How to Cool Down Your Phone While Gaming and Improve Performance Without Using Any Apps
If you play games on your phone for long periods, you have probably noticed that your device heats up quickly, and this directly impacts performance. During my experience with games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, I identified a set of simple but highly effective steps to reduce heat and improve performance without relying on any external applications. All the solutions here are based on real-world usage and practical testing.
Why Does the Phone Heat Up While Gaming?
When running games, both the CPU and GPU operate at maximum capacity, which naturally increases the temperature. A thick phone case, playing in a hot environment, or having multiple background services running also contribute to higher heat levels and slower performance.
Remove the Phone Case Before Gaming
This is one of the most impactful steps.
Thick phone cases trap heat inside the device, causing it to heat up faster.
Try playing with and without the case—you will notice a very clear difference.
Play in a Well-Ventilated Area
External temperature was one of the major factors in my testing.
• Avoid playing under direct sunlight or in hot environments.
• If you are playing in a closed room, open a window or turn on a fan.
This alone can noticeably reduce your device temperature.
Reduce Screen Brightness
The screen is one of the most power-hungry components of the phone and a major heat contributor.
High brightness increases GPU load and generates more heat.
Lower it to the minimum level that still allows clear visibility, and you will see the improvement immediately.
Close Background Apps Before Starting the Game
Before launching any heavy game, I always do the following:
• Close all running apps.
• Temporarily disable app syncing.
• Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it.
These steps reduce CPU and RAM load, which directly helps in lowering the temperature faster.
Adjust the In-Game Settings
You do not need to run the game on ultra settings.
Many players believe that using Ultra Graphics is ideal, but in reality, it causes rapid heating and reduces performance after just a few minutes.
Recommended settings based on my experience:
• Graphics Quality: Medium
• Frame Rate: High, but not the maximum option
• Disable shadows and reflections if not essential
• Reduce the in-game resolution
This results in lower temperatures and more stable performance without lag.
Clean the Phone’s Ports From Dust
If your speaker grills or charging port are filled with dust, heat gets trapped inside the device.
I once cleaned the ports with a soft brush, and the phone started cooling much faster afterward.
Avoid Gaming While Charging
This is one of the worst habits you could develop.
Playing games while charging increases heat significantly and reduces battery lifespan over time.
If you must charge your phone, use an original charger and let the device cool for a minute before resuming.
Enable Power Saving Mode During Gaming (Supported Devices)
Some systems like One UI and MIUI have become very smart. Their power-saving modes can reduce unnecessary background processes without affecting gaming performance.
Try enabling it—you may notice improved stability and lower heat.
Monitor Temperature Regularly
Every week, I check the battery settings to see which apps generate the most heat.
Sometimes, a specific game or a new update may be the cause.