Phone Cooling Hacks: Preventing Throttling During Gaming

Published on August 12, 2024

by Brenda Stolyar

Gaming on your phone can be one of the easiest and most accessible ways to immerse yourself in your favorite games, whether you’re waiting in line or in the comfort of your own home. However, one of the biggest obstacles for mobile gamers is the dreaded phenomenon of throttling. This occurs when a device’s performance is intentionally decreased to prevent overheating, resulting in a decrease in gameplay quality. Luckily, there are several phone cooling hacks that you can utilize to prevent throttling and keep your phone running at peak performance. Read on to discover how to keep your phone cool and your gaming experience uninterrupted.Phone Cooling Hacks: Preventing Throttling During Gaming

The Problem of Throttling During Gaming

As mentioned before, throttling happens when a phone’s performance is decreased to prevent overheating, resulting in a frustrating gaming experience. This can manifest as decreased frame rates, laggy gameplay, and even unexpected crashes. When gaming on a phone, the processor and battery are under a lot of stress, causing the internal temperatures to rise. Once a certain temperature threshold is reached, the phone will throttle itself to prevent any potential damage. While this is a necessary safety feature, it can be a major hindrance for those looking to fully enjoy their favorite mobile games. Here are some phone cooling hacks that will help you keep your device cool and avoid throttling.

1. Use A Cooling Pad or Fan

Investing in a cooling pad or fan is one of the easiest and most effective solutions for preventing throttling while gaming on your phone. These external devices can be attached to your phone via USB or Bluetooth and help to dissipate heat away from your device. Some even come with built-in fans that circulate cool air over your phone’s battery and processor.

2. Adjust Your Graphics Settings

Another major cause of throttling during gaming is a phone’s high graphics settings. These settings require more processing power, resulting in higher temperatures. By adjusting your graphics settings to a lower level, you can reduce the amount of strain on your phone’s processor and prevent throttling. While this may result in slightly less visually appealing gameplay, it will ensure that your phone stays cool and your gaming experience remains uninterrupted.

3. Keep Your Phone Out of Direct Sunlight

It may seem like common sense, but keeping your phone out of direct sunlight is crucial for preventing throttling. The sun’s rays can quickly raise the internal temperature of your phone, causing it to throttle. If you’re gaming outside, try to find a shaded area or utilize a phone cover to reflect the sun’s rays. This will not only keep your phone cool, but it will also prevent any potential damage to your device.

4. Close Unnecessary Apps and Programs

Running multiple apps and programs in the background can also contribute to throttling during gaming. Each open app or program adds stress to your phone’s processor, resulting in increased temperatures. Before starting your gaming session, make sure to close any apps or programs that are not essential. This will help to lessen the strain on your phone and keep it running smoothly.

5. Use A Phone Cooler App

If you don’t have access to external cooling devices, you can also utilize a phone cooler app to prevent throttling. These apps work by monitoring your phone’s internal temperature and alerting you when it reaches a certain threshold. They also offer options to close background apps and lower your screen brightness to keep your phone cool while gaming. While not as effective as a physical cooling device, a phone cooler app can still help to prevent throttling and improve your gaming experience.

6. Take Breaks

Lastly, one of the simplest phone cooling hacks is to take breaks between gaming sessions. Mobile gaming can be addicting and it’s easy to lose track of time while immersed in a game. However, taking regular breaks will give your phone the opportunity to cool down and prevent throttling. Additionally, it’s important to note that phone batteries can also overheat, so taking breaks will not only help your phone’s processor, but also extend the life of your battery.

With these phone cooling hacks at your disposal, you can now enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions without the frustration of throttling. Whether you’re playing competitive online games or immersing yourself in a single-player adventure, keeping your phone cool is crucial for an optimal gaming experience. So remember to invest in a cooling pad or fan, adjust your graphics settings, stay out of direct sunlight, close unnecessary apps, use a phone cooler app, and take breaks. Your phone (and your gameplay) will thank you!