Android Auto Overheating Phone? (Here’s How To Fix!)

Is your Android Auto overheating phone? Well, relax as we got you covered with this issue!

An overheating phone is not only bad for the CPU and the hardware, but it could also crash your applications and disrupt the connection with Android Auto.

So, we’ve uncovered several unique ways to restore your smartphone’s operational temperature and keep it there during long drives.

Here are the leading culprits for phone overheating while using Android Auto:

We’ve constructed a comprehensive guide to help you lower your smartphone’s temperatures!

Android Auto Overheating Phone – (6 Working Methods)

Note: We recommend rebooting your phone and the Android Auto panel before proceeding!

1. Reduce the Phone’s CPU Utilization

• The higher your phone’s CPU utilization is, the more heat will the hardware generate and this is how every electrical appliance works.

Fortunately, there’s an abundance of workarounds to help reduce the phone’s CPU utilization and return to the operational temperature margin in seconds.

1.1 Close Unnecessary Applications

The first and most forward step is to close unnecessary background apps on your smartphone.

All apps besides the essential navigation and music apps must be closed in order to preserve your battery and drop the utilization.

1.2 Lower the Screen’s Brightness

The brightness of your smartphone’s screen is another considerable culprit for overheating.

Using a lower brightness percentage while the phone is connected to Android Auto will reduce the internal temperature significantly. 

1.3 Disable Energy-Saving Features

The temperature of your phone is relative to the battery consumption.

• The more power your smartphone uses up, the greater will the CPU utilization be.

So, temporarily deactivate features such as Wi-Fi or Mobile Data that aren’t in use.

Note: Have you tried restarting your smartphone?

2. Disconnect the Phone from Chargers

Charging the phone wirelessly or through a USB could have a significant impact on the internal temperature.

Hence, it’s recommended to either use Android Auto with full battery capacity or preserve the remaining charger by enabling the “Low Power” mode. 

2.1 About Wireless Charging:

Most modern cars have an integrated wireless charging pad, but for the most part, users tend to purchase the devices themselves.

Either way, using multiple applications on your phone, such as a navigation and music app while charging wirelessly will elevate your battery temperature.

2.2 About Wired Charging:

Unlike with a wireless charger, charging your phone over USB does not raise the temperature as much.

However, you should still pay attention to the utilization of the smartphone’s CPU and use the charger in moderation, while engaging with Android Auto.

Tip: We advise checking whether the phone will overheat with Android Auto when not charging.

3. Change the Phone Connection Method

If Android Auto makes phone hot, you should consider using a different connection method, just to test the smartphone’s behavior.

The heat could sometimes be a result of a bad cable or wireless interference that’s causing the phone to overheat, so we should look into this in-depth.

Hence, proceed with the appropriate instructions based on your current connection method:

3.1 How to Switch from Wired to Wireless?

1. Disconnect the USB cable from your phone and the car panel.
2. Ensure “Bluetooth” is set to “On” in your phone’s configuration.
3. Open the Android Auto app and tap the gray icon in the center.
4. Proceed with the instructions to pair/connect your smartphone.

3.2 How to Switch from Wireless to Wired?

1. Deactivate your smartphone’s “Bluetooth” feature and keep it disabled.
2. Connect your smartphone over a USB cable to the infotainment system.
3. Acknowledge that the smartphone has recognized the Android console.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions on the car panel to finalize the pairing.

Tip: If using a wired connection, ensure the USB cable is in proper condition.

4. Update the Firmware of Android Auto

Perhaps, outdated firmware is causing Android Auto to behave unusually and utilize your phone more than usual.

It takes less than 30 seconds to apply the latest version available for Android Auto, so keep reading so we can guide you through the steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store on the Android smartphone.
2. Next, tap the profile icon situated in the upper-right corner.
3. Access the “Manage apps & device” section from the tab.
4. Scroll down and locate the Android Auto application below.
5. Check if there is an “Update” tile next to the app and tap it.

Clear the Android Auto App’s Cache:

Android Auto can be factory reset by clearing the app’s cache.

Plenty of excess data files can be generated over several weeks of usage, and this can make your phone severely overheat.

Here’s how to clear the cache of the Android Auto app in easy steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your Android and go to “Apps.”
2. Scroll down and locate the “Android Auto” app in the menu.
3. Next, tap “Storage” and then press the “Clear cache” button.
4. In the same menu, select “Clear data” to erase the app files.

Now, reconnect your smartphone with the car panel and test the functionality!

5. Consider Phone Ventilation Solutions

Ventilation is the key when the Android auto makes phone hot.

There are several alternatives to dropping your phone’s temperature significantly by using the car’s ventilation or removing any of the unnecessary gadgets from the phone.

5.1 Set the Phone Against the A/C

A widely accepted and preferred solution against overheating is to position the phone against the car’s A/C ventilation openings.

It helps to regulate your smartphone’s internal temperature while preventing the battery from depleting quickly. 

If possible, use a compact smartphone stand and attach it to one of the plates on your vehicle’s ventilation openings.

Turn on a regular cooling setting and watch how the temperature will drop.

5.2 Select a Cooler Mount Location

Some phone car mounts may be positioned so that the phone is constantly exposed to direct sunlight.

You must consider an alternative for positioning your smartphone that’s well-hidden from direct sunlight, so the unit is still in your physical reach and in range of the wireless signal. 

5.3 Remove your Phone’s Case

As you probably know, most smartphones have small ventilation openings on the back panel.

So, if you use a smartphone case, remove it now and check if your phone will still overheat.

5.4 Use Any Cooling Appliances

While this may be an unorthodox solution, many users manage to effectively reduce the phone’s temperatures while using Android Auto by installing a fan mount or a cooling pad.

If you find a comfortable spot in the car to install the appliance and keep the smartphone there, this will help.

Quick Note: Avoid direct sunlight from shining onto your smartphone.

6. Use a Second Phone (Workaround)

While this may sound absurd at first, many users have solved the overheating problem with Android Auto by simply using a primary and a secondary phone.

So, whenever your phone overheating Android Auto, and nothing helps, perhaps bringing a secondary phone will work.

Each of the phones will have its separate functions, and you won’t have to utilize the CPU of your primary phone as much.

Let’s review a model of how you would use the primary and secondary phone correctly!

6.1 How to Use a Primary Phone with Android Auto?

The primary phone must remain connected to the head unit/infotainment system at all times.

It’s recommended to use Bluetooth for the connection, as you will mostly use the main phone to accept calls outside of Android Auto.

Exit all background applications on the primary phone to preserve as much battery as possible and keep the temperature within the operational margin.

6.2 How to Use a Secondary Phone with Android Auto?

The secondary phone can be connected over USB, and it will have all of your applications on quick access.

This is where you will turn on the navigation and manage your vehicle’s music. 

• You can use the secondary phone as you would use the primary, but its CPU won’t get utilized as much or overheat consistently.