Why does my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 heat up so fast and how to fix it? [Troubleshooting Guide]

It is normal for mobile devices like smartphones to heat up especially with extensive usage. The same thing can happen when running multiple complex apps simultaneously as well as while charging. In cases like these, you’ve got nothing to worry. But if your smartphone heats up to the point that it’s already unbearable for you to touch, then that already denotes something is wrong and causes your device to overheat. Overheating is by far tagged among other widespread issues transpiring in Android devices whether mid-range or high-end variants. In fact, overheating problem is already plaguing some owners of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

Aside from prolonged or extensive usage, what other factors can trigger smartphones to overheat and what should end-users do as remedy? These are the main questions addressed in this post. If ever you are here because of you too are facing the dreaded overheating issue on the Galaxy Note 8 handset, then read on to find out the usual triggers as well as potential fixes.

Now, before we move one, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, visit our Note 8 troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If you still need our help, contact us by filling up our Android issues questionnaire.

What causes your Galaxy Note 8 to become extremely hot?

Several cases of overheating issues in smartphones have been linked to a bad battery but more often a faulty app or software glitch is to blame. Prior cases of overheating issues with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 was apparently due to a hardware issue, which was due to a design failure in the battery and a manufacturing defect. Fortunately, it isn’t (by far) the case with the Galaxy Note 8.

Based on the prior posts made by some users of the Galaxy Note 8, the problem is most likely due to a faulty update and some third-party apps that have gone rogue. Among the identified triggers would include but not limited to Facebook messenger, location services, and navigation apps. Other people have experienced the same issue in which their Galaxy Note 8 becomes extremely hot while enabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features. A common scenario is that the user is prompted with an alert message saying that the device is overheating and thus allow it to cool down before using it again. Others ended up with a frozen or unresponsive display.

Aside from bad apps, some people found out that the problem can likewise be inflicted by a faulty SD card. Perhaps, some segments or contents in the SD card might have been corrupted and triggered the processor to work continuously. This then eventually resulted to your phone getting extremely hot.

Another factor that has been associated with overheating problems in smartphones like the Galaxy Note 8 is the environment. For example, charging or using your device in a place with an extremely hot temperature can eventually causes it to warm up faster than usual. Rapid battery draining would usually follow in this case.

The worst among the possible causes that you need to consider is hardware damage, particularly a bad battery, processor, or other relevant components. To ensure safety, have a technician diagnose your Galaxy Note 8 as soon as possible if you suspect that a defective hardware is to blame. Just think of what has happened previously with the Galaxy Note 7 overheating, which has resulted to a number of fire incidents. Hopefully it won’t happen again with the Note 8.

How to fix your Samsung Galaxy Note 8 that is overheating?

Now that we’ve already determined the possible causes, it’s time to move on with the fixes. The solution can vary depending on what triggers your device to become extremely hot or overheat. If you’ve managed to find out what causes your Galaxy Note 8 to overheat, then you can work straight on the underlying cause. Otherwise, try some applicable workarounds including the highlighted solutions below.

The following are recommended procedures and potential solutions to overheating problem on the Galaxy Note 8 that is software-related. That being said, these methods may not offer positive outputs with a damaged component as the main culprit.

First solution: Boot into Safe Mode and diagnose apps

Booting into safe mode will help you easily diagnose apps and determine whether or not the overheating problem is caused by third-party apps and services. All third-party apps are bypassed or temporarily disabled in this mode. If your Galaxy Note 8 does not overheat while running in safe mode, then it denotes that any of your third-party apps installed is causing the problem. Try to remember which of these apps is inflicting the problem. In most cases, the most recent app installed is at fault. You can try uninstalling suspected apps individually and then test your device. For starters, here’s how to boot your Galaxy Note 8 into safe mode:

Power off your device.
Press and hold the Power button past the model name screen.
Then release the Power button when the Samsung logo appears.
Immediately press and hold the Volume Down button after releasing the Power button.
Keep pressing on the Volume Down button until the device finishes rebooting.
At this point, you will see a Safe Mode label at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Release the Volume Down button when you see that Safe Mode label.

Now, observe your device or use it normally while in Safe Mode. If it still overheats while running in safe mode, then something is wrong within the phone system itself. If it does not overheat while in safe mode, it denotes that the problem is caused by third-party application. Uninstall the suspected apps that may be causing a conflict or software problem that has resulted to your device overheating.

Second solution: Wipe cache partition through Recovery Mode.

Wiping the cache partition can help eliminate any software problem that is triggered by some corrupted files and data stored in the cache partition. Wiping the cache partition does not erase your personal data unlike a factory reset. All it does is to erase all system cache files including those that are corrupted and causing conflict or software problems on the Note 8. For safekeeping, back up data on your internal memory. Then proceed with these steps:

Power off your device.
Press and hold the Volume Up and the Bixby buttons then press and hold the Power button.
When you see the green Android logo on the screen, release all buttons. You will then see a prompt that says, “Installing system update” for about 30 seconds or so before showing the Android system recovery menu.
When the Android system recovery menu appears, press the Volume Down button several times to highlight the Wipe Cache Partition option.
Then press the Power button to confirm selection.
Press the Volume Down button until “Yes” is highlighted and press the Power button to confirm selection.
Wait until the wipe cache partition is complete. When it’s finished, the Reboot system now option is highlighted.
Press the Power button to reboot your device.

Observe your device afterwards to see if the overheating problem has already been resolved. If not, consider the next possible solution.

Third solution: Install the latest Android software version.

Aside from tuning up your device, software updates also contain fix patch to remove bugs and keep the device running smoothly. Thus, if the overheating problem on your Galaxy Note 8 is triggered by some bugs in certain apps or device system itself, an update should be able to rectify the glitch. If you haven’t already, check for available software update for your device then install it. Here’s how:

Navigate to Apps.
Tap Settings.
Tap Search and then search for and select System updates.
Tap the option to Download updates manually.

If a system update is available, download and install the update then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Fourth solution: Factory reset.

If none of the prior methods is able to help and that your Galaxy Note 8 is still overheating, then your last possible solution to consider is a factory reset. It is possible that the problem is triggered by some tough bugs that require a complete reset. Please note though that all your personal information and critical data will be erased from your device in the process. Should you wish to proceed, backup your device beforehand. Then follow these steps to perform a factory reset on your Galaxy Note 8 through settings:

Swipe up on an empty spot from the Home screen to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings.
Then select Cloud and accounts.
Tap Backup and restore.
Tap the slider to turn Back up my data option on or off.
Tap the slider to turn Restore option on or off.
Tap the back button to go back to Settings menu.
Tap General Management.
Tap Reset.
Select Factory data reset from the given options.
Tap Reset.
If prompted, enter your credentials to unlock your device then tap Continue.
To confirm factory reset, tap Delete All

Wait until the reset is complete then proceed with the initial setup.

Alternatively, you can use the hardware keys to perform a master reset on your Galaxy Note 8. Consider this an option if your device overheats then becomes unresponsive. Here’s how it’s done:

Power off your device.
Press and hold the Volume Up and the Bixby button then press the Power button.
Wait until the green Android logo displays then release all buttons.
You will then see the Installing system update screen then the Android system recovery menu options will show up next.
Press the Volume Down button several times to highlight the Wipe data/factory reset option.
Press the Power button to confirm selection.
Press the Volume Down button until Yes–delete all user data option is highlighted then press the Power button to confirm selection.
Wait until the factory reset is complete and when it does, you will the Reboot system now option is highlighted.
Press the Power button to restart your device.

After the reset, try to observe if your Galaxy Note 8 still overheats with normal usage. If not then that fixes the problem, otherwise you will need to consider other options particularly hardware troubleshooting.

Other helpful suggestions

As much as possible, do not use multiple complex apps at a time. Doing so will give the processor more workloads to carry out simultaneously. Just like a computer’s CPU, smartphone chips can also become exhausted with too much tasks to carry out at one time. Eventually the phone gets extremely hot as the processor continuously works.
Avoid placing your device in a hot area especially when charging. Your phone normally gets warm when charging and becomes even extremely warm when the ambient is too hot. Also be sure to use only the OEM charger or adapter when charging. Non-Samsung chargers may not be compatible with your Galaxy Note 8 and likewise may cause your device to overheat while charging.

Troubleshoot/Fix hardware problems

If none of the prior solutions is able to fix the problem and that your Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is still overheating, then most likely it’s a hardware issue. In this case, your best option is to take your device to an authorized service center for hardware assessment and/or repair, if necessary. Aside from getting the problem fixed, doing so will likewise ensure your safety.

Don’t forget your replacement or repair warranty. Considering that what you have is a new device, it is most probably still under warranty. Talk to your device carrier or Samsung Support on how to avail for replacement or service warranty, if it’s eligible.

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