How To Fix Galaxy S23 Overheating Issue (2026)
If your Galaxy S23 feels hot or shows a cooling down message, the phone is protecting itself and the fix is usually simple.
Heat on a Samsung phone almost always traces back to charging, heavy apps, a weak signal or a software problem rather than a dead phone.
The steps below follow Samsung’s own support pages and take about 15 minutes to work through.
Quick answer: why is my Galaxy S23 overheating?
| When it gets hot | Likely cause (per Samsung) | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| While charging | Damaged cable, non-Samsung charger, debris in the charging port | Unplug, let it cool, use a genuine Samsung cable and charger |
| During games or video recording | High-power apps and multitasking | Close apps and lower brightness |
| After setup or restoring a backup | Data transfer and large syncs | Wait for the transfer to finish |
| With a weak signal or roaming | Phone works harder to stay connected | Move to better coverage or use Wi-Fi |
| While using hotspot | Mobile Hotspot and tethering generate heat | Turn hotspot off when done |
| In a car or direct sun | Heat from the environment | Move it somewhere cool and remove the case |
Is it normal for a Galaxy S23 to get warm?
Samsung says its devices are designed for ambient temperatures of 32 to 95°F (0 to 35°C).
Samsung also notes that a phone may feel warm while charging without affecting lifespan or performance.
Warm is normal, but a phone too hot to hold needs action.
What does the cooling down message mean?
Samsung says the “Device cooling down” message means the phone is overheating and is changing its own settings to prevent heat damage.
While it cools, the phone may do any of the following:
- Dim the screen.
- Close running apps.
- Limit overall performance.
- Stop charging.
- Disconnect Wi-Fi and cellular networks, in which case only emergency calls work.
- Close the Camera app with the message “Exit Camera. Battery temperature too high.”
Samsung’s advice is to stop using the phone, remove any case, unplug the charger and close all apps until it cools.
Samsung says the wording varies by model, and these are the messages it lists:
| Message | What it means | Can you keep using it? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling down | The phone is lowering its temperature | Stop using it until it cools |
| Your device is overheating. It will now power off to cool down. | The phone is about to shut down | No, it powers off |
| Device powered off automatically | It shut down to prevent damage | Wait until it cools, then power on |
| Device overheating | Heat is high but the phone is still on | Yes, but performance may drop and apps may close |
Step 1: Stop using the phone and let it cool
- Unplug the charger.
- Take off the case or cover.
- Close running apps.
- Leave the phone alone in a cool place until it returns to normal.
Samsung says the phone returns to normal operation once it has cooled enough.
Step 2: Check the charger, cable and port if it heats while charging
Samsung says heat during charging often comes from a damaged cable, a non-certified charger, or a charging port contaminated with liquid, dust or debris.
- Replace a frayed or damaged cable with a genuine Samsung accessory.
- Remove metal, magnets or credit cards between the phone and a wireless charger.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface.
- Let the phone cool fully before charging again.
If it will not charge at all, see our Galaxy S23 not charging guide.
Our explainer on Samsung fast charging speeds covers the charger side.
Step 3: Update the software
- Open Settings.
- Tap Software update (some models say System updates).
- Tap Download and install, or the equivalent option your carrier shows.
- Follow the prompts to install.
Samsung notes the phone cannot be used during an update, including for emergency calls, so do it when you do not need it.
Restarting the phone is another step Samsung lists for heat during regular use.
Step 4: Find and limit heavy apps
Samsung says to open Settings and use Battery and device care (Device care on older versions) to check for high battery consumption or background activity.
- Close unused apps from the Memory screen using Clean now.
- Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits and turn on Put unused apps to sleep.
- Add apps you rarely use to Sleeping apps or Deep sleeping apps.
Deep sleeping apps never run in the background, according to Samsung.
Step 5: Turn off features you do not need
| Setting | Samsung’s advice | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi, Location, Bluetooth | Turn off when not in use | Quick Settings panel |
| Screen brightness | Lower it if set to maximum | Quick Settings panel |
| Power saving | Limits background network use and syncing | Settings > Device care > Battery > Power saving |
| Light performance profile | Favors battery life over processing speed | Settings > Device care > Performance profile > Light |
| Storage | Delete unneeded files and unused apps | Settings > Device care > Storage |
The menu names above come from Samsung’s Device care pages and may read Battery and device care on newer software.
Step 6: Test in Safe mode to rule out a downloaded app
Safe mode stops third-party apps from running, so if the heat disappears an app is likely the cause.
- Power the phone fully off.
- Turn it on and hold Volume down as soon as the Samsung logo appears.
- Look for Safe mode in the bottom-left corner.
Start by removing apps that were installed or updated when the problem began.
Restart the phone to leave Safe mode, and note that wallpapers and themes may reset.
Which everyday activities make a Galaxy S23 hot?
Samsung lists these situations as common sources of heat.
- Setup and restores: initial setup, data transfer and restoring large backups.
- Big downloads: large downloads, system updates and heavy cloud or email syncing.
- Demanding apps: games, high-resolution video recording, GPS tracking and streaming at maximum brightness.
- TV connections: Smart View and Samsung DeX.
- Multitasking: Multi Window or updating apps while recording video.
Spreading these out, rather than running several at once, gives the phone time to cool.
Why is my Galaxy S23 still hot after these steps?
Samsung says heat can also come from sources outside your control.
- Navigation in direct sunlight inside a car.
- International roaming.
- Using the phone while it is submerged.
- Unverified apps from unapproved sources.
If the phone is still too warm to touch, Samsung says to contact Samsung Support.
A phone that will not power on after overheating is covered in our Galaxy S23 will not turn on guide.
Safety warnings from Samsung
- Do not keep a warm phone in prolonged skin contact.
- Do not place the phone or charger under you or on your body while connected to power.
- Take extra care with children, older adults and people with sensitive skin.
- Turn off the flashlight right after use to avoid skin contact with a warm flash.
Sources: Samsung: prevent overheating, Samsung: normal operating temperature, Samsung: cooling down popup, Samsung: Safe mode and Samsung: update your Galaxy.