Why Is My Google Pixel 10 Overheating During Video Calls?

Your Google Pixel 10 feels like it could fry an egg, and you are stuck mid conversation on a video call. The screen dims, the frame rate drops, and suddenly the person on the other end is frozen in place. This is a frustrating experience, and you are not alone.

Many Google Pixel 10 users have reported overheating problems, especially during video calls on apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp. Video calls push the Tensor G5 processor, the camera, the display, and the wireless radios all at the same time.

That heavy workload generates a lot of heat. The base Pixel 10 also lacks the vapor chamber cooling found in the Pro and Pro XL models, which makes it more prone to thermal buildup.

The good news? Most overheating issues on the Pixel 10 during video calls can be fixed with some practical adjustments. This post walks you through every cause and every fix, step by step, so your next call stays cool and uninterrupted.

In a Nutshell

• Video calls are one of the most demanding tasks your Google Pixel 10 can perform. They use the processor, GPU, camera, microphone, speaker, display, and network radios all at once, which naturally creates significant heat.
• The base Google Pixel 10 uses a graphene thermal solution instead of the vapor chamber found in the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL. This means it has less cooling capacity under sustained heavy loads like long video calls.
• Background apps and services often consume CPU cycles silently. Closing unused apps and disabling unnecessary features like Bluetooth scanning and Wi-Fi scanning can reduce overall heat output.
• Software bugs and system updates have been linked to increased CPU usage and overheating on multiple Pixel models. Keeping your phone updated and clearing app caches can resolve many heat related issues.
• Simple environmental and behavioral changes make a big difference. Remove your phone case during calls, avoid charging while on a video call, lower your screen brightness, and stay in a cool room.
• If nothing works, Safe Mode and a factory reset can help identify rogue apps or deep software issues that are causing your Pixel 10 to overheat during video calls.

Why Video Calls Make Your Google Pixel 10 Work So Hard

Video calls are among the most resource intensive tasks a smartphone can handle. Your Pixel 10 has to capture live video through the front camera, encode and compress that video in real time, transmit data over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and decode the incoming video stream from the other person. All of this happens at the same time.

The display stays on at full brightness during a call, the speaker and microphone run continuously, and the network radio maintains an active high speed connection. The Tensor G5 chip handles these tasks, and while it is more efficient than the Tensor G4 thanks to TSMC’s 3nm manufacturing process, it still produces meaningful heat under sustained loads.

A typical video call can last 30 minutes to an hour. That is a long stretch of continuous, heavy processing. Unlike a quick photo or a brief web search, a video call never gives the processor a chance to rest. The sustained nature of the workload is what causes heat to build up over time, especially after the 10 to 15 minute mark.

Group video calls are even more demanding. Your Pixel 10 must decode multiple video streams at once, which multiplies the processing load significantly. If you regularly join group calls on Zoom or Google Meet, your phone will get hotter than during a one on one call.

The Tensor G5 Chip and Thermal Design of the Pixel 10

Google designed the Tensor G5 chip with a focus on on device AI and machine learning. The chip delivers roughly a 34 percent boost in CPU performance over the Tensor G4. However, more performance can also mean more heat under heavy loads.

The standard Pixel 10 uses a graphene based thermal solution to spread heat away from the processor. Graphene is a good heat conductor, but it has limits. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL use a vapor chamber cooling system, which is more effective at dissipating heat during sustained, intensive tasks like gaming or long video calls.

This difference in cooling hardware means the base Pixel 10 is more likely to get warm or hot during extended video calls. It does not mean the phone is defective. It means the thermal solution has to work harder, and sometimes it cannot keep up with the heat output.

During benchmark testing, reviewers have noted that the Pixel 10 maintains its CPU and GPU performance above 50 percent during sustained loads, but it does get noticeably warm. The phone’s software will throttle performance if it gets too hot, which is why you might notice lag or dropped frame rates during a long call.

Close Background Apps Before Starting a Video Call

One of the simplest and most effective fixes is closing apps you do not need. Every app running in the background uses some amount of CPU power and memory. Social media apps, email clients, music players, and navigation apps can all add to the thermal load.

Before you start a video call, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe away all open apps. This frees up processor resources and reduces heat generation. Pay special attention to apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are known to be heavy on background processing.

You can also check which apps are using the most battery and CPU resources. Go to Settings > Battery and review the usage list. If an app you are not actively using is high on the list, it may be running background processes that contribute to overheating.

Some users on community forums have reported that disabling Bluetooth scanning and Wi-Fi scanning in the location settings helped reduce background CPU usage. These features continuously scan for nearby devices and networks even when Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned off. To disable them, go to Settings > Location > Location Services and toggle off Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.

Lower Your Screen Brightness and Use Dark Mode

The display is one of the biggest power consumers on your Pixel 10. During a video call, the screen stays on the entire time, which generates a steady stream of heat. Reducing your screen brightness before or during a call can make a noticeable difference in temperature.

To manually lower brightness, pull down the notification shade and drag the brightness slider to the left. You can also enable Adaptive Brightness by going to Settings > Display > Adaptive Brightness. This lets the phone automatically adjust brightness based on your environment.

Switching to Dark Mode is another easy win. Dark Mode reduces the amount of light the display needs to produce, which lowers power consumption and heat output. Go to Settings > Display > Dark Theme and turn it on. Many video calling apps also have their own dark mode settings.

If your Pixel 10 is set to the Smooth Display mode at 120Hz, consider switching to 60Hz during video calls. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, but it also uses more power and generates more heat. Go to Settings > Display and look for the Smooth Display toggle. Turning it off during calls can help keep temperatures down.

Stop Charging Your Pixel 10 During Video Calls

Charging your phone generates heat. Running a video call generates heat. Doing both at the same time creates a double heat source that can push your Pixel 10 past comfortable temperatures.

The phone’s battery produces heat as it accepts a charge, and the processor produces heat as it handles the video call workload. These two sources combine, and the thermal system may not be able to keep up. This is one of the most common reasons people experience overheating during video calls.

If your battery is low before a call, try to charge it beforehand and unplug before the call starts. If you must keep charging, use a slower charger rather than a fast charger. Fast charging pushes more current into the battery, which generates more heat. A standard 5W charger will add less thermal stress than a 30W fast charger.

Google’s own support page confirms that it is normal for your phone to feel warmer while charging. Adding an intensive task on top of that warmth can easily tip the phone into overheating territory. This simple change of unplugging before you dial in can prevent many overheating incidents.

Remove Your Phone Case During Extended Calls

Phone cases are great for protection, but they act as thermal insulators. They trap heat against the back of the phone and prevent it from escaping into the surrounding air. During a short call, this might not matter. During a 30 minute or longer video call, it can make a real difference.

Materials like silicone, rubber, and thick plastic are poor heat conductors. Even cases with microfiber linings, like the official Pixelsnap case, can add an insulating layer that keeps heat close to the phone. Users on XDA Forums have tested removing their cases during heavy use and confirmed that it helps.

If you do not want to remove your case entirely, consider switching to a thin, ventilated case that allows more heat to pass through. Some cases are specifically designed with heat dissipation in mind, featuring mesh patterns or thinner materials on the back.

During a video call, you can also prop your phone up against an object instead of holding it in your hand. Your hand also acts as a heat trap. Letting air circulate around the back of the phone allows heat to dissipate more effectively. A small phone stand on a desk is an ideal setup for video calls.

Check for Software Updates and Known Bugs

Software bugs can cause your Pixel 10 to use more CPU resources than necessary, which leads to overheating. Multiple users on Reddit and the Google Pixel Community have reported that specific system updates caused increased heat and battery drain across various Pixel models.

In early 2026, a known bug was identified through Google’s Issue Tracker that caused elevated CPU usage at all times on several Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10. This kind of bug forces the processor to work harder even during idle moments, and the heat only gets worse during demanding tasks like video calls.

To check for updates, go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. Install any available updates, as Google frequently releases patches that address thermal and performance issues. After updating, restart your phone and monitor whether the overheating improves.

You should also check for app updates in the Google Play Store. Outdated video calling apps may have performance bugs that have been fixed in newer versions. Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then tap Manage Apps and Device > Updates Available and update all apps.

Clear App Caches and Temporary Files

Over time, apps accumulate cached data and temporary files that can slow down your phone and increase processing overhead. Clearing these files is a quick fix that many users overlook.

To clear the cache for a specific app, go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps, then select the app. Tap Storage and Cache, then tap Clear Cache. For video calling apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp, this can resolve glitches that cause excessive CPU usage.

You can also clear caches for system level services. Some Pixel users have found that clearing the cache for Google Play Services and Adaptive Connectivity Services specifically helped with overheating. Google Play Services is a core system component that runs in the background, and a corrupted cache can cause it to use more resources than normal.

For a broader cleanup, open the Files app and tap the Clean tab. This will show you categories of files you can safely remove, including junk files, old screenshots, and duplicate downloads. Freeing up storage can improve overall system performance and reduce unnecessary background processing that contributes to heat.

Use Wi-Fi Instead of Mobile Data for Video Calls

Your phone’s cellular modem works harder to maintain a stable connection than the Wi-Fi radio does, especially in areas with weak or fluctuating signal strength. A poor cellular connection forces the modem to boost its power output to stay connected, and that extra power generates heat.

During a video call over mobile data, the modem must maintain a continuous high bandwidth connection for both uploading and downloading video. If the signal drops even slightly, the modem ramps up its power to compensate. This creates a cycle of increased energy use and heat.

Switching to a stable Wi-Fi connection can reduce the thermal load on the modem significantly. Wi-Fi connections are generally more stable indoors and require less power to maintain. If your Wi-Fi signal is strong and reliable, your phone will stay cooler during calls.

If you must use mobile data, try to stay in an area with strong signal. Avoid making video calls while moving, such as in a car or on a train, as the phone constantly switches between cell towers and works much harder to maintain the connection. You can also try enabling airplane mode and then turning Wi-Fi back on to eliminate the cellular radio entirely during your call.

Boot Into Safe Mode to Identify Problem Apps

If your Pixel 10 overheats during video calls and basic fixes have not helped, booting into Safe Mode can help you identify whether a third party app is the cause. Safe Mode disables all apps that were not pre installed on the phone, so only core system apps run.

To enter Safe Mode on the Pixel 10, press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button at the same time for a few seconds. When the power menu appears, tap and hold the Power Off option until you see the prompt to reboot into Safe Mode. Tap OK to confirm.

Once in Safe Mode, you will see the words “Safe Mode” at the bottom of the screen. Try making a video call using the built in Google Meet or Duo app. If the phone stays cool, a third party app is likely causing the overheating problem. You can then systematically uninstall recently added apps to find the culprit.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your phone normally. This method has helped many users pinpoint rogue apps that run heavy background processes and drive up CPU usage. It is a reliable diagnostic step that takes only a few minutes to perform.

Adjust Video Call App Settings for Lower Resource Use

Most video calling apps have settings that let you reduce video quality and processing demands. Lowering these settings will reduce how hard the Tensor G5 has to work and, as a result, reduce heat output.

In Zoom, you can disable HD video by going to Settings > Video and turning off the HD toggle. You can also turn off the virtual background feature, which requires significant GPU processing power. Touch up my appearance is another feature that adds to the workload and can be disabled.

In Google Meet, the app automatically adjusts video quality based on your connection, but you can manually lower it. Tap the three dot menu during a call, select Settings, then Video, and choose a lower resolution. Disabling visual effects and background blur will also help.

In WhatsApp and FaceTime (if used through alternative methods), video quality adjustments are more limited, but you can reduce processing by closing all other apps and ensuring a strong connection. The key principle is the same across all apps: fewer visual effects and lower resolution mean less heat.

Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If none of the above solutions have resolved your overheating issue, a factory reset may be necessary. This step erases everything on your phone and restores it to its original state. It removes any software corruption, rogue apps, or accumulated issues that might be causing excessive heat.

Before you reset, back up all your data. Go to Settings > Google > Backup and make sure Backup by Google One is enabled. Tap Back Up Now to ensure your photos, contacts, messages, and app data are saved to the cloud.

To perform the factory reset, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset). Tap Erase All Data, enter your PIN if prompted, and confirm. Your phone will restart and begin the setup process from scratch.

After the reset, set up your phone and use it for a few days before reinstalling all your old apps. Make a video call and observe whether the overheating returns. If the phone stays cool, one of your previously installed apps was likely the source of the problem. Reinstall apps one at a time and test after each installation to identify the cause.

If the phone still overheats after a factory reset with no third party apps installed, the issue may be hardware related. In that case, contact Google Support or visit an authorized repair provider to have your Pixel 10 inspected.

When to Contact Google Support for a Hardware Issue

Sometimes overheating is not a software problem. If your Pixel 10 consistently overheats during light use, gets extremely hot to the touch, shuts down unexpectedly, or shows a thermal warning message, there may be a hardware defect.

Possible hardware issues include a faulty battery, poor thermal paste application between the processor and the heat spreader, or a defective component on the motherboard. These problems are rare, but they do occur, and no amount of software adjustments will fix them.

Google offers warranty support for the Pixel 10. If your phone is less than one year old, you can request a replacement or repair through the Google Store. Go to Settings > About Phone to find your device serial number, and then visit the Google support website or call their support line.

When you contact support, mention the specific steps you have already tried. This shows the support agent that the issue is likely not user error and speeds up the process. If available, uBreakiFix locations are authorized Google repair providers and can diagnose hardware issues in person.

Simple Habits to Prevent Overheating in the Future

Prevention is always better than a fix. Building a few simple habits into your daily routine can keep your Pixel 10 running cool during every video call.

Keep your phone out of direct sunlight during calls. Even indoor sunlight through a window can raise the phone’s temperature. Find a shaded, cool spot for your call. Ambient room temperature plays a real role in how well your phone manages heat.

Close apps after you use them rather than letting them pile up in the background. Make it a habit to swipe away unused apps once or twice a day. This reduces overall CPU activity and keeps the thermal baseline lower.

Restart your phone at least once a week. A restart clears out temporary processes and memory leaks that accumulate over time. Many users report that a simple restart immediately reduces warmth and improves overall responsiveness.

Keep your software and apps updated at all times. Updates frequently include performance optimizations and bug fixes that address heat and battery issues. Enable automatic updates in the Google Play Store so you never fall behind.

Finally, avoid multitasking during video calls. Do not browse the web, check social media, or stream music in the background while on a call. Give the Tensor G5 chip one demanding task to focus on, and it will manage the heat much more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for the Google Pixel 10 to get warm during video calls?

Yes, some warmth is completely normal. Video calls use the processor, camera, display, speaker, and network radio all at the same time. This combined workload produces heat. The concern is only valid if the phone becomes uncomfortably hot, shows a thermal warning, shuts down, or causes the call to drop. Mild warmth during a 20 to 30 minute call is expected behavior for any smartphone.

Does the Pixel 10 overheat more than the Pixel 10 Pro?

The base Pixel 10 uses a graphene thermal solution, while the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL use a more advanced vapor chamber cooling system. This means the Pixel 10 has less cooling capacity and is more likely to get warm during sustained heavy tasks like video calls. The Pro models handle heat better, but they are not immune to overheating if background apps or software bugs are present.

Can overheating damage my Google Pixel 10?

Repeated or extreme overheating can degrade your phone’s battery health over time. High temperatures accelerate chemical degradation inside lithium ion batteries, which leads to reduced capacity and shorter battery life. The phone’s built in thermal management will throttle performance and even shut down the device to prevent physical damage, but consistently high temperatures are not ideal for long term battery health.

Should I use a cooling fan or accessory for my Pixel 10?

External cooling accessories like clip on fans can help lower the phone’s surface temperature during heavy use. They are not required for most users, but they can be useful if you regularly make long group video calls or use your phone in warm environments. Make sure any accessory you use does not block the phone’s ports or interfere with its microphone and speaker.

Will a factory reset fix the overheating problem?

A factory reset can fix overheating caused by software bugs, corrupted files, or rogue apps. It restores the phone to its original state and eliminates accumulated software issues. However, if the overheating is caused by a hardware defect, a factory reset will not help. Try all other solutions first, and use a factory reset only as a last step before contacting Google Support.

How long should a video call last before my Pixel 10 gets hot?

Most users notice warmth after 10 to 15 minutes of continuous video calling. This is within the normal range. If your phone becomes hot within the first five minutes or reaches temperatures that make it uncomfortable to hold, something else is contributing to the problem, such as a background app, a software bug, or charging during the call. Addressing these factors should extend the time before noticeable warmth sets in.