Apple watch overheating [Myth or Reality?]

Digital Life Central is reader-powered. We are a participant in the Amazon LLC Associates Program and other affiliates programs. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Like any other electronic device such as an iPad, the Apple Watch can overheat for various reasons. The Apple Watch SE was reported to be suffering from a serious overheating issue and when an Apple Watch overheats, it often malfunctions or stops working altogether. Overheating problems are frustrating when you rely only on your Apple Watch for pretty much everything. 

Does Apple Watch have a built-in cooling system fan? No, it doesn’t have an in-built fan. However, it has been designed to operate within certain temperature perimeters to optimize its operation and prevent failure. 

Let’s explore the topic of Apple Watch overheating and find out how you can fix it. But, first of all, let’s find out why your Apple Watch can overheat. 

Causes Of Apple Watch Overheating

These are the main reasons why your Apple Watch device overheats

  • Lack of a built-in fan to cool the operating system.

  • Your device is running too many background apps. 

  • Not appropriately connected when on charge.

  • Using your Apple Watch while it is still charging. 

  • Your Apple Watch is left exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources for too long. 

  • Leaving your Apple Watch attended in a hot place such as your car or sunlight spot in the home. 

  • Working out in a location with a poor cellular signal. 

  • The battery is nearing the end of its life. 

  • Replacement battery 

How Do I Know My Apple Watch Is Overheating? 

So that you know, these signs of a device overheating are not unique to Apple Watch. No matter what device you have, you should look out for these signs if you are having problems using your device. This is particularly true when your device feels hot to the touch. 

  • Unable to receive calls and messages.

  • Normal cellular functions don’t work. 

  • The cellular button in the Control center is red. 

  • The battery stops charging or charging time increases. 

  • The data transfer rate slows down or stops.

  • Dimming screen display or the device turns itself off. 

As global temperatures continue to increase, we may see more problems with our smart devices overheating. The general guidelines for safe operating temperature are between 0 – 35 Centigrade. This means Apple Watch and any other device may find extended global warming temperatures hard to manage. 

How To Fix Apple Watch Device Overheating Problems

There are some easy ways to fix Apple Watch heating problems. If you notice your Apple Watch is getting too hot, the best thing you can do is to take it off and put it in an area with a more ambient temperature.

Should you put your Apple Watch in the fridge? Putting any device or Apple Watch is not a good idea. Some recommend doing this, but cooling a device down too fast causes problems. The best thing you can do is to leave it in a room or area where the temperature is more ambient. For instance, if you notice your device getting too hot on the beach, don’t leave it in the car. In all likelihood, your car will also be too hot. Instead, leave your Apple Watch in a cool place and let it disperse the heat for at least 30 minutes, if not longer. 

Remove Apple Watch From Its Charger

Apple Watch is designed to turn off automatically in temperatures above its preferable operating limits. The thermometer on the device will indicate red for a few seconds, and the device will turn off. If you notice this when charging, you should remove your device from its charger. It can happen if you are charging your watch in a hot sunny window. 

You can minimize this risk by making sure the Apple Watch Magnetic charging cable is in a cool area and not covered. Also, make sure the magnetic charger is aligned correctly with the device. 

Do I Need to Change the Battery? 

When you suspect the battery is causing the problem, you need to change it. Don’t buy a non-genuine Apple Watch battery. Although generic batteries are probably cheaper, you should stick to the recommended battery for all your devices, not only Apple Watch. 

The best thing you can do is to visit an Authorized Apple Store and buy a genuine battery for your Apple Watch.

Restarting Your Device

Apple-Watch-Restart

How many apps do you have running? It is super easy to download and run apps in the background.

It is a good idea to check how many apps are running on your device, making the battery work harder. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to your device overheating. When you suspect this to be the problem, switching off your Apple Watch is best. 

You do this by pressing the Side button on the right-hand side below the Digital Crown. Next, wait for the Power Off command and swipe right to Power off your Apple Watch. 

Leave it off for a few minutes and press the side Power On when you want to turn it back on. 

Using Your Watch While Charging

If you use your Apple Watch when charging, you risk overworking the operating system. This can quickly cause your watch to overheat. Not only does it apply to Apple Watch, but it also applies to the iPad as well. 

Turn Off and Disable Cellular Functionality

Running too many apps requiring GPS or Cellular function can cause your device to overheat. Likewise, apps requiring your device to use extra battery power can lead to overheating in a worst-case scenario. 
When you notice your watch is overheating when using a cellular network, you need to disable it. Doing so allows it to cool down and use less battery. 

Final Thoughts on Apple Watch Overheating

Hopefully, now you know what to do when Apple Watch overheats.

Make sure you keep an eye on the temperature on your Apple Watch. If you notice consistent overheating, the best thing you can do is visit an Apple Store or the nearest specialized technical service.