How to fix an Apple iPhone 8 that is overheating after iOS 11.4 update [Troubleshooting Guide]

Mobile devices typically get warm when and shortly after installing new software updates. This is due to the processor that’s working to download and install the update file. A device may become extremely warm when the update file to download and install is huge because it would take time for the processor to complete its task. The bigger the update file size is, the longer it would take for your device processor to complete, and that’s when your device tends to overheat. But then again, this is normal. Once the update is completely installed, your device temperature should go back to normal. However, if it remains warmer than usual even when already idle, then something must be wrong and that needs to be resolved.

Generally if it’s not a faulty hardware, the culprit must be a software bug. Highlighted in this post are some suggested workarounds that can be used to deal with a pertinent issue on the iPhone 8 that is overheating after installing the iOS 11.4 update. If you’re among those who are plagued with this post-update issue on the said iOS device, then this post may help you out. Read further if you need help.

Before going further, if you found this post because you were trying to find a solution to your problem, then try to visit our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed most of the commonly reported issues with the phone. We’ve already provided solutions to some of the problems reported by our readers so try to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you and if you need further assistance, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and hit submit.

How to troubleshoot iPhone 8 that’s overheating after iOS 11.4 update

Before you troubleshoot software errors that might have caused your iPhone to overheat, let it cool down a bit. You can turn it off or let it be idle for a few minutes until its temperature reduces to the normal level. If that won’t work, then you can try the following workarounds and see how your iPhone responds.

First solution: Clear all background apps then reboot.

Background apps are usually the culprit especially when any of them crashes or goes rogue after a new firmware update is installed. When an app goes rogue, chances are that it pushes the processor to constantly work until it’s revved up completely. This causes the device to heat up or even become extremely warm.

  1. Press the Home button twice quickly. Doing so will open a new screen containing a list of all recently used apps. These apps are still open and running in the background.
  2. To close individual apps swipe up on an app to close it.

When you’re done clearing background apps, reboot your iPhone 8 to clear the internal memory from any errant cache files and likewise to refresh the operating system.

If your iPhone is overheating and the screen is unresponsive, then you can force it to reboot instead. Doing so will also force background apps to close and then reboot the operating system. Similar to the usual reboot or soft reset, a force restart won’t affect any data stored on the internal memory of your iPhone as long as it’s done correctly. A force restart on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iphone x is different from the previous procedures. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  2. Then press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Finally, press and hold the Side/Power button until the phone reboots.

Wait until the phone boots up completely and then use it as you normally do. If it still overheats, then continue to troubleshoot.

Second solution: Reset all settings on your iPhone 8.

Some software updates would automatically change your device settings. There’s really nothing to worry for as long as everything is working as intended on your device. But if something’s wrong, then you need to reconfigure your iPhone settings to rectify the error and to get it back up and running smoothly again. Should this be the case, you can try an all settings reset on your iPhone 8 to restore the default settings and options. Then you can configure necessary options individually according to your prior preferences. This reset won’t affect any data and personal information you saved on the internal memory of your device so you don’t need to create backups beforehand. Here’s how to get this done:

  1. Navigate to Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll to and tap Reset.
  4. Select Reset all settings from the given options.
  5. If prompted, enter the correct passcode for your device.
  6. Then tap the option to confirm action.

If necessary, manually trigger your iPhone to reboot after the settings reset to apply the changes accordingly and to refresh the memory. Doing so will prevent apps or the device itself from glitching afterwards.

Third solution: Restore your iPhone 8 to its factory defaults (factory reset).

If the prior reset failed to resolve the problem and that your iPhone 8 is still overheating, then you can proceed with a master reset or factory reset. The new update might have somehow inflicted complex system errors that could not be remedied by prior workarounds. In this case, a full system wipe out will likely clear the bugs and get the system back to its state. It is recommended to back up all your critical data beforehand as they will all be deleted in the process. Since your device is not in its normal state, performing a factory reset through iTunes would be a better option. To get started, get your computer ready. You can use either a Windows PC or Mac computer with a later OS version and latest iTunes software version installed. Once you’re all set, proceed with these steps to factory reset your iPhone 8 in iTunes on your computer:

  1. Close any other programs on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the supplied USB cable or Lightning cable.
  3. Wait until iTunes recognizes your iPhone 8. You can back up your files to iTunes on your computer before you reset your device.

Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to reset and restore your iPhone 8 to factory defaults. After the reset, you can set up your iPhone as new.

Fourth solution: Restore your iPhone in iTunes.

As your last ditch solution, you may attempt to restore your iPhone 8 in iTunes via DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This restore will erase every bit of code on the hardware and software and then restores your device. Should you wish to proceed, be sure to back up all your important data as everything will be cleared in the process. Whenever you’re all set, you may refer to these steps to carry out a DFU mode restore on your iPhone 8:

  1. Plug your iPhone 8 into your computer.
  2. Open iTunes on your computer.
  3. Turn off your iPhone if necessary.
  4. Press and hold down the Side/Power button for 3 seconds.
  5. Then press and hold down the Volume Down button while still holding down the Side/Power button.
  6. Keep holding down both buttons for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, you’ve held the buttons for too long and you so you will need to start again from the top.
  7. Release the Side/Power button but keep holding down the Volume Down button for about 5 seconds. If you see the Plug into iTunes screen, it means you’ve held the button for too long and that you will need to start again.
  8. If the screen remains black, it means you have successfully entered DFU mode on your iPhone 8.

At this point, you can instigate iOS restore in iTunes on your computer. Simply follow the onscreen instructions to complete the restore process. When the restore is successfully completed, you can proceed with the initial setup process to enable necessary features on your iPhone. Everything should be working fine by then.

Seek more help

You can report the issue to Apple Support or your device carrier so they can be aware of it and if necessary, include iPhone 8 overheating problem in the list of priority issues to address in the next update fix patch. Or you can also take your device to an Apple service center nearby and have it examined by an authorized technician. Doing so can help you rule bad hardware out from the possible triggers. It doesn’t always mean that the new update is to blame whenever an issue occurs after updating the device software. Sometimes, what’s transpiring is a symptom of hardware damage. That said, it’s also imperative to have the hardware components (like the battery) be properly assessed by an Apple technician.

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