Why Xiaomi is warming up: 12 reasons for overheating and how to fix it

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone is getting hotter than usual, perhaps even turning off from overheating or issuing a high temperature warning, a common problem that can occur on new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro).+), And on older devices (Poco) X3, Redmi 9A). In most cases, overheating is not critical, but it can not be ignored - it can reduce the battery life or even disable internal components.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of overheating, from software failures to hardware malfunctions, how to diagnose a problem yourself, what settings to check first, and when it's time to bring your phone to the service center, and we've also compiled an emergency checklist if your smartphone is already hot and unresponsive.

Important: overheating can be different, sometimes the body just gets warm when you're working hard, and sometimes the temperature goes up to 50-60.ยฐC, and the device starts to trottling or shut down altogether. If your Xiaomi is behaving like this, read on.

1. Normal heating vs. critical overheating: how to distinguish

Not all heating is a problem. Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity processors, which are installed in Xiaomi smartphones, can heat up to 40-45 at peak loads.ยฐC. It's okay if:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Phone warms up during games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), video rendering or use AR-applications.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Heat is uniform (not localized in one place) and falls off 5-10 minutes after the task is completed.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Temperatures below 45.ยฐC (can be checked in applications such as CPU Monitor AIDA64).

Here are the signs of abnormal overheating that require intervention:

  • โš ๏ธ Body heats up to 50ยฐC+ in standby mode or with simple tasks (watching videos, messengers).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The phone spontaneously reboots or turns off with a warning about overheating.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Performance falls even during normal operations (lags, hangings).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The battery is discharged 2-3 times faster than usual.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the back of the phone becomes deformed by a high temperature (especially in the area of the camera or processor), immediately turn off the device!

To accurately measure the temperature, install one of these applications:

  • CPU Thermometer (shows the temperature of the processor, battery, module) 5G).
  • AIDA64 (Detailed diagnostics of all sensors).
  • AccuBattery (monitoring battery heating and discharge rate).
๐Ÿ“Š How often does your Xiaomi overheat?
Only in games/video editing
Sometimes in the normal mode
Constantly, even without loading.
Never warms up.
I don't know, I haven't.

2. Program causes of overheating: what to check first

In 70 percent of cases, overheating is not caused by hardware failures, but by software failures, starting with the simplest one: checking background processes and updates.

Background applications and โ€œgluttonousโ€ services

Many apps continue to run in the background even when you're not using them, especially those that are wrong with this:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Active synchronization games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Social networks (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook) โ€“ they constantly update the feed and send analytics.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Geolocation services (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator, Delivery Club).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Dropbox) when downloading files.

How to check and disable:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Autostart and disable autostart for unnecessary apps.
  2. B Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery usage see which applications consume the most energy.
  3. Enable energy saving mode in Settings โ†’ Battery (this will limit background activity).

โ˜‘๏ธ Background cleanup checklist

Done: 0 / 4

2.2. Outdated firmware or beta version MIUI

Firmware failures are a common cause of overheating, especially if you:

  • ๐Ÿ†• Installed beta. MIUI (They often contain bugs).
  • โณ Itโ€™s been a while since the phone was updated (older versions). MIUI They may conflict with new applications).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ They did downgrade firmware (downgraded version).

How to check and correct:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update the system and install the latest stable version.
  2. If the phone is already overheating, upgrade via the recavรฉri (instruction below).
  3. If the problem started after the update, try resetting the settings (but back up first!).

โš ๏ธ Note: If after the update the phone began to warm up and does not turn on, do not try to sew it yourself through Fastboot".

2.3 Viruses and malware

Viruses, mining bots or spyware can load the processor at 100%, causing overheating, especially those who:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Installs applications from unofficial sources (APK-file).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Clicks on suspicious links in messengers or social networks.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Rocks "hacked" games or mods.

How to check:

  1. Install an antivirus (Malwarebytes, Dr.Web Light) and scan the system.
  2. Check the list of installed apps in Settings โ†’ Apps โ€“ remove suspicious ones.
  3. Go to Settings. โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Applications with administrator rights and revoke rights from unknown programs.
How to remove the virus if the antivirus does not help?
If malware has blocked access to settings, try booting into Safe Mode (hold the off button). โ†’ long-press on "Switch off" โ†’"Restart Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, remove suspicious apps, then restart.

3. Hardware causes: when the "iron" is to blame

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware, and let's look at the most common cases.

Wear or bloating of the battery

Xiaomi batteries (especially those older than 2-3 years) are prone to degradation, and over time, their capacity falls and internal resistance rises, leading to:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Local heating at the bottom of the phone (where the battery is located).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Quick discharge (from 100% to 0% in 2-3 hours).
  • โšก Bloating of the body (if the battery is "swelled", it must be replaced urgently!).

How to check the status of the battery:

  1. Enter the number #4636## โ†’ Select Battery Information. Temperature above 40.ยฐC in standby mode is a bad sign.
  2. Install AccuBattery and see Battery Health. If it's below 80%, it's time to change the battery.
  3. Examine the body: if the back cover has risen or a gap appears - this is a sign of bloating.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the battery is swelling, don't try to puncture or bend it! Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if damaged. Take the phone to service or at least remove the battery (if the lid is removable).

Processor overheating due to thermal paste

Xiaomi smartphones use a heat paste (or heat pad) to remove heat from the processor, which eventually dries out and the heat sinks down.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Flagships with powerful chips (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Black Shark 5, Poco) F4 GT).
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Devices that are often used for video or gaming.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Phones over 2 years old (thermopaste loses properties).

Signs of a problem:

  • The phone warms up even with minimal load (for example, in the menu).
  • The heating is localized at the top (where the processor is located).
  • Performance drops 5-10 minutes after the start of the game (trottling).

Decision:

  • In the service center can replace thermopaste (cost - from 1000 to 3 000 rubles).
  • For temporary relief, a cooling case or a stand with a fan can be used.

Failure of charger or cable

Cheap or damaged chargers can cause overheating due to:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Unstable voltage (especially dangerous for fast charging HyperCharge or TurboCharge).
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Bad contact in the connector USB-C (oxidation, pollution).
  • โšก Use of non-original cables (they may not support the desired current strength).

How to check:

  1. Try charging your phone with the original Xiaomi charger.
  2. Check the temperature of the power supply โ€“ if it is hot, replace it.
  3. Check the connector. USB-C on your phone: if there are foreign objects or oxidation, clean it gently with a toothpick.
Cause of overheatingSigns.Decision
Battery bloatingBody deformed, fast discharge, heating in the lower partReplacement of the battery in the service
Dried thermopasteLocal heating at the top, trottling in gamesReplacement of heatpaste or heat pad
Faulty ZooPhone warms up when charging, power supply hotUse the original CC, clean the connector
Processor overloadHeating for simple tasks, lags, high battery consumptionClose background applications, update firmware

4.Overheating when charging: why it happens and how to avoid

Many users notice that Xiaomi warms up during charging. This can be normal (for example, when fast charging). 120W Xiaomi 13 Pro, but sometimes points to a problem.

Fast charging vs. conventional: which is safer

HyperCharge Technology (120W), TurboCharge (67W) Or Quick Charge (33W) They speed up charging, but they increase heating:

  • โšก Fast charging: heating to 40-50ยฐC, the battery wears out faster but is convenient when you need to charge urgently.
  • ๐Ÿข Regular charging (10Wโ€“18W): heating is minimal, but the charging time increases by 2-3 times.

Recommendations:

  • Use fast charging only when it is really necessary.
  • Leave your phone to charge from a regular adapter at night (5Wโ€“10W).
  • Do not use your phone while charging (games, videos) โ€“ this increases the heat.

๐Ÿ’ก

If your Xiaomi supports wireless charging, it usually heats less than wired fast charging.But the speed will be lower (usually up to the speed limit). 30W).

Charging and high ambient temperature

If you charge your phone in a hot room (such as a car in the sun) or in temperatures above 30ยฐC, the risk of overheating increases dramatically. Xiaomi can even block charging if temperatures exceed a safe threshold.

What to do:

  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Charge your phone in a cool place (optimally, 20โ€“25).ยฐC).
  • ๐Ÿš— Do not leave the device in the sun (for example, on a torpedo in a car).
  • ๐ŸงŠ If the phone is already hot, let it cool before charging.

5.Overheating in games: how to lower the temperature without loss FPS

Gamers on Xiaomi often experience overheating due to the high load on the CPU and video accelerator, but there are ways to lower the temperature without a severe loss of performance.

5.1 Optimization of graphic settings

In most games, you can manually reduce the load:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Set a balanced graphics mode (instead of "Ultra" or "Max").
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Limit it. FPS up to 60 (instead of 90 or 120).
  • ๐ŸŒ‘ Turn off shadow effects and smoothing.

Example for Genshin Impact:

Settings โ†’ Graphics โ†’ Quality: Average


Footage per second: 60




Shadows: Low




Particle effects: Average

5.2. Use of game modes and cooling

In the firmware MIUI There are hidden settings for gamers:

  1. Activate Game Turbo in Settings โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Game Turbo.
  2. Enable the option โ€œOptimize performanceโ€ and โ€œCoolingโ€ CPU".
  3. Use an external cooler (such as Black Shark FunCooler Pro).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the game still heats the phone to 50ยฐC+, Try lowering the screen resolution in the display settings. FHD+ on HD+ โ€” It'll reduce the load. GPU.

6.When to contact the service: signs of serious malfunctions

If you've tried all the tips, but Xiaomi is still warming up, maybe the problem is deeper.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Phone heats up to 60ยฐC+ without load (check in the AIDA64).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ There is a smell of burning or smoke from the body.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The battery swelled (sees the deformed cover).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต The phone does not turn on after overheating or goes into a cyclic reboot.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Even after 10-15 minutes of downtime, the temperature does not fall below 40.ยฐC.

What can be done in the service:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Replace the heat paste/thermolayer (cost: 1,000โ€“3,000) โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Replace the battery (1,500โ€“4,000) โ‚ฝ model-wise).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Diagnose the motherboard for short circuits.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reflash the phone if the problem is in a damaged firmware.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If you notice that the phone is only warming in a certain place (for example, near the camera or speaker), this may indicate chip detachment or short circuit.

7.Overheating Prevention: 10 Rules for Xiaomi Owners

To avoid problems with overheating in the future, follow these guidelines:

  1. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Do not use your phone while charging (especially for games or videos).
  2. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Avoid direct sunlight (do not leave your phone in your car or on a windowsill).
  3. ๐Ÿ”„ Update your firmware regularly (especially if you notice lags or heating).
  4. ๐ŸŽฎ For games, use a cooling stand or a cover with a fan.
  5. ๐Ÿ”‹ Do not discharge the phone to 0% โ€“ this accelerates battery wear.
  6. ๐Ÿ“ฒ Close background apps (especially social networks and navigators).
  7. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Clean the connector once every six months. USB-C dust-and-foil.
  8. ๐ŸŒ Do not use mobile internet and Wi-Fi at the same time (this increases the load on the modem).
  9. ๐Ÿ”„ If the phone warms up after a fall or impact, check it in the service (possibly damaged internal components).
  10. ๐Ÿ“ฆ Keep your phone in a cool, dry place (not in the bathroom or next to the battery).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you play on your phone often, install the app. CPU Monitor and set up temperature alerts so you can pause and let the device cool down.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Overheating

โ“ Why Xiaomi is more powerful than the old one?
New models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) They are equipped with more powerful processors (Snapdragon). 8 Gen 2, Dimensity 9000), They also use fast charging, which generates more heat (120W) and 5G-modems that also heat up. That's normal if the temperature doesn't exceed 45โ€“50ยฐC under load.
โ“ Can I use a refrigerator to cool my phone?
โŒ No! A sudden temperature drop can cause condensation inside the case, which will lead to a short circuit. If the phone overheats, just: Turn it off. Put it on a non-metallic surface (wood, plastic). Wait 15-20 minutes. If you need to speed up cooling, you can use a fan (but not ice water or freezer!).
โ“ Why Xiaomi is so hot when connecting to a computer?
This can happen for several reasons: ๐Ÿ”Œ Problems with USB-port on your PC or phone (try another cable or port). ๐Ÿ“ Transferring large amounts of data (e.g. copying movies). ๐Ÿ”„ Driver conflict (update) MIUI and drivers on PC). ๐ŸŽฎ If you use your phone as a game controller (e.g. for emulators), it also loads the processor.Solution: Try connecting over Wi-Fi (e.g., using Mi Drop or Snapdrop).
โ“ How to check if Xiaomi is not warmed up because of the 5G?
modem 5G consumes more energy than 4G, So it can cause extra heat. To check: Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Network type. Switch from 5G on 4G And watch the temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, and if the phone gets less warm, it's a problem. 5G-The solution: turn it off. 5G, If you do not use it, or use the power saving mode for the mobile network.
โ“ Can the cover cause overheating?
โœ… Dense or thick cases (especially silicone or plastic) can be used: ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deteriorate heat transfer. ๐Ÿ“ถ Block the signal, causing the phone to increase the transmission power (which heats the modem). ๐Ÿ”‹ Solution: Remove the case while charging or when using it heavily, or choose a case with a perforation or metal insert for better cooling.