MacBook Overheating: 10 Tips How to Stop It

MacBook overheating problem is quite common due to a variety of reasons. In this article, we'll explain why your device may overheat. We will also offer a step-by-step guide on how to stop your MacBook from overheating without going to a repair shop.

Why is my MacBook overheating

There are many reasons why the MacBook overheats. It can be a simple clogging of the device or location under direct sunlight. As for software and hardware problems, among the main reasons are the following:

• excessive load on the processor;
• the presence of malware;
• many tabs and resource demanding programs are open;
• crashing and non-responsive programs;
• an older version of the operating system is installed;
• the unit is physically clogged and air access to the fan is blocked;
• the system is not optimized.

How to stop MacBook from overheating

We suggest you read the instructions to help bring the temperature of the device back to normal. Follow the recommendations one by one to find the problem and fix MacBook overheating.

1. Check the CPU utilization and close demanding applications

If your MacBook is overheating, the first thing to do is to check how busy the processor is. You can use the built-in Activity Monitor tool to do this:

1. To open the Activity Monitor, navigate through the Finder to "Applications" and then to "Utilities".
2. Open the CPU (Central Processing Unit) tab.

Exit resource-intensive applications, which will be listed starting with the most demanding ones. Select the desired process or program, press the X and confirm closing.

2. Close unnecessary browser tabs

Too many open browser tabs can overload your MacBook and it starts overheating, especially when using Chrome. Each tab requires RAM space and CPU resources. Close everything you don't need, and add only the important ones to your tabs.

Also: How to Fix Slow Running MacBook: 11 Tips

3. Check the login and startup elements

The applications that load when you start your laptop are called login items. Sometimes, if there are too many of these applications, your MacBook starts to overheat. To stop your MacBook from overheating, you need to check the active login items: 

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. Go to the "General" tab and click on "Login Items".
3. Select an application that is not needed when starting your computer and click the "-" button to remove it from the list. 

In addition, it is recommended to check launch agents. These are small programs that run in the background and are responsible for performing standard tasks. For example, the Chrome browser has agents that affect the correct operation of Google services. These applications can also overload the processor. 

To test launch agents:

• Open Finder and click on "Go".
• Select Go to Folder.
• Insert /Library/LaunchAgents to open a folder with a list of launch agents.

Trying to delete anything in the "Library" can be risky, so it's better to use the CleanMyMac X program. This application helps to clean the system from junk and optimize memory.

To remove startup agents: 

1. Download and install CleanMyMacX.
2. Open the app and click on "Optimize".
3. Click "Start Agents." 
4. Select and disable unnecessary items one by one. 

Also: How to Clear System Data on MacBook

4. Close unnecessary applications

Even if an application does not seem to be resource-intensive, it still requires processing power. Software can perform its tasks in the background and slow down your computer operation. 

How to find and close active apps on your device:

1. Press Option+Command+Escape.
2. In the list of active applications, select the one you want to close.
3. Click on "Finalize Forcibly."

5. Reset the SMC

The System Management Controller is responsible for the fan cooling. If your MacBook is warm for no apparent reason, you should reset the SMC.

For devices with a removable battery:

1. Turn off the computer and remove the battery.
2. Press the power button for 5 seconds.
3. Place the battery back and turn on your MacBook.

For models with a non-removable battery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Shift+Control+Alt and the power button.
3. Release the combination after 10 seconds
4. Turn on your MacBook.

6. Customize the graphics

Another tip to avoid possible overheating of your MacBook is to adjust the graphics processor settings. Some older models are equipped with two graphics cards, which makes them more resource-demanding. Such laptops are more likely to be purchased by users who play games or use the device for video rendering. However, two GPUs are a frequent cause of computer overheating.

To solve this problem:

1. Through System Preferences, go to the Battery tab.
2. Click on "Options" and activate "Automatic Graphics Switching". 

If this option is not on the tab, then your MacBook has a single graphics card.

7. Clean the device

Dust and debris affect fan performance. If your MacBook is overheating, it may be worth cleaning the device. You can use a can of compressed air to help remove dirt in hard-to-reach places. To do this, just remove the bottom panel and direct the airflow into the ventilation holes. After that, you will only have to remove dust with a microfiber cloth. 

Also: How to clean MacBook fan

8. Do a maintenance

If you don't have time to find out the cause of MacBook overheating, you can use the CleanMyMac X application. It has a special module that contains various options to optimize your computer's performance. 

1. Launch the CleanMyMac X application.
2. Click the "Maintenance" tab.
3. Select "Execute maintenance scripts".
4. Click on "Execute."

In addition, you can use the "Free RAM" and "Restore Disk Permissions" functions. This will help to eliminate various errors that can cause the device overheating. 

9. Upgrade your MacBook

Software updates often contain fix packages for various problems in the previous version. It is possible that overheating of the device can be eliminated by installing updates. 

How to check for and install updates: 

1. Through the Apple menu, go to "System Preferences" to the "General" tab.
2. Click on "Software Update."
3. If a new version is available, click on "Update Now".

10. Avoid exposure to sunlight

If your MacBook is getting hot, perhaps it is needed to move it to a cooler, sunlight-protected location. Room temperature and sunlight can have a direct impact on overheating of your computer. Place your MacBook on a cool surface so that the vents are open for proper air circulation.

There can be several reasons for laptop overheating, but if the problem is a worn-out battery, you need to replace it. You can buy a new battery on the Apple Parts website. The online store offers original parts for different MacBook models at favorable prices, with convenient payment and delivery methods.

If you're not sure you can replace the parts yourself, order MacBook repair at Apple Parts by mail. Send us your device, wait for the results of diagnostics and a repair invoice. After payment, you'll receive your MacBook in just 1-2 days.

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