Why is my charging brick so hot?

Answered by James Kissner

There are several reasons why your charging brick may become hot while charging your phone. Let’s explore some of the common causes:

1. Output Current Intensity: Charging bricks are designed to convert the high voltage from the wall outlet into a lower voltage suitable for your phone. This conversion process involves a high current flowing through the charger. The higher the current, the more heat is generated. So, if your phone requires a high charging current, it is normal for the charger to get hot.

2. Charging Efficiency: The charging efficiency of a charger can also affect its temperature. Inefficient chargers may produce more heat as some of the electrical energy is wasted in the form of heat. Higher-quality chargers tend to have better efficiency and therefore generate less heat.

3. Surrounding Temperature: The ambient temperature of the environment can also impact the temperature of the charging brick. If the room temperature is already high, the charger may get hotter during charging due to less efficient heat dissipation. Similarly, if the charger is placed on a soft surface like a bed or a pillow, it can restrict airflow and cause the charger to heat up more.

4. Overheating Protection: Some chargers are equipped with built-in overheating protection mechanisms. When the charger reaches a certain temperature threshold, it may automatically reduce the charging current or even shut off temporarily to prevent any potential damage. This can cause the charger to cool down and then resume charging once it has reached a safe temperature.

It is important to note that while some heat generation is normal during charging, excessive heat or a burning smell could indicate a problem. If you notice any unusual behavior or have concerns about the safety of your charger, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult the manufacturer or a professional.

Personal Experience:
I have encountered situations where my charging brick became quite hot while charging my phone. In one instance, I was using a generic charger that came with a third-party phone case. The charger was not of the best quality, and it got noticeably hot during charging. I switched to using the original charger that came with my phone, and the temperature was significantly lower.

In another situation, I was charging my phone while it was placed on a soft surface, such as a pillow. The charger became much hotter than usual due to the limited airflow. Once I moved it to a flat, hard surface, the temperature decreased.

In both cases, the heat generated by the chargers was within an acceptable range, and I did not encounter any issues. However, these experiences taught me the importance of using high-quality chargers and ensuring proper ventilation during charging.

To summarize, the heat generated by your charging brick is a normal phenomenon, primarily due to the high current flowing through it and the surrounding temperature. However, if you notice excessive heat or other unusual behavior, it is advisable to investigate further and consult the manufacturer or a professional for assistance.