If your MacBook isn’t cooling down properly, there are steps you can take to get it back in tip-top shape again. If you follow these steps, you should be able to fix an overheating MacBook in no time!
What Causes MacBook to Overheat?
Other than the fact that your MacBook might have developed some technical issues and needs servicing, there are other different reasons your MacBook might be overheating. They include:
- Your MacBook is old and the fans are no longer as effective.
- You might have a lot of programs running at once, which is causing your MacBook to work harder than usual and generate more heat.
- Additionally, if your MacBook is in a hot environment, that can also contribute to overheating.
In these cases, it’s best to avoid doing anything too strenuous on your MacBook so it doesn’t get even hotter.
SEE ALSO: HOW TO CHECK YOUR MACBOOK BATTERY HEALTH
How to Fix an Overheating MacBook
When your MacBook starts to overheat, the first thing you should do is turn it off. This will help prevent further damage to the internal components. If you can’t turn it off, unplug it from any power source. Here are some of the ways to fix an overheating MacBook:
Keep macOS always up to date
If your MacBook overheating is caused by a system bug, just update macOS to fix the problem. In fact, Apple often releases updates that fix bugs and various errors. So, the first thing to do is to check if there are any updates available and download and install them. Here’s how:
- Click on the icon in the top left of the menu bar;
- Click on “System Preferences” ;
- Click on the “Software Update” icon,
- Check if there are any updates available and if there are, install them.
Restart the Mac
When the MacBook gets too hot, the problem could be caused by a malfunctioning app or a temporary system bug. Very often, to solve the problem you just need to restart your computer, to do it:
- Click on the apple menu icon;
- Click on the button “Restart…” .
If your Macbook is frozen and you can’t restart it, perform a forced restart.
Place the MacBook on a flat surface
Place the MacBook on a flat surface. Never place a running MacBook on soft surfaces, such as a bed, blanket, or pillow.
Placing the laptop on a cloth or soft surface could completely block the airflow and cause the temperature inside the Mac to rise.
Clean the MacBook
Dirt, dust, or debris can clog the MacBook’s vents and cause it to overheat and in this case, cleaning can fix an overheating MacBook.
Turn off your MacBook, unplug the power adapter, locate the laptop’s vents and clean them.
Quit any applications you are not using
The more apps are open at the same time, the more likely your MacBook will overheat.
To understand which are the applications that use the most CPU:
- Open Finder;
- Click on the item “Applications” ;
- Click on “Utility” ;
- Click on the item “Activity monitoring” ;
- Click on the “% CPU” tab to sort the apps and close the ones that use the processor the most.
Make sure the fans are working fine
If the fans don’t work properly, the MacBook’s temperatures will skyrocket.
- Turn off the Mac;
- Unplug all peripherals and the MacBook power supply;
- Place the computer on a smooth, hard surface;
- Turn on the MacBook and hold down the “D” key ;
- Keep holding the “D” key until the language selection screen appears.
At this point, macOS will run a system diagnostic. If any problems are found during the diagnostics, they will be reported to you along with possible solutions. The report will show you if the fans and temperature sensors are working properly.
Rounding up
If non of the above cases applies to you yet the temperature of your MacBook is still high, we recommend that you contact Apple Customer Support and make an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Center. They should be able to fix your overheating MacBook.
Aninally, avoid using the MacBook in very high temperatures.
