How to Fix iPhone Overheating When Using Navigation in the UK (Maps, GPS)

Understanding iPhone Overheating During Navigation

UK iPhone users often experience overheating when using navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze. While it is normal for devices to warm slightly during GPS usage, excessive heat can affect performance, battery life, and long-term hardware health. Overheating may be caused by intensive app usage, high screen brightness, poor network coverage, or environmental factors.

Basic Checks and Immediate Actions

  • Remove Case: Thick cases can trap heat. Remove it while navigating.
  • Reduce Screen Brightness: Settings → Display & Brightness → lower brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
  • Close Background Apps: Double-click Home (or swipe up on Face ID devices) → swipe away apps not in use to reduce CPU load.
  • Enable Low Power Mode: Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode helps reduce background processing.

Update Software and Apps

  • Update iOS: Settings → General → Software Update. Apple often optimises GPS and navigation performance in minor updates.
  • Update Navigation Apps: Open App Store → Profile → Update. Google Maps and Waze updates frequently improve efficiency and reduce heating.
  • Reset Location & Privacy Settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Location & Privacy. Misconfigured GPS settings can cause excessive CPU usage.

Network and GPS Optimisation

  • Weak mobile signal causes higher power consumption — try areas with stronger 4G/5G coverage.
  • Enable Wi-Fi while navigating indoors for better positioning and reduced LTE power draw.
  • Disable unnecessary location tracking for other apps: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → toggle off for non-essential apps.

Hardware Considerations

  • Avoid leaving iPhone in direct sunlight, inside cars or near windows.
  • Check battery health: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Worn batteries may generate more heat under load.
  • For prolonged navigation, use a certified car mount with airflow to improve cooling.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Restart Device: A reboot can resolve temporary GPS or app glitches causing overheating.
  2. Force Close Navigation Apps: Swipe up or double-click Home → swipe apps away → reopen app.
  3. Check for App Conflicts: Disable other background apps or location-based services running concurrently.
  4. Reset All Settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings. Retains data but refreshes system configurations that may trigger overheating.

Tips from Real-World UK Users

  • Using a car charger with high amperage can sometimes contribute to heat — opt for official Apple-certified chargers.
  • Offline maps reduce constant data and GPS usage, lowering device temperature during long journeys.
  • Refer to hubs for related guidance: iPhone hub, Performance & System hub, and Connectivity & Network hub.
  • Test Siri voice navigation or turn-by-turn directions with headphones instead of loudspeaker to reduce internal processing and heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving the iPhone in hot environments while navigating — can accelerate overheating.
  • Running multiple GPS-intensive apps simultaneously — increases CPU load and heat.
  • Using unofficial charging accessories — may increase power draw and temperature.
  • Ignoring software updates — iOS updates frequently include thermal and performance optimisations.

Preventive Measures

  • Regularly update iOS and navigation apps.
  • Use certified chargers and car mounts with airflow for long trips.
  • Monitor battery health and replace degraded batteries if necessary.
  • Plan routes with offline maps to reduce network usage and CPU load.

Conclusion

iPhone overheating during navigation in the UK is usually preventable by optimising device settings, closing unnecessary apps, updating software, and maintaining proper hardware care. Following these steps ensures safer, smoother navigation using Apple Maps, Google Maps, or other GPS apps while preserving performance and battery health.

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