MacBooks are renowned for their sleek aluminium body design and powerful performance with Apple Silicon Processor, but even the most well built machines can struggle under pressure. One sure sign of strain is Macbook overheating, which can lead to sluggish performance, unexpected shutdowns, and even permanent damage. In this post, we are going to discover the 5 reasons your macbook is heating up based on our over 10 years of experience in the Macbook Repair Industry. This post will be sharing the ways to solve (if not reduce) your macbook overheating issue.
What Are The Top 5 Reasons Your Macbook Is Heating Up?
- Overheating Due to Dust Buildup
Dust accumulation inside your MacBook can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating. This is 1 of the most common issue out of the 5 reasons your macbook is heating up that are referred to us. Regular cleaning of your device’s vents and internals is essential to prevent this issue. Use compressed air and soft brushes to gently remove dust without damaging internal components.
- Intensive CPU/GPU Usage
Tasks that demand heavy CPU or GPU usage, such as video editing or gaming, can cause significant heat generation. To mitigate this, close unnecessary apps, use task managers to monitor resource usage. This is another very common issue out of the 5 reasons your macbook is heating up. Many people use their Macbooks to game, but on our opinion, Macs are not readily built for gaming.
- Keyboard Covers Obstructing Ventilation
Two (2) things using Macbook Keyboard Cover can lead to:-
- Keyboard cover prevents air from getting contact with cool air while we are using. The more open surface your Macbook gets in touch with, the more cool air it gets contacted, the cooler it becomes
- Keyboard cover leaves stain on the screen which is not removable. We received many complaints that Macbook users’ screen has a keyboard stain which they hate to see.
- Insufficient Ventilation
MacBooks rely on efficient ventilation to dissipate heat. Using laptops on soft surfaces like beds can restrict airflow, causing overheating. Macbook is made of aluminium body, putting our Macbook on soft surfaces not only traps heat in the Macbook, moreover, it causes the heat to build up, causing the entire Macbook to feel like a frying pan. Opt for hard, flat surfaces and invest in laptop stands or cooling pads for better airflow circulation.
- Software Issues
Certain software or background processes may contribute to excessive heat production. Update your macOS regularly, close resource-intensive apps when not in use, and use activity monitor tools to identify and address software-related heating issues.
- Aging Hardware
As MacBooks age, internal components like fans and thermal paste may degrade, impacting cooling efficiency. Consider professional cleaning services, upgrading RAM or SSD for better performance, and replacing worn-out components to address heating problems in older devices.
Above are the 5 reasons your macbook is heating up that are most commonly referred to us that are causing your Macbook to overheat.
NOTE : You may check out our Macbook Repair services or book an appointment straight with us.
How To Cool Down Your Overheating Macbook?
1. Diagnose the Culprit – Identify Resource-Hungry Applications
The first step is to identify what’s causing the heat. We can use a built-in Mac Utility – Activity Monitor.
i. Open it (search for it in Spotlight)
ii. Head over to the CPU tab. This will show you which applications are consuming the most processing power.
iii. If you see a program hogging resources, quit it by clicking the red “x” button in the top left corner. (Common culprits include video editing software, complex games, and even certain web browsers with a multitude of tabs open.)
2. Manage Browser Usage – Close the Unused Tabs
Macbook users often treat their Macbook as super computer. They often create infinite tabs open to revisit them later. Modern web browsers are resource-intensive, especially with a plethora of open tabs. Each tab can consume memory and processing power, even if you’re not actively using it. Make a habit of closing unused tabs to free up resources and keep your Mac cooler. Consider using browser extensions like OneTab, that help manage tabs or even switching to a lighter browser – Mozilla Firefox if you find Chrome or Safari to be resource-draining.
3. Clean Up Your Mac – Declutter and Update
Over time, your Mac can accumulate temporary files, downloads, and applications you no longer use. These can not only clutter your storage space but also contribute to overheating. Dedicate some time to cleaning up your Mac. Empty the Trash, remove unused applications. Additionally, keeping your MacOS up to date (at times) is crucial. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help your Mac run more efficiently and generate less heat. However, for older macs, it is not recommended to keep up with macOS updates as it will cause performance issues your Macbook and further lead to more damage.
4. Give it Some Space – Ensure Proper Ventilation
Your Mac relies on proper airflow to stay cool. Make sure the ventilation vents on the bottom or sides of your device are unobstructed. Avoid using your Mac on soft surfaces like pillows or blankets, which can trap heat. Invest in a laptop stand to elevate your Mac and improve airflow. If you’re working in a hot environment, consider using air conditioning or a small fan to keep the surrounding area cool.
5. Send Your Macbook For Deep Clean – To Address Internal Dust Buildup
In most cases, overheating are caused by dust buildup within your Macbook. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can open your Mac and carefully clean the internal components with compressed air. However, this is a delicate procedure, and if you’re not confident, it’s best to take your Mac to a certified technician for professional cleaning.
By following these steps, you can effectively cool down your Mac and prevent future overheating issues. Remember, a cool Mac is a happy Mac, and a happy Mac is a productive Mac!