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ZDNET Highlights
- 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, turning on your car’s AC, and using a new cable can all help.
Android Auto can be an incredibly useful tool, but it also puts a considerable burden on your phone.
When your device is navigating, streaming music, charging, sending data, and more all at the same time, it’s no surprise that it can start to heat up – especially if you live in a hot climate. I’ve seen high temperature warnings on my phone several times when using Android Auto, and it’s frustrating to have to disconnect or turn off your device when you need it most.
Also: I Saw the Future of Android Auto, and Now Google Scared Me Out of My Car
8 easy ways to keep your phone from overheating
Luckily, there are several tricks you can do to help keep your phone cool while running Android Auto. These may be simple solutions, but they can have a big impact. Here’s the best way to keep your phone from overheating.
1. Use wired instead of wireless
Phones tend to overheat when used over extended periods of time, and switching to a wired connection may help. In wireless mode Android Auto constantly uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously, and using a cable takes some work on your device.
2. Remove your case
Especially when running demanding apps like navigation and music at the same time, your phone could use a little breathing space. If you have a normal case this won’t make much difference, but if you have a sturdy or heavy case, it’s a good idea to take your phone out of its case for long drives.
Also: Android Auto now runs faster and smoother thanks to my 4 easy tweaks
3. Turn off your phone screen
Your phone’s screen uses a lot of power, which results in your device overheating. If you’re using Android Auto, you probably don’t need your phone’s screen other than your car’s screen, so turn off your phone’s display or at least dim its brightness.
4. Use your car’s AC
This is the least of the low-tech fixes, but if you’re seeing consistent overheating issues with Android Auto, point a vent in your car toward your phone (provided you’re using the AC and not heat). Just as gaming PCs use CPU fans to keep the computer’s internals cool, airflow can make a significant difference to your phone, too.
Also: 6 Android Auto apps I wish I’d found sooner, because they make every drive easier
If you’re experiencing overheating issues, you’ll likely see an immediate temperature drop and performance increase with the simple redirection of a vent. are even The phone clips that directly into the ventAnd many of them also work as wireless chargers.
5. Use only quality cables
Cheap cables or cables worn out over years of use can be a major cause of your phone overheating. Android Auto sends a lot of data, and a bad cable can cause your phone to connect and disconnect frequently, draw more power than necessary, or have difficulty charging, all of which can cause overheating.
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 is not unnecessarily long, which could cause electrical resistance. (The 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 when running Android Auto, so close any social media apps that may be running to refresh. Photo backup apps, messaging apps, and even shopping apps are common culprits, but if you want to be safe, restart your phone before turning on Android Auto.
7. Download Maps Offline
Especially when on a long road trip or driving in an area with poor service, downloading maps can help keep your phone from overheating (you can Get instructions here). Navigation apps pull a lot of data during use, and offline maps can relieve some of that stress. As long as you have a connection, you’ll get access to features like real-time traffic and accident reports.
Also: 4 Android Auto settings I always keep on for a safe 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 become troublesome if it’s doing multiple other things at once. Without fast charging, your phone still charges at a slower rate producing less heat. Frequent charging in a hot car can damage your battery anyway, so even if you don’t notice overheating problems, it’s a good idea to use slow charging in the vehicle. To disable fast charging, find it in your Settings and toggle it off.
