Clip-On Phone Coolers

A cooler that fits any phone

A clip-on cooler grips the phone with spring arms or a clamp, so it works on any phone, magnetic or not, and with many cases. It suits Android phones with no magnets inside, older iPhones, and anyone whose case is not magnetic. If your phone or case does have magnets, magnetic phone coolers click on instead.

Why a phone needs cooling

The chip that runs a game turns electricity into heat, and a demanding game keeps it working hard for a long time. A phone has no fan, so when it gets too warm it turns itself down. Apple's help page on hot iPhones says that performance is then reduced, with lower frame rates in some apps, that charging slows or stops, wireless charging too, and that the screen may dim. Apple gives 0 to 35°C as the comfortable range around an iPhone. Charging while you play, a thick case and a warm room or direct sun all make it worse.

What the coolers here are like

The coolers in this range are fan coolers: they blow air across the back of the phone. They are simple and gentle, and with no cold plate there is no water to wipe off in a damp room. Most run from a USB lead to a charger, a power bank or a laptop, which keeps them going as long as you play. One also comes in a rechargeable version with a battery of its own, so there is no lead to manage, and has a game button on it. Some have coloured lighting, and one is made to be quiet.

Getting the most from a clip-on cooler

• Put it over the hottest part. On most phones that is near the top of the back, close to the cameras, where the main chip sits. Feel the back after a few minutes of gaming and you will usually find it.
• Mind the case. A thin case lets most of the heat through. A thick or padded one holds the heat in and keeps the cooler away from it, so take it off for long sessions.
• Charge before you play. Charging adds heat of its own, and the phone slows its charging while it is hot. When you do charge mid-game, a right-angle cable keeps the plug out of your palm.

Questions people ask about clip-on phone coolers

Clip-on or magnetic?

Clip-on coolers fit any phone and need no magnets. Magnetic ones go on and off in a second and sit flat, but need a phone with magnets built in, a magnetic case or a magnetic ring.

Will it grip with a case on?

With many cases, yes, as the clamp opens to the phone's width. A very thick case may be too wide for it, and holds heat in anyway.

Does it need charging?

Only the rechargeable kind. A USB-powered one runs from a lead, so plug it into a power bank away from a socket.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Magnetic phone coolers
• Power banks
• Right-angle cables
• Telescopic controllers
• Gaming finger sleeves
• For gamers
• Guide: Mobile gaming accessories: controllers, triggers and coolers