What to Do When Your iPad Gets Too Hot (or Too Cold) in the Cockpit

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of your iPad shutting down in the middle of a flight. Whether you’re funning a checklist or briefing an approach on ForeFlight, an overheating iPad can go from a minor annoyance to a serious problem fast. And while cold weather isn’t as common a culprit, it can also degrade performance—especially for battery life.

Fortunately, with a little planning, you can avoid the dreaded “Temperature” warning screen. Here’s how to protect your iPad from extreme temperatures and keep your EFB functioning reliably year-round.

The iPad will shut down when it reaches its upper temperature limit.

Overheating: Why It Happens and What to Watch For

iPads are rated for operating temperatures between 32° and 95°F (0° to 35°C). In a closed cockpit, particularly under a canopy or on the ramp, cabin temps can quickly soar above that limit. A hot iPad may stop charging to protect the batter or worst case, display a “Temperature” warning and shut down.

Cold Weather Effects

Flying in winter? You’re not immune from potential cold weather effects either as cold temps can impact battery performance, causing sudden power drops or reduced battery life. Touchscreens may also be less responsive, especially when flying with gloves or in aircraft with poor cabin heating.

Best Practices to Prevent iPad Overheating (or Freezing)

1. Shade the iPad in Flight

• Mount the iPad away from direct sunlight, ideally on a yoke or suction mount on the shady side of the cockpit.
• Use a visor or shade if needed. Even a chart or kneeboard can help block sun exposure.

Mount the iPad away from direct sunlight, ideally on a yoke or suction mount.

2. Use a Heat-Blocking Screen Protector or Case

• Products like the Scooch Heat Block or the Navigator iPad Case with Heat Sink help deflect sunlight and reduce internal heat buildup.
• Cases with venting or heat sinks passively cool the device in flight.

Cases with venting or heat sinks passively cool the device in flight.

3. Close Unused Apps

• Background apps can tax the processor and generate heat. Force close anything you don’t need before takeoff.

4. Pre-cool on the Ramp

• Before startup, store the iPad in a cool bag or place it near an air vent.
• Avoid placing the iPad on the glare shield.

5. Monitor Battery Health

• Heat and cold are both hard on lithium-ion batteries. If your iPad is a few years old, keep a backup battery or charging cable handy—sound advice for a device of any age really.

What to Do if Your iPad Shuts Down Mid-Flight

• Switch to your backup: A second iPad, iPhone, or even printed charts can save the day.
• Relocate the iPad: Move it out of the sun and into the airflow—near a vent or in front of an open window.
• Give it time: Shutting the device down completely will help it cool faster than leaving it in standby mode.

The iPad is a powerful tool in the cockpit, but it’s still a consumer electronic device at heart—sensitive to temperature extremes. As summer flying ramps up, take a few precautions to protect your iPad from overheating.