Why do macs overheat

The built-in vents are crucial to keeping your computer cool and if they get dirty and clogged up, your MacBook will start to heat up very easily.

The easiest way to deal with demanding and runaway apps that are causing your computer to overheat are to check your Activity Monitor to see what apps are currently running and if you can close some of them.

You will see a screen like the one below and can close and monitor the CPU usage of all apps currently running. The method to fixing this cause of overheating is simple.

It may sound pretty easy, but so many people myself included are guilty of this one. Instead of using your MacBook in bed or on the couch, make sure you set it up on a table or desk.

This will allow for adequate airflow to surround the computer and keep everything cool and operational. Depending on the year of your MacBook Pro, the vents you should check and clean are located either above the keyboard below the hinge on the display or on the underside of the computer. You can use a small delicate brush to clean up these vents or a can of compressed air can quickly blow the vents clean as well. Take a look at the tips above and chances are you will be able to cool your computer down and limit any damage or data loss that can result from overheating.

If none of these tips seem to work on your Mac, you might have to bite the bullet and buy a new one, unfortunately. Hi Nick, I am running into the same issue — I have a Pro and it randomly starts overheating. It also runs hot when I am editing on Adobe CC which is totally normal. Does your MacBook sound like an airplane taking off as soon as you boot it up?

Does it feel like you could fry an egg on it? Get it for PC , Android. Get it for Android , PC. An overworked fan is a sure sign of an overheating MacBook, but the potential problems for your machine go way beyond irritating noise. Keeping your machine running cool is vital for preserving battery health and improving all-round performance.

See all Performance articles. Software and hardware issues alike can cause MacBooks to overheat. Although older machines tend to run hot more often, even the latest MacBook models will heat up when memory-intensive tasks overburden the processor, or when internal fans malfunction.

Too many processes and applications running at once. Unresponsive applications. When Mac apps freeze, crash, or otherwise stop working correctly, they guzzle energy and memory as your Mac attempts to resolve the error.

Too many browser tabs open. SMC fault. The SMC System Management Controller is a chip that controls hardware components, including the internal fans which help keep your MacBook at a safe and stable temperature.

Defective internal fans. Persistent overheating may indicate a hardware issue with the fans themselves. Blocked air vents. Internal components cannot function properly if the air vents are covered or clogged, preventing the circulation of cool, fresh air. Outdated software. Outdated operating systems and other software may contain bugs or inefficiencies which cause your MacBook to overheat.

Viruses or other malware. Similar to managing tabs in your browser, avoid running too many programs at once — especially extremely resource-intensive programs. Many users find Adobe Photoshop and iTunes to be a particularly bad combination, for example. If you're using Photoshop or another graphically intensive app , perhaps use your phone for music.

Some apps put a significant load on the CPU. Whether that happens ordinarily or the app is misbehaving, the fact remains that it can cause your CPU to run hot. To check, go to the Finder, click "Applications," and then click "Utilities. If you see something monopolizing the CPU and you don't need to use it, close that program. It's possible however unlikely that your MacBook's fans have failed.

You can find out by running a diagnostic built into your Mac. For most MacBooks, here's what to do:. Turn on the laptop and immediately press and hold the D key. Release the key when you see the diagnostic screen appear and follow the directions to complete the test.

The test results won't be in plain English, but look for any error codes that begin with "PPF" — these refer to fan issues. You can find a key to all the error codes on Apple's support page. Download a free version of the app and launch. It's also worth checking for heavy consuming apps, which eat up memory. CleanMyMac X can handle this for you, too; here's how:. This chip runs many of your Macs' physical parts, including the fans.

Sometimes a quick reset can solve loud whirring fans and can solve your hot Mac issue. It's easy to see by now that actually lack of memory and space is a common reason our Macs overheat, so another great way of how to cool your MacBook is to clear excess junk from your system, freeing up precious space for your Mac to use. You could spend hours scouring your files, clearing cache, and junk manually, or you could use the app I just mentioned above. CleanMyMac X has a really awesome Smart Scan, which can identify, locate and remove excess junk in a matter of clicks.

We hope now you know how to keep MacBook Pro cool and your Mac is doing better. If you find the problem persists, then it could be a hardware malfunction. Take your MacBook to a certified Apple dealer to get it checked. MacPaw uses cookies to personalize your experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Click here to learn more. Laura Burke. How to cool down your MacBook Pro 6 min read.