How to keep iPads cool is important for anyone who uses their device a lot, especially if you spend time outside or play games for long periods.
When an iPad becomes too hot, it can start to slow down, the screen may dim, and the battery will not last as long.
Keeping your iPad cool helps it work optimally and protects your device from overheating issues.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to keep iPads cool and running at peak performance so you can get the most out of your tablet every day.
Why iPads Overheat and How to Keep iPads Cool
iPads can become hot under certain conditions, especially when subjected to demanding tasks or exposed to high temperatures.
Knowing what causes overheating and how the device responds helps you keep your iPad working safely and smoothly.
Common Causes of iPad Overheating
High temperatures can trigger overheating. Leaving your iPad in a hot car or using it outside in direct sunlight can cause its temperature to rise quickly.
Playing graphics-intensive games, streaming high-definition videos, or running power-hungry apps for extended periods can also cause your iPad to overheat. These activities use a lot of the device’s processing power.
Charging your iPad while using it, especially when running demanding apps simultaneously, can generate even more heat.
To help avoid problems, try to:
- Use your iPad in shaded areas and avoid hot, direct sunlight.
- Limit heavy app usage when charging.
- Reduce screen brightness if possible.
Understanding Apple’s Built-In Thermal Controls
Apple designs iPads with automatic controls to prevent overheating. These controls protect the device if it becomes too hot.
When your iPad detects high temperatures, it may:
- Dim the screen brightness automatically.
- Slow down performance to reduce heat.
- Pause charging or wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Display a warning message about temperature.
If temperatures continue to rise, your iPad may shut down until it cools off. This high-temperature shutdown prevents hardware damage.
It’s normal to see these safety steps if the device is overheating. Once cooled, you can use your iPad as usual again.
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Best Practices on How to Keep iPads Cool in Any Situation
iPads can get hot when used for long periods or under heavy loads. By following a few practical steps, you can prevent overheating and keep your device running smoothly.
Use Your iPad in a Cool, Shaded Environment
Heat from sunlight can quickly raise your iPad’s temperature and damage its battery over time.
📌 Tips:
- Always use your iPad in a shaded spot.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, even when you are outside.
- Never leave the iPad inside a parked car, as vehicles heat up much faster than outside air.
- If indoors, avoid placing it near windows or heat sources like kitchen appliances.
A calm, dry environment helps keep your iPad at a safe operating temperature.
Take Breaks During Intensive Tasks
When running demanding apps or multitasking, your iPad’s processor works harder and produces more heat.
📌 To avoid this:
- Limit extended gaming sessions, HD video editing, or long FaceTime calls.
- Take short breaks during periods of heavy use to allow your device to cool down.
- Close unused apps running in the background since they add extra load.
- Monitor your iPad’s temperature by feeling the back—if it’s hot, give it a rest.
Short pauses help maintain stable performance and prevent overheating.
Remove the iPad Case When Charging or Gaming
Many protective cases are thick or lack airflow. This traps heat, especially during charging or while playing games.
📌 Here’s what you can do:
- Take off the case before charging or using power-hungry apps.
- Switch to a breathable or open-back case if you often notice your iPad getting warm.
- Cases with vents or mesh help heat escape and can make a difference.
Letting heat dissipate freely helps keep temperatures down.
Use a Cooling Pad or Stand with Built-in Fans
External cooling accessories are designed to help regulate the temperature of your device.
📌 You have several options:
- Laptop-style cooling pads with built-in fans can be effective for iPads, particularly during extended use.
- Stands with passive cooling (like those made from aluminum) absorb some heat away from the device.
- Consider clip-on fans or magnetic cooling packs for even more cooling power, especially if you use your iPad for work or gaming.
- Ensure that any accessory fits your model and does not block any key ports.
These add-ons are helpful in hot weather or high-performance situations.
Disable Unnecessary Features
Certain background features and settings can cause your iPad to work harder, resulting in increased heat.
To cut down on unnecessary heat, try these steps:
- Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using wireless accessories.
- Disable Location Services when you don’t need GPS or navigation features.
- Disable Background App Refresh to prevent apps from updating when not in use.
- Lower the screen brightness, a dimmer screen means less power draw and heat.
Making small adjustments helps lower your iPad’s temperature during daily use.
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How to Keep iPads Cool While Charging or Traveling
iPads can overheat during charging or heavy use, especially in warm or enclosed environments. Keeping your iPad cool helps extend its battery life and prevents performance issues, such as lag or unexpected shutdowns.
Charge in a Cool, Open Space
To prevent overheating, follow these tips when charging your iPad:
- Use a hard, flat surface like a desk or table to allow air to move freely around the device.
- Avoid soft surfaces such as beds, pillows, or couches, which can trap heat underneath your iPad.
- Keep it out of enclosed spaces while charging. Don’t leave it inside a bag, under a blanket, or in direct sunlight.
- Clear the area around the charger. Ensure there is no clutter, and regularly clean the dust from the charging port and adapter.
Overheating may cause your iPad to slow down or shut down on its own. Keeping the area well-ventilated helps your device stay at a safe temperature.
Use Only MFi-Certified Chargers
Using the correct charger is just as important for keeping your iPad cool:
- Stick to MFi-certified accessories. “Made for iPhone/iPad” products meet Apple’s safety standards and deliver the correct power output.
- Avoid cheap or unbranded chargers that may overheat, damage your battery, or even cause a fire.
- Check for the MFi logo on the packaging when buying charging cables or adapters.
Investing in certified accessories protects your iPad from overheating and keeps your charging setup safe and reliable.
Travel Tips to Prevent iPad Overheating
When traveling, temperature fluctuations can cause your iPad to become too hot or too cold. In hot climates, store your iPad in your carry-on instead of in checked luggage. Checked bags can be stored in hot cargo areas for extended periods.
Here are some ways to prevent overheating while traveling:
- Carry your iPad in a padded case or thermal sleeve to help block heat.
- Never leave your iPad in a parked car, especially on a sunny day.
- If you need to use your iPad outdoors, look for shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight.
- If your iPad feels warm, turn it off for a few minutes and place it in a cooler location.
Following these tips helps keep your iPad at a safe temperature during trips.
📌 Also Read: Best Keyboard Case for iPad Pro You Need in 2025
What Not to Do When Trying to Keep iPads Cool
Some actions can harm your iPad or exacerbate existing problems instead of resolving them. It's important to avoid common mistakes that might cause permanent damage.
Don’t Put It in the Fridge or Freezer ❌
Never put your iPad in a fridge or freezer to cool it down. This can cause more harm than good. The sudden temperature change can cause condensation to form inside the device.
Water and electronics are a dangerous combination, and even a small amount of moisture can cause your iPad to malfunction.
Here's why it's risky:
- Condensation can build up inside and short out internal components.
- Extreme cold can damage the battery or even make the screen crack.
- iPads are not designed to handle rapid temperature changes.
If your iPad feels hot, let it cool down naturally at room temperature away from sunlight. Don’t try quick fixes that could create more problems.
Don’t Use Fan Apps or "Cooler" Apps ❌
Be cautious with apps that claim to cool your iPad. These apps do not actually lower the device's temperature. They cannot control the hardware to make your iPad cooler.
Key points to remember:
- No app can physically cool your device. They may claim to "boost" performance, but this is misleading.
- Running extra apps can increase the CPU's workload, which can make your iPad even hotter.
- Trusted sources, such as Apple, do not recommend any software solutions for cooling.
To keep your iPad safe, use physical methods, such as letting it rest and keeping it out of direct sunlight. Avoid wasting time on apps that make false promises.
📌 Also Read: How to Connect External Display to iPad: A Simple Guide
How to Keep iPads Cool: Maintenance and Long-Term Tips
To prevent your iPad from overheating, it's essential to develop a few key habits. Regular updates, good cleaning routines, and battery checks all help your device keep a steady, safe temperature.
Keep iOS Updated
Keeping your iPad’s iOS updated is important for cooling. Software updates often include enhancements to thermal management. These updates help your iPad use its hardware more efficiently and avoid unnecessary heat.
When Apple releases an update, install it as soon as you can. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for new updates. Enabling automatic updates can make this process easier.
An up-to-date iPad can handle heavy apps or games better and is less likely to overheat. Skipping updates can leave your iPad more vulnerable to performance issues and overheating.
Clean Your iPad Regularly
Dust and debris can accumulate on your iPad, particularly around the edges and in the ports. If you use a case, dirt can get trapped against the back or cover the speaker and charging ports.
A dirty iPad cannot release heat as easily. This is especially true with rugged or cooling cases that have air vents. Blocked openings restrict airflow, causing temperature to rise.
To keep your iPad clean:
- Wipe surfaces with a soft, dry cloth.
- Clean ports gently using a toothpick or canned air.
- Remove the case and clean underneath it every few weeks.
Keeping your device free of dust helps it stay cool longer and perform better.
Monitor Battery Health
An older battery can get hotter than a new one. Aging lithium batteries work harder and create more heat than before.
To keep battery health in check:
- Avoid leaving your iPad plugged in for long periods after charging.
- Try to avoid letting your battery drop below 20% or stay above 80% at all times.
- Check battery health under Settings > Battery.
If your iPad feels hotter than usual or the battery drains more quickly than usual, the battery may need service. Replacing an old battery can reduce heat and keep your iPad running smoothly.
📌 Also Read: How do you maximize the lifespan of your iPad battery?
Conclusion
Keeping your iPad cool doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding direct sunlight, closing unused apps, and using a well-ventilated case, you can prevent overheating and keep your device running smoothly.
These simple habits go a long way in protecting your iPad’s performance and battery life.
For even better heat management (and a major productivity upgrade), pair your iPad with a Chesona keyboard case. The slim, breathable design helps with airflow while giving you a full keyboard for work or play.
Explore Chesona’s collection and discover the perfect case for your iPad model today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Heat can affect how your iPad functions and its battery life. Taking steps to prevent your iPad from overheating can help you avoid device issues.
What would cause an iPad to get hot?
Your iPad may get hot if you use it outside in direct sunlight or leave it in a hot car. Running heavy apps or games for an extended period can also cause your iPad to warm up. Charging your iPad while using it can also increase its temperature.
How do I keep my iPad in good condition?
Store your iPad in a cool, dry location and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the screen and case. Do not overcharge your iPad or let the battery fully drain often.
Can overheating damage my iPad permanently?
Yes, repeated or extreme overheating can cause long-term damage to your iPad. High temperatures can affect battery health, slow down performance, or damage internal components. If your iPad shuts down due to heat, give it time to cool before using it again. Keeping your device cool helps protect it and extend its lifespan.
How do I cool down my iPad fast?
To cool down your iPad quickly, turn it off and move it to a cool, shaded area. Remove any case and place the device on a hard, flat surface to allow air to circulate. Avoid using it while charging and disconnect it from power if it's getting too hot. Never place your iPad in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause damage.
Should I remove the case from my iPad when it's hot?
Yes, it’s a good idea to remove the case if your iPad feels hot. Some cases can trap heat and prevent airflow, making the device even warmer. Taking the case off allows heat to escape more easily and helps your iPad cool down faster. Always use your iPad in a well-ventilated space to avoid overheating.
Is there a cooling pad for iPads?
Yes, there are cooling pads and stands designed to help keep iPads cool. These products often use built-in fans or elevated designs to improve airflow around the device. While not as common as laptop cooling pads, they can help reduce heat during charging or extended use. Look for one that fits your iPad size and is made for tablets.
