Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro overheating rock and fire background.

How To Fix Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Overheating Issue

Written by: Joanavi Fernan

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Time to read 7 min

You were heavily using your Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro and suddenly noticed it getting uncomfortably warm. You thought it was just one of those days, but the overheating problem becomes persistent. This can be annoying. Not only does it mess with your phone's performance, but it can also shorten its lifespan.


A poll from Android Police,  "Does your Pixel frequently run hot?"  revealed that 45% of voters (4639 out of 10,352 votes) found their Pixel overheating problem quite common. A Pixel 8 Pro user reported the phone turning into a "mobile furnace" when using Maps or Waze. Another user reported that the phone gets even hotter when plugged in, wirelessly charged, or using Android Auto.


In this guide, we’ll dive into the causes of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro overheating , how to fix it, and why choosing a Pixel 8 | 8 Pro thin phone case matters. Stick with us to ensure your Pixel device runs smoothly for longer.

Why Is My Phone Overheating?

Pixel 8 phone temperature screen

A study shows that running more apps and tasks increases phone temperature. Many other factors can still cause your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro to overheat, and understanding these reasons is the first step to fixing them. Here are some common culprits.


1. Excessive Heat Exposure


Keeping your device in a hot car or under direct sunlight can cause it to overheat. While modern phones are built to handle a certain level of heat, they are not for sunbathing or too much exposure to extreme temperatures.


2. Heavy Usage


Do you love watching shows back-to-back or playing games for hours? Resource-intensive tasks like gaming, streaming, or multitasking for extended periods make your device work harder, which leads to overheating.


3. Troublesome Apps


Some apps don't play nice. They run amok, hogging power and making your phone hotter than usual. These are typically draining your battery fast or slow down your Pixel 8.

Signs Your Google Pixel 8 Is Overheating

Close-up photo of hands holding a smartphone while mobile gaming.

Is your Pixel 8's temperature a cause for concern? Here are telltale signs that overheating may be an issue:


  • Your device feels uncomfortably warm and hot to the touch even without heavy usage.

  • Your battery is draining quickly. Overheating often correlates with rapid battery consumption.

  • You experience random shutdowns. To protect internal components, your Pixel 8 may automatically power off when it overheats.

Solutions to Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Overheating

Knowing how to cool down your phone when it’s heating up can save you from worst-case scenarios. Below are some simple fixes for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro overheating issues.

Fix #1. Manage Apps


A popular tip from Reddit suggests tweaking the Pixel 8’s Adaptive Connectivity Services when it shows signs of overheat. The process involves disabling the service, clearing its storage, and then enabling it again, followed by restarting the device. This method has helped some users reduce heat generation.


Here’s a step-by-step process:


Step 1: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Adaptive Connectivity,

Step 2: Toggle Adaptive Connectivity off.

Step 3: Clear the cache for the service.

Step 4: Restart your device.

Step 5: Turn it back on.


You can also remove faulty apps that consistently cause heat spikes. You can track these in Settings > Battery > App usage.

Fix #2. Adjust Settings


You can always switch to 4G or lower if you’re not using any demanding apps or tasks. Limiting 5G usage can reduce heat and improve battery life by 25-30%.


Lowering screen brightness can also go a long way. Dim your display or enable adaptive brightness to prevent excessive heat from the screen.


Finally, update your software consistently. Regular updates fix bugs and optimize performance, often addressing overheating issues.

Fix #3. Manage Background Processes


Limit the number of processes running in the background and manage notifications. Too many tasks running simultaneously can prevent your Pixel 8 from overheating. Disable unnecessary notifications and background services by heading to Settings > Apps > Manage apps.

Fix #4. Factory Reset (If Necessary)


When overheating persists despite troubleshooting, a factory reset can eliminate any hidden software glitches, as suggested in discussions on XDA Forums. This approach can eliminate any glitches or settings causing the device to work harder than it needs to, leading to excessive heat. Ensure you back up your data beforehand.

How to Stop Oveheating through Hardware-Based Fixes

Overheating can stem from physical issues like poor heat dissipation, aging batteries, or internal dust buildup. Fixing these can directly address the root cause, ensuring your phone runs cooler.

Fix #5. Avoid Direct Sunlight


Direct sunlight can cause your phone to overheat quickly. If you need to use your phone in direct sunlight, try to find a shaded area. Similarly, avoid getting your Pixel 8 close to heat, such as when cooking or using appliances that generate high heat, like ovens or stoves.

Fix #6. Remove the Case Temporarily


If your phone is overheating while charging or under heavy use, removing the case can help heat dissipate faster. Phone cases, especially thick ones, can trap heat while charging, which brings us to the next item on the list.

Fix #7. Use a Slim Case


Opt for a lightweight and ultra-thin case that offers protection without restricting airflow. Consider using our Thinborne Google Pixel 8 thin phone case for a good balance of protection and letting heat out. Slim phone cases are better for charging than thick cases because they allow for faster charging and prevent overheating, especially when charging wirelessly.

🛒 Buyer Guide: Check out these best cases for the Google Pixel 8!


Fix #8: Optimizing Battery Use


Battery usage directly impacts phone temperature. Enabling battery optimization features can help manage how apps use power, potentially reducing overheating. This solution is recommended across multiple platforms, including Android Authority and Android Police, highlighting the importance of efficient battery management.

Why Does My Pixel 8 Overheat While Charging?

Some warmth while charging is normal, but if the phone is too hot to touch, it could be a problem. A phone that gets too hot can damage internal components, shorten the battery lifespan, and cause glitches.


Your Pixel 8 overheating while charging occurs due to several factors, including:


  • Third-party or fast chargers: Non-certified or high-speed chargers can produce excess heat.

  • Hot environments: Charging in warm conditions increases the device’s temperature.

  • Demanding apps: Running resource-heavy apps while charging strains the phone, amplifying heat production.

  • Overcharged phone: The phone may be overcharged.

  • Thick case: Charging with a thick phone case can interfere with charging.

  • Using the phone as a hotspot: Using the phone as a hotspot while charging, especially while also scrolling the web, can cause it to overheat.


Addressing these can help keep your Pixel 8 cooler while charging. Otherwise, your device will suffer from long-term effects. We'll elaborate on this matter below.

🗒️ Related Article: If your Pixel phone stops charging for an unknown reason, the article below provides easy fixes and solutions.


What Are the Long-Term Effects of Overheating?

Ignoring overheating can lead to a few mishaps, with battery degradation at the top of the list. Constant exposure to high temperatures reduces battery capacity over time, meaning it will only hold a charge for a short time.


Secondly, your device will have to deal with performance issues over time. Overheating may cause your phone to throttle, leading to slower speeds or app crashes. If your Pixel 8 regularly overheats, it might start to lag or freeze, ruining your user experience.


Lastly, constant phone overheating is a risky business for internal parts. Extreme heat is no friend to your Pixel 8's insides, risking damage that could be expensive to fix.

Final Thoughts

Overheating is a common issue in smartphones and gadgets, but it can be managed with the right strategies. Simple management of apps, tweaks in settings, and up-to-date software helps maintain your device’s performance and longevity. Moreover, using a barely-there case from Thinborne factors out the inconvenience of having to remove your phone case while charging.


Visit our store to explore our selection of cases tailored to keep your device cool and protected!

Products Featured In This Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Google Pixel 8 series have overheating issues out of the box?

While overheating isn’t a guaranteed issue for all Pixel 8 devices, many users have reported heat-related problems, especially during heavy usage, wireless charging, or gaming. Regular updates often help resolve such issues.

Can overheating damage my Pixel 8 permanently?

Yes, prolonged overheating can degrade battery health, cause performance throttling, and potentially damage internal components over time. It’s essential to address the issue promptly.

How can I cool my Pixel 8 down quickly?

Turn off intensive apps, remove the case, avoid direct sunlight, and enable airplane mode. Charging your phone in a cool environment can also help.

Should I use a cooling pad for my Pixel 8 Pro?

Using a cooling pad can help during gaming or other high-demand tasks, but it’s not a long-term solution. Address the root causes of overheating first.

Related Readings

Joan F.

General manager of Thinborne - the super thin phone case made of Aramid Fiber.

"I am a tech nerd who's obsessed with everything Apple. With plenty of experience in the tech world, I enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help folks get the most out of their devices. When I'm not glued to my screen, you can find me hiking or cooking up a storm in the kitchen."

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