iPhone SE Overheating After iOS 11.3.1 Update? Here’s How to Cool It Down
Just updated your iPhone SE and now it feels like a pocket-sized furnace? You’re not alone. A lot of users have noticed their iPhone SE overheating after installing iOS 11.3.1 — whether during charging, using apps, or even while it’s just sitting idle. Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through practical ways to fix the heat problem and get your phone running cooler again.
Close All Background Apps
Some apps may misbehave after a system update, especially if they haven’t been optimized for the new iOS version. They can run wild in the background and overwork your processor — which generates heat.
To close all background apps:
- Double-press the Home button to see recently used apps.
- Swipe up on each app to close it.
Once you’ve cleared them all, give your phone a few minutes and see if it starts cooling down.
Soft Reset or Force Restart Your iPhone
A simple reboot can often flush out minor bugs that may be pushing your phone too hard after the update.
To perform a soft reset:
- Press and hold the Power button until Slide to Power Off appears.
- Slide to turn it off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
If your iPhone is frozen from overheating, do a force restart:
- Hold down the Home and Power buttons together for about 20–30 seconds.
- Release when the Apple logo shows up.
This should unfreeze your device and might stop the excessive heat build-up.
Reset All Settings
Sometimes, an iOS update changes system settings in a way that causes conflicts or bugs — which can also lead to overheating. A settings reset brings everything back to default without deleting your data.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode if asked, then confirm.
Your iPhone will restart. After that, re-enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and any other features you use.
Factory Reset Your iPhone SE
If the heat issues still persist, you might need to start fresh. A full reset will wipe your phone clean and eliminate any deep system bugs — but it also deletes everything, so back up your data first.
To factory reset via settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your phone will reboot and walk you through the setup process like it’s brand new. Set it up without restoring from a backup to test if the overheating is gone.
Prefer doing it on a computer?
- Plug your iPhone into a computer with iTunes installed.
- Select your device in iTunes.
- Click Restore iPhone and follow the prompts.
Restore Your iPhone in DFU Mode (Advanced)
If even a factory reset doesn’t solve the overheating, DFU mode is your last resort. It reloads the firmware and software completely — the deepest level of restore you can do without hardware tools.
To enter DFU mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
- Hold the Power + Home buttons together for 8 seconds.
- Let go of the Power button but keep holding the Home button until iTunes says your iPhone is in recovery mode.
- Release the Home button.
Your screen should stay black. If you see a logo, it didn’t work — try again.
Once in DFU mode, use iTunes to Restore your iPhone.