How to Fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Overheating During Normal Use

A number of iPhone 16 Pro Max owners report their phone getting unusually hot during normal use or while performing specific tasks. The fixes below address the software and environmental factors that contribute to overheating.

Fix #1: Close Resource-Heavy Apps

Camera, gaming, and social media apps push the iPhone 16 Pro Max processor hard and generate heat. Closing them gives the phone time to cool down.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
2. Swipe up on each app card to close it.
3. Let the phone sit idle for a few minutes to cool down.

Fix #2: Remove the Case

Phone cases trap heat and prevent the chassis from dissipating it. If the phone is hot, take it out of the case temporarily.

Fix #3: Force Restart

A stuck background process can keep the CPU at full load. A force restart clears it.

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Fix #4: Disable Background App Refresh

Multiple apps refreshing simultaneously can cause sustained CPU usage and heat buildup.

1. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
2. Turn it off entirely or disable it for individual apps.

Fix #5: Check for iOS Updates

Overheating bugs are typically patched in subsequent iOS updates.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Install any available update.

Fix #6: Reset All Settings

Corrupted system settings can cause the phone to run hot constantly.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.

Fix #7: Contact Apple Support

If the iPhone 16 Pro Max overheats even after a factory reset or while sitting idle with no apps running, it may be a hardware defect. Book a Genius Bar appointment for a diagnostic test.