Unlike desktop and laptop computers, the iPad does not have a fan or heat sink to regulate the temperature. If your iPad is constantly hot, it can reduce the battery life and negatively impact performance.
If your iPad is getting hot, this usually happens when using the device while charging, playing graphic-intensive games without taking a break, leaving the iPad in a hot place for longer intervals, or the device is faulty and needs repair or replacement.
We have written a detailed guide on the causes of this issue and how to fix it using our easy step-by-step instructions.
- Why Does Your iPad Get Hot?
- Fixing iPad Heating Issues
- Replacing or Repairing Your iPad
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Your iPad Get Hot?
There are multiple reasons your iPad can get hot, and here are a few of them.
- Using the iPad while charging or overcharging it.
- Leaving your iPad in a hot place (i.e., car, sunlight).
- Using a non-genuine case on the iPad affects ventilation.
- Playing graphic-intensive games or processor-intensive apps.
- Having faulty batteries.
- Having a corrupt iPad operating system.
Fixing iPad Heating Issues
Wondering why your iPad gets hot? Our 7 step-by-step methods will help you fix this issue without much effort.
Method #1: Controlling Excessive Usage and Ambient Temperature
Keeping your iPad in hot temperatures can cause it to get really hot as well. You can do the following steps to stop this from happening.
Step #1: Using Genuine Apple Cases
Sometimes heat gets trapped inside the iPad if you use unauthorized cases. Therefore, remove the iPad from the case and ensure you only use genuine Apple cases that allow heat to escape even when the case is on.
Step #2: Keep iPad Away From Heat Sources
If you are using the iPad at a hot temperature, it can heat up and deplete the battery life. So try to use the device in a cooler place.
Step #3: Stop Using iPad For a While
If a cooler temperature fails to fix the iPad heating issue, the next thing you must do is stop using it until its temperature normalizes.
Lithium-ion batteries placed in today’s devices are relatively safe; however, if they are kept in extreme heat for a long duration, the chances are that your device and battery can heat up and explode.
Method #2: Resolving Charging Issues
If your iPad is constantly getting hot, resolve charging-related problems with these steps.
Step #1: Checking Charging Cable
Low-quality charging cables and power adapters can cause iPad to overheat. If you are using a third-party charger purchased from non-certified sources, replace it with an Apple-made cable or a third-party lightning cable with a Made for iPhone (MFi) badge.
Step #2: Using iPad While Charging
Playing games or using a processor-intensive app while the iPad is charging can cause the iPad to overheat. So wait for the device to get charged and use it afterward.
Method #3: Lowering iPad Brightness
The higher the brightness, the more the chances of your iPad getting hot. To lower it, follow these steps.
- Open your iPad and go to Settings.
- Tap on “Display & Brightness” and drag the brightness slider down.
Alternatively, swipe down from the top-right of the iPad screen to open the Control Center and drag the brightness slider down to lower brightness.
Method #4: Turning On Airplane Mode
A poor network connection can heat your iPad while it searches for a signal. In such a scenario, follow these steps.
- Open your iPad and go to Settings.
- Switch the Airplane Mode toggle to the on position.
Alternatively, open the Control Center on your iPad and tap the Airplane Mode button to turn it on.
Method #5: Restarting Your iPad
Performing a power cycle may resolve the overheating issue of your iPad. Here is how.
- Hold the power button on your iPad until you see the “Slide to Power Off” message.
- Slide it to the right to turn off your iPad.
- Turn it back on after a few seconds and check if the temperature of your iPad is better now.
Method #6: Turning Off Background App Refresh
Apps look for new information using the Background App Refresh option. But some of them can also cause your iPad to overheat. To find the culprit app causing the issue, follow the steps below.
- Open your iPad and tap on the Settings app.
- Tap on “Battery” to examine the battery usage of all the apps for the “Last 24 Hours” and “Last 10 Days“.
- Go back and tap on “General”> “Background App Refresh“.
- Toggle off the apps consuming significant resources in the background.
Method #7: Removing Unstable Apps
Unstable apps crashing in the background may cause the iPad to heat up. To remove such apps, follow these steps.
- Open your iPad and go to Settings.
- Tap “Privacy” > “Analytics & Improvements” > “Analytics Data“.
- Check “Analytics Data” of apps recently installed.
- Find the unstable app, uninstall it and send a complaint email to the developer.
Replacing or Repairing Your iPad
If nothing works and your iPad is still overheating, contact the manufacturer to replace or repair your device. Do back up your data before sending your iPad away for the necessary repairs.
Summary
In this guide on why your iPad gets hot, we have looked into why the iPad’s overheating and discussed how it is possible to keep the iPad cool using multiple methods. Hopefully, now your iPad’s temperature is staying at acceptable levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your iPad might not be charging due to a dirty or damaged charging port, a defective charging accessory, or a USB charger that isn’t designed to charge the iPad.
Cleaning the charging port or charging your phone with a new Apple charger will most likely resolve the issue.
To fix a slow iPad, restart your device, remove all apps from the App Switcher, close the apps running in the background, turn off Background App Refresh, and check your Wi-Fi connection and internet speed.
It is also essential to update the operating system to ensure you have the most recent performance update.
