iPhone started heating up after update - 5 features to turn off

Why your iPhone might heat up after an update

If an iPhone starts heating up immediately after an iOS update, it isn't always a sign of a hardware issue. Apple explains that after installing a new system version, the smartphone may perform additional background tasks—such as indexing photos, messages, documents, and other data, optimizing apps, and completing feature setup.

During this period, the device can indeed become warmer than usual. Typically, this process takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

If the device continues to heat up noticeably during normal use after several days, you can check your settings. According to GadgetsNow, several configuration adjustments can help reduce the load on the system.

This behavior is usually most noticeable for owners of older iPhone models. When a new version of iOS is released, modern features continue to work on devices from several generations ago; however, due to less powerful processors, the system load can be more palpable than on newer smartphones.

Background App Refresh

Even after you close them, apps can automatically update data in the background. If many such programs are active, the system remains under constant load.

How to disable it

• Settings > General > Background App Refresh > select "Off" (or "Wi-Fi").

This prevents the processor from wasting resources on apps you aren't currently using.

Location Services

Many apps constantly access GPS, even if they are rarely opened. This also increases power consumption.

How to disable it

• Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > for specific apps, select "While Using the App" instead of "Always."

For most applications, it is recommended to choose "While Using the App" rather than "Always."

Data indexing and photo processing

After an update, the iPhone re-analyzes photos, documents, and other files. Additionally, the system performs facial and object recognition to improve search functionality and built-in features.

This is exactly why the smartphone may heat up significantly even in standby mode during the first few days after an update.

If you don't need additional photo processing, you can disable some of these features.

How to disable it

• Settings > Apps > Photos > disable "Show Featured Content" (or similar visual lookup features in your version of iOS).

You can also limit search indexing:

• Settings > Siri & Search > disable Siri suggestions or search for apps you don't use.

Transparency and interface animation

Smooth transitions, transparency effects, and animations constantly utilize the graphics processor. On older models, this can create an additional burden.

How to disable it

• Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > enable "Reduce Transparency."
• Settings > Accessibility > Motion > enable "Reduce Motion."

Always-On Display

The screen remains the primary consumer of energy in an iPhone. This is especially true for models with Always-On Display, where the screen continues to show information even when locked.

While convenient, this increases battery drain and can contribute to the device heating up.

How to disable it

• Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display > Off.

You can also enable Auto-Brightness:

• Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness.

When to seek professional service

If your iPhone continues to overheat severely during normal use several days after an update, experts recommend the following:

• check battery health;
• install the latest app updates;
• restart the device;
• if the problem persists, contact an authorized service center.

If the phone only heats up during gaming, high-resolution video recording, navigation, or fast charging, this is considered normal, as these tasks inherently place a high load on the processor and battery.

What not to do if your iPhone overheats

If your smartphone becomes hot, do not attempt to cool it down quickly in a refrigerator or freezer. A sudden temperature drop can cause condensation to form and damage the device.

Instead, Apple recommends removing the case (if it hinders cooling), stopping resource-intensive tasks, moving the phone out of direct sunlight, and letting it cool down naturally.

If an iPhone displays the warning "iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it," it means the device has automatically restricted its functions to protect internal components. In this case, Apple recommends letting the smartphone cool down and not using it until the warning disappears.

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