, media playback, prolonged navigation app usage, or resource-intensive tasks during charging can lead to overheating.
Control Environmental Factors: Keep your device away from intense heat sources like direct sunlight, hot vehicles, or areas with poor ventilation.
Adjust Display Brightness: Lower your phone’s display brightness by accessing Settings > Display > Brightness level.
Use Compatible Phone Cases: Opt for cases or covers specifically designed for your phone model, ensuring proper ventilation.
Prioritize Wi-Fi Usage: Whenever possible, choose Wi-Fi over mobile data to reduce data-related heat generation.

How to fix your phone if it overheats?

Should your phone already be experiencing overheating, consider these potential solutions:

Reboot Your Device: A simple restart can help eliminate stuck processes or temporary issues causing the temperature surge.
Update Apps and Software: Outdated or buggy apps and software can contribute to overheating problems. Ensure all apps and features are up-to-date through the Google Play Store.
Manage Power-Draining Apps: Identify and uninstall apps consuming excessive power or causing issues by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery usage.
Troubleshoot in Safe Mode: Engage safe mode to detect problematic third-party apps. Activate it by pressing the power button and volume up key, accessing the Power off menu. Click and hold on Power off until you see the “boot in safe mode” message.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If all else fails, a factory reset can rectify underlying software concerns, though it erases all data. Prioritize data backup and access this option via Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data.

Why does your phone overheat?

Your smartphone juggles numerous processes when you run apps and features. Resource-demanding tasks like gaming, video playback, data transfers, or even setting up your device contribute to increased heat generation—this is normal. However, external factors can also play a role:

Environmental Heat: Sunlight, enclosed spaces, or hot vehicles can amplify overheating.
App Issues: Misbehaving apps or software glitches might unnecessarily stress your phone’s resources.
Software Glitches: Bugs in the software can disrupt efficient operations and lead to overheating.
Hardware Impact: Damages or issues in your phone’s cooling system or components can also trigger overheating.

How does your phone protect itself?

Your phone employs built-in safeguards to prevent overheating and potential damage. When it detects elevated temperatures, your device might:

Slow Down: To reduce heat generation.
Limit Charging Speed: Slower charging prevents excess heat buildup.
Disable Flash and Camera: These resource-intensive features might be suspended.
Adjust Network Connectivity: Your phone might reduce or disconnect mobile data or Wi-Fi, including 5G.

To prevent overheating, keep your device away from direct sunlight. If it gets excessively hot, a warning might prompt an automatic shutdown—a protective measure. In such cases, let your phone cool down before restarting. Should shutdowns persist, contacting Pixel support is advisable.

Final takeaway

We trust this article has provided valuable insights into the overheating issues that can plague Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices. Remember to shield your phone from extreme heat sources, choose compatible cases, maintain app and software updates, and be mindful of resource-heavy activities. If overheating persists or frequent shutdowns occur, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pixel support for expert assistance. Your smartphone should enhance your life, not overheat it.

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