Drivers who rely on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may have noticed their phones heating up and losing battery while connected to their vehicle dashboards, and both platforms can put significant strain on a handset. The phone is carrying out its usual tasks while simultaneously powering a large, tablet-like display, which typically includes updating a map in real time. The list of vehicles supporting both systems continues to grow, and most connections happen automatically after initial setup.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are convenient but place more stress on a phone than wired connections. Where a wired option exists, it is preferable, though it introduces a separate heat issue because the phone charges continuously while connected. Users can set charge limits through the Battery and charging menu in Android Settings or under Battery, then Charging in iOS Settings, or simply keep the phone in a cool, dark spot in the car.
Going wired also allows a driver to switch the phone to airplane mode, which greatly limits heat, though no one will be able to reach the phone and maps, music and podcasts must be downloaded in advance. Those who stay wireless should avoid charging the phone at the same time, particularly on a wireless pad built into the dash, which generates more heat. Running out of battery mid-journey is the trade-off to weigh.
Phone placement matters. Because the interface already appears on the car dashboard, the handset does not need to be mounted there in direct sunlight, and the glove compartment will do. A mount positioned in front of an air vent lets air-conditioned air act as a makeshift cooling system, and removing a phone case for the trip helps since a case traps heat.
Drivers should keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature and avoid leaving the phone in a vehicle that will heat up in the sun during stops. Keeping phone tasks to a minimum also reduces heat, so calls and voice-activated messages can wait until the end of a journey. Syncing music, podcasts and maps ahead of time means the handset does less work on the road.
Downloading maps in advance is available in both mapping apps. In Apple Maps, users tap their profile picture, then Offline Maps, then Add Offline Map and find their location. In Google Maps, users tap their profile picture, then choose Offline maps and Select your own map to choose coverage. Fewer demands on the modem mean less heat overall.
There may be times when a phone must charge wirelessly, stay connected, make calls, sit in direct sunlight and stream music over cellular, but those occasions should be kept to a minimum. Checking regularly how hot the phone becomes while connected to CarPlay or Android Auto allows drivers to act if needed.
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