A method and apparatus for determining a control temperature to control a function of an electronic device by using an atmospheric temperature when controlling a temperature of the electronic device, and for controlling the function of the electronic device according to a control step of the determined control temperature are provided. A method of operating an electronic device includes measuring an atmospheric temperature, determining at least one control temperature corresponding to the measured atmospheric temperature, measuring an internal temperature of the electronic device, and controlling a function in accordance with the measured internal temperature of the electronic device and the determined at least one control temperature.