iPad Pro Overheating? The iPad Pro is a powerful tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. But all that processing power comes at a cost – heat. Excessive heat buildup can cause performance issues, battery drain, and even permanent hardware damage if left unchecked.
Fortunately, iPad overheating is usually easy to diagnose and resolve with a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll cover the major causes of iPad Pro overheating and actionable solutions to cool things down.
Why Does My iPad Pro Get Hot?
Before we get into fixes, it helps to understand the root causes of overheating in the first place. There are two main culprits:
Intensive Apps and Tasks
The iPad Pro is equipped with the same blazing-fast Apple Silicon chips found in MacBooks. So it’s capable of handling very demanding apps and workflows that fully tax the CPU and GPU. Editing multiple 4K video streams, 3D modeling, processing large photos in Photoshop, and playing graphics-intensive games are examples of tasks that can cause an iPad Pro to heat up quickly.
The more strenuous the app, the more heat it generates. So it’s perfectly normal for your iPad to get warm while pushing it to its limits. But sustained, excessive heat can impact performance and pose long-term reliability risks.
Direct Sunlight and Hot Ambient Temperatures
Even if you aren’t running intensive apps, high external temperatures can be problematic. The iPad Pro’s sleek aluminum and glass enclosure looks great but isn’t the most heat-friendly design. Dark colors like space gray absorb and trap heat more readily than lighter colors.
Direct sunlight shining on your iPad for extended periods can cause the internal temperature to rise dramatically, even if the device is idle. Similarly, leaving your iPad Pro in a hot car or poorly ventilated room forces the components to work much harder to remain cool.
The optimal operating temperature for iPad Pro is 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C). Beyond those thresholds, you risk potential hardware damage from overheating.
How to Cool Down an Overheating iPad Pro
If your iPad Pro feels uncomfortably hot to the touch, chances are the internal components are even hotter. Here are some tips to cool things down before it becomes problematic:
1. Move to a Cooler Location
If possible, get your overheated iPad out of direct sunlight and into a well-ventilated, air-conditioned environment. Even just placing it in the shade can help dissipate heat. Turn off the device completely and let it rest for 15-30 minutes to allow the internal components to cool gradually.
Avoid extreme temperature shocks – don’t place a hot iPad in the freezer or blast it with an AC vent! Condensation from rapid cooling can short circuit the logic board. Letting it cool down naturally is best.
2. Remove Cases and Covers
Well-intentioned cases and covers can sometimes exacerbate heat issues by trapping heat inside. If your iPad feels hot, try removing any cases, skins or screen protectors temporarily to improve airflow. This allows heat to dissipate more readily.
3. Lower Screen Brightness
The display and backlighting consume a significant chunk of battery power. Lowering your screen brightness even a little bit can reduce energy demands and associated heat generation.
Auto-brightness helps, but manually reducing brightness extends battery life and keeps the iPad cooler. Turn it down to around 50% brightness or lower if overheating.
4. Close Unnecessary Apps
Apps running in the background, even if you aren’t actively using them, can make your processor work harder and generate heat. Double-press the home button and swipe up on any apps not currently in use to force quit them. This frees up RAM and reduces energy demands.
Also, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle off any non-essential apps. This prevents them from running hidden processes that tax your CPU and battery.
5. Disable Unneeded Features
Bluetooth, GPS, and mobile data all consume extra power when activated. If you don’t need them, turning them off conserves battery and reduces heat generation.
Also, disable auto-syncing for calendars, contacts, email, etc. if you aren’t actively using those features. Every little bit helps maximize efficiency and minimize heat.
6. Stop Charging
Don’t use your iPad while it’s plugged in and charging. Charging alone causes the battery (and thus iPad internals) to heat up. Simultaneously charging AND running intensive apps compounds the problem.
If you absolutely must use the iPad while charging, only charge up to 80-90% battery level, then disconnect. This reduces strain on the battery compared to a 100% charge cycle.
7. Update to Latest Software
Making sure your iPad is running the newest iOS/iPadOS version ensures you have the latest optimizations for battery efficiency and heat management. Updates often include vital behind-the-scenes tweaks to prevent overheating.
Also update apps regularly for the same reason – newer app versions are generally more efficient. Check for iOS and app updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
8. Take It to Apple
If basic cooling methods don’t resolve chronic overheating issues, the iPad likely needs professional servicing. Make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple store and have them inspect your device.
A failing battery or worn out thermal pads are common hardware issues that cause severe overheating. Apple can diagnose the problem and replace the affected components if needed.
Preventing iPad Pro Overheating
It’s much easier to prevent overheating in the first place rather than dealing with it after the fact. Here are some proactive tips for keeping your iPad Pro running cool:
Use a Tablet Cooling Case
Active cooling cases and stands use built-in fans to maintain optimal operating temperatures. They work great for intensive gaming, video editing, or other sustained performance-heavy usage.
Passive cooling cases utilize outer shells made of heat-dissipating graphite or metal materials. This allows heat to dissipate through the case rather than getting trapped internally.
Add a Tablet Cooling Pad
Small USB or battery-powered cooling pads sit under your iPad and provide supplemental airflow using integrated fans. They help increase air circulation around and inside the iPad’s enclosure.
Enable Auto-Lock Sooner
By default, the iPad auto-locks after 2 minutes of inactivity. Shortening this to 1 minute or even 30 seconds gives the components a chance to cool down faster between use sessions. Less uptime equals less heat buildup.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Don’t leave your iPad Pro sitting in direct sunlight for extended periods – the glass and metal enclosure absorbs heat rapidly. Keep it stowed away in a bag, purse or shaded area when not in use.
If using outdoors, stick to the shade and take frequent breaks to let it cool off.
Use Lighter Wallpapers
Black or dark wallpaper colors absorb more light energy and contribute (albeit minimally) to heat. Using a white, minimalist, or at least light-colored wallpaper helps reflect light rather than converting it to minute amounts of warmth.
Take Breaks
Even during intensive use, build in short breaks every 20-30 minutes to let your iPad rest and cool off. Some ideas: respond to emails, browse social media, make a phone call, or get a snack/drink. The iPad will thank you!
The Bottom Line
The iPad Pro packs immense power for its size. With great power comes great heat generation if not managed properly. But a bit of forethought and some basic precautions go a long way towards preventing problems.
Monitor your iPad during intensive use and be proactive about letting it cool when needed. Avoid direct sunlight and get a tablet cooling case for demanding use cases. Keep the software optimized and don’t overtax the device habitually.
With sensible care and maintenance, your iPad Pro should deliver solid performance for years before heat becomes an issue. But if problems arise, the solutions outlined above will get you back up and running at full speed.