Prevent damage to crucial parts
When your MacBook’s fan goes crazy, it’s usually because the laptop is overheating. A MacBook that is too hot can suddenly switch off while you are still working and to prevent this, the fans run at top speed to ensure that everything cools down again. Too high temperatures are harmful to your MacBook, which can damage parts. But why watch despondently when your MacBook starts making noise? There are all kinds of solutions to ensure that your MacBook returns to normal temperatures. The tips below should help.
Why is my MacBook hot?
There can be many causes for a overheated MacBook, from too many open apps or browser tabs to blocked ventilation. Every computer has to deal with this, but it is extra common with some MacBook models. For example, some Intel MacBooks appear to be more sensitive to overheating, probably due to the compact housing. There is only one air grille at the hinge, which sometimes makes it difficult to dissipate heat. If you use your MacBook in bed, duvets and pillows can also block airflow, making you more likely to overheat.
If you are working on demanding applications, such as playing a graphic game or rendering video, it is logical that your MacBook will have a harder time. If you are still working on other applications, you may experience overheating, especially on the MacBook Air. Apple has not designed the Air for processor-intensive tasks, so you should take it easy and close some applications first.
#1 Choose a hard, cool surface
A sofa with cushions by the fireplace is of course not the best place to use your MacBook. It is better to choose a flat and hard surface such as a desk. This way the fan can do its work without blocking the ventilation.
Soft surfaces such as a cushion on your lap are less suitable because they retain heat and are more likely to generate dust particles. This means that air circulation cannot take place properly. Of course, you should also avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. A temperature between 10 and 35 degrees Celsius is ideal.
You can also buy a special laptop cooler. This is in fact an external fan that provides extra cooling. This does make a little more noise.
#2 Close software after use
A hot MacBook is not just caused by the physical environment. It could also be software related. If you try to use too many apps at the same time, the processor can no longer handle this. There may also be all kinds of processes running in the background that you are not aware of. You discover this via the Activity Monitor on your Mac.
Here you will find on the tab and in the % CPU column which processes cause the most processor load. Click at the top of the column to sort. This will help you identify apps and processes that cause a lot of processor load, for example 80 percent or more. Sometimes this can happen if an app has crashed or not closed properly. Click on the process and close it with the cross at the top of the screen.
A known culprit is Google Chrome. If this bothers you, consider switching to Safari or Firefox.
You can also use  > Force Quit to see which apps are stuck. To prevent too many apps from being active, you can ensure that fewer apps are opened at startup. This allows you to start your Mac faster and you don’t have to wait endlessly until you can use your computer again after a reboot.
See also
#3 Get to know your Mac fan’s behavior better
Good to know: a MacBook Air with Apple Silicon does not contain fans, so you do not have to worry about noise pollution with these models. The MacBook Pro usually has a fan, because these models are subject to heavier loads.
Apple has created a support article about your MacBook fan behavior and fan noise. You can read here what noises the fan makes and how Apple monitors the internal temperature to cool essential components. In addition to the fan, the thermal architecture is also important. This is the way the different parts are built in. Apple sometimes uses heat sinks to ensure better heat distribution.
The MacBook contains sensors that respond to temperature changes. If the system threatens to become too hot, the fans provide a cool air flow. The rushing sound is normal when your MacBook is doing heavy tasks. But if that is not the case, it is wise to investigate it further. Check that the ventilation openings are not blocked and that the valve is closed properly. The MacBook Pro has openings on the sides and at the back. The MacBook Air has openings on the back near the hinge. If you hear a stuttering or grinding sound, then something is clearly wrong.
#4 Examine your MacBook fan with a diagnostic test
You can investigate this further with built-in diagnostic software. On newer models you use the Apple Diagnosis, while on MacBooks from before 2013 you use the Apple Hardware Test.
This is how it works:
- Disconnect all external devices except the keyboard, mouse, monitor, Ethernet connection (if applicable) and the power supply.
- Place the MacBook on a stable and well-ventilated surface.
- Turn off your MacBook.
- Turn on the Mac and immediately press and hold the D key on the keyboard.
- Continue holding the key until you see a screen where you can choose the language.
- Choose a language. The test now starts.
Checking the Mac takes 2 to 3 minutes. If problems occur, you will see error codes that you must write down. You will find more information on this page at Apple.
You can then repeat the test or request more information. If there is a problem with the fan, you will also see this. Click Restart or press R to restart your Mac. Or click Turn Off or press S to turn off your Mac. You can also look up error codes in Google to see what is wrong.
#5 Update macOS and reset the SMC
We could of course have started this tip with the advice to always keep macOS up to date as much as possible. But as an iCulture reader you probably already know that and always install updates as soon as they are released. If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time. There may still be bugs in the macOS version you are running that have been fixed in a later update. It may be that certain software has not yet been adapted to the latest macOS version and therefore runs less efficiently.
It is also a good idea to reset the SMC on your Mac. SMC stands for System Management Controller. If this does not work properly, your fans may not come into action in time, causing your laptop to become extra hot. You can read how this works in our separate tip.
See also
#6 Change fan settings
If all goes well, everything will happen automatically and you won’t have to manually arrange anything for your MacBook fans. But if you are constantly bothered by an overheated laptop and would like to increase the fan speed, you can do so with third-party apps. Of course, this makes a little more noise and the fan wears out faster, but it does better protect the vital parts, which are often much more expensive to replace.
For example, you can use Mac’s Fan Control, a free tool that you can operate via the menu bar.
#7 Check the battery of your MacBook
Your MacBook’s battery may be blown up, causing it to work less efficiently and not be able to dissipate heat properly. You can have your battery checked by a service provider, but you can also do a visual check yourself. Is your MacBook warped, or do you notice that the trackpad is under pressure? Sometimes the battery pushes the trackpad up, making it impossible to operate properly. There may also be dust and dirt around the fan openings.
If you have an older MacBook that you can unscrew, you can open the casing and see if dust particles have built up around the fan, preventing it from turning properly. You can then immediately check whether the battery still looks tip-top. If not, it’s time to contact Apple Support so you can schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar or an authorized service provider.
Do you suffer from an overheated iPhone? That can happen too! Check our separate tip for this.
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