Well, just like the heart is to humans in the same way batteries act for devices and gadgets! Agree or not, the overall performance of your device depends on battery health and how smartly you manage its consumption. And yes, the same goes true for your MacBook as well. Moreover, you must’ve noticed that whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, almost every device heats up after a certain amount of usage. But we have to be smart enough to detect when this limit of heating is crossed and reaches “Overheating”.
So, is your MacBook Pro overheating a lot lately? Nobody likes working on an overly heated-up device, right? It somehow worries us, and we start wondering about all the possible causes of MacBook pro heat issues. Well, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ve compiled a quick list of all the easy fixes that will allow you to fix MacBook Pro overheating issues within no time.
How to Know Your MacBook is Overheating?
It shouldn’t be taken lightly if you can’t continue to use your Macbook Pro because of the heat. It can be shut down for a bit. When you reboot it, you must try to look for solutions to fix the issue. This is why we bring you all the possible reasons, along with their respective solutions to help you with the overheating problem.
Why does my MacBook get so hot? | Top causes for MacBook Pro heating issue
We understand the fact that you most certainly be quite unhappy with your MacBook getting hot and making it unpleasant for you to use it. And one should definitely not ignore this! There may be several reasons why your MacBook Pro became prone to overheating. The most common causes of MacBook Pro heating up include faulty hardware, malware presence, dust and dirt, and many more. Well, before you think of buying a new MacBook, why not try a few solutions that might fix this overheating issue?
How to Fix MacBook Pro Overheating Issues?
Here’s a list of probable causes along with their quick fixes of how you can overcome MacBook Pro heat issues by following a few workarounds.
1. Malware, Spyware, and Bugs
One of the most commonly experienced issues associated with MacBook overheating is the presence of malware, spyware or any kind of suspicious virus in your device. Yes, we do believe that Apple offers excellent engineering when it comes to security and keeping your MacBook protected. But while we surf the Internet, our MacBook can become a target too and get infected by any kind of malware that has an adverse effect on its performance.
Solution: One of the most reliable and trusted solutions to protect your MacBook against any potential malware threat is to use a third-party application or software. If you’re looking for a decent tool, then Intego Antivirus is a must-try! It offers real-time protection for your Mac and makes sure that your device is protected against both new and existing malicious threats and vulnerabilities
Download the latest version using the button below and say goodbye to the MacBook Pro heating issue while you safeguard your machine from potential vulnerabilities.
2. Apps with High CPU Consumption
Well, the technical term assigned to such apps is “Runaway applications”, the ones with high CPU consumption. When such apps are running in the background and the CPU consumption exceeds the limit, our MacBook starts overheating rapidly while consuming maximum system resources.
Solution: Fortunately, MacOS offers an in-built option of how we can analyze the CPU consumption of certain apps and find the culprit ourselves. Head on to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. In the Activity Monitor window, you will see five different columns namely CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network. To check the CPU consumption of individual apps, we just need to analyze the values of the “%CPU” column in this case. Check the values and track down the apps that are eating up maximum system resources so that you can make your MacBook calm. This way you will be able to get rid of the “MacBook pro getting hot” issue!
3. Wrong Placement
The only reason why we love using laptops instead of bulky desktops is the fact that they’re portable and we can carry them along anywhere. While we’re relaxing at home, we most preferably keep the MacBook on our laps or a pillow, right? Yes, of course, it’s convenient! But did you ever wonder if it may have also been a cause of your MacBook Pro overheating? When your MacBook or laptop is placed on a softer surface, it stops the air circulation and your device starts overheating instantly.
Solution: Maybe it’s time to change this habit for now! The most ideal placement for your MacBook Pro is to keep it on a table, or a rubber mat so that the process of air circulation of the device is not hindered in any scenario. This will definitely free you from the “Macbook Pro getting hot” issue in no time.
Read More: Make your faster mac with cleaning software
4. Infinite Active Tabs on Web Browser
macOS offers an optimal environment where we can use a bunch of apps and services simultaneously, and it won’t have any effect on your device’s performance. But that doesn’t hold true in the case of a web browser. When we’re surfing the Internet, we tend to open a lot of tabs back to back without realizing it. As a web browser is also a part of macOS, opening hundreds of tabs open eats up a lot of system resources in the background, resulting in more and more MacBook Pro overheating issues.
Solution: So, to avoid this make sure that you keep the number of active tabs on the web browser to a minimum. Close the ones that you’re no longer using to reduce the web browser’s load and prevent MacBook Pro heating issues!
5. Autoplay Videos, Flash Advertisements
As technology is making the Internet faster every day, websites are including more media content to catch the user’s attention. Rather than content, websites now feature tons of videos and animations, and yes not to forget flash advertisements. You must have also come across AutoPlay videos on web pages, right? Not only are they super annoying, but they increase the browser load as well and slow down your device’s performance.
Solution: If you’re too annoyed with a bunch of useless advertisements crawling over your MacBook’s screen here’s what you need to do. You can download a reliable third-party tool like StopAll Ads for an optimized surfing experience. StopAll Ads will block all sorts of advertisements, pop-ups, videos, and banners keeping the browser load to par minimum and eventually helping you to get rid of “MacBook Pro getting hot” problem.
6. The Fault in Cooling Fans
As we mentioned earlier, the reason behind your MacBook getting hot may occur due to hardware faults as well. Like supposedly, there’s the slightest possibility that your MacBook’s cooling fan is not working properly. You can obviously detect the fault when the fans start making a loud noise or when your MacBook becomes too hot to touch. To sum up, the overheating of your Mac is directly proportional to how the fans circulate. If there’s any barrier or hindrance that stops the movement of the fans, your MacBook will overheat and eventually crash or shut down without any pre-warning.
Solution: Luckily, Apple offers a decent solution for how we can check the hardware with the help of a Diagnostic Tool. The process of testing your Mac’s hardware is pretty simple and straightforward. Restart your Mac and hold down the “D” key until you see a blue screen of the Diagnostic program. Read the on-screen instructions thoroughly and tap the “Test” button to take up the diagnostic test. Wait for a few minutes until Apple finishes checking up the hardware and displays the results.
Also Read: MacBook Pro Touch Bar
7. Bad Charging Habits
Many tech experts claim that the way you charge any device plays a crucial role in how well it will perform and for how long it will last without wearing out. And yes, the same goes true for MacBook Pro as well. Following bad charging routines and using non-Apple chargers may lead to MacBook Pro overheating and degrading its performance.
Solution: Well, the solution is pretty simple! Make sure that you strictly use Apple chargers to charge your MacBook Pro device. Even if your original charger gets dysfunctional or faulty, replace it with an original Apple charger rather than picking cheaper alternatives from local electronic retailers. Choosing the latter may seem like a good option at once, but it will have an adverse effect on your Mac’s performance. So, it’s always recommended to go for original Apple accessories rather than buying local ones so that you don’t have to regret it later and get stuck in the loop of “MacBook Pro heating issue”!
8. Excessive Sunlight
Yes, we do understand that MacBook+ Pro comes in pretty handy and we love working on it while we’re chilling at a café or relaxing at a beach or a terrace garden. Well, to be honest, Vitamin D may be good for you but not for your Mac. Exposing your MacBook to excessive heated temperatures can result in overheating issues and can also damage your MacBook’s external hardware.
Solution: Working outdoors is tempting, agreed! But if your MacBook keeps overheating it will kill the whole vibe, right? So, to avoid this make sure you’re operating a Mac at a decent room temperature. Also, try to find some shade when you’re outside so that your Mac doesn’t get exposed to direct sunlight.
9. Running Heavy Applications and Software
If you particularly use your MacBook Pro for professional purposes, like for editing videos, and photos or using high-end interior designing software, there’s a slight possibility that it will result in device overheating. All such advanced software consumes many system resources in the background causing MacBook Pro overheating issues.
Solution: We obviously cannot advise you to stop using these apps and services. But the least you can do is, deal with heavy apps one by one. Don’t keep multiple apps opened at the same time as it will build a lot of pressure on macOS and before you know it your MacBook Pro will start overheating.
10. Check for Updates
Yes, we know we keep bragging about checking for software updates and how it miraculously solves all the issues. Apple keeps releasing new macOS updates once in a while with performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. If you’re running an outdated version of macOS on your new machine, it will somehow have an effect on its performance and may also lead to overheating issues.
Solution: To check for the latest system updates on your MacBook, tap the Apple icon on the home screen and select System Preferences> Software updates. Apple will check for updates and will let you know if any update is available for your machine. If an update is available, hit the “Update now” button to upgrade to the latest version of macOS. Maintain a habit of periodically checking for updates so that you don’t miss out on anything and keep your machine away from any potential threats and constant “MacBook Pro getting hot” issue.
Some more tips and tricks to prevent Macbook From Running Hot –
- Keep it turned on for an optimum amount of time.
- Healthy charging habits.
- Stop too much multitasking with heavy apps.
- Use proper desk placement.
- Run videos and high graphic games for fewer hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is my MacBook pro overheating?
Various reasons can cause MacBook Pro overheating issues. It can be anything from the dust particles obstructing the air fans on your MacBook Pro as well, so keep it clean always. Other common causes include cluttering the device with too many applications and filling storage space to the max.
How do I cool down my MacBook pro?
Close the running apps and give it some time for cooling off. The Macbook may need to be turned off and put off the charging if it is overheated. The tasks need to be lessened if it might be necessary to keep them working.
How do I fix my MacBook from overheating?
Minimizing multitasking will help the most in taking care of your Macbook from overheating. Another thing to keep in the measure is that you have an excellent tool to keep all unnecessary stuff off your computer.
Do MacBook Pros overheat easily?
As the new laptops are slim and with that CPU heats up quickly. Sometimes even one running task can also work in terms of heating the CPU. So it can entirely depend on the type of task and the way you are maintaining your device.
Can a Mac explode?
Yes, it could happen to any modern gadget which operates on the battery. It can be due to an overheating problem or other weather conditions. Therefore one must avoid any such visible signs of overheating. Take proper precautions with the battery as the lithium-ion can be reactive in certain situations.
Bottom Line | Were You Able To Resolve MacBook Pro Heating Issue?
So, fellas, there were some of the most prominent solutions to fix MacBook Pro overheating issues. We hope these solutions will help you so that you can work comfortably on your Mac without any annoyance. Just remember, the harder your machine’s processor cores are working, the more likely your MacBook Pro will heat up. So, make sure you keep your RAM free and close all the unnecessary processes and services running in the background.
Also, if your Mac is performing way too slow than ever and you’re experiencing trouble with overall performance, consider using a professional tool like Cleanup My System. It’s an excellent Mac cleaning tool power-packed with some advanced features that can improve your Mac’s performance within no time and make it as good as new!
If you have any doubts, feedback or suggestion to share, feel free to drop a line on our social media handles: Facebook & Instagram.
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dee
Unfortunately there is no fix and it is NOT normal for a computer to heat up by briefly using one non memory intensive program after 1 hour of use and quit frankly I am tired of apple saying this is normal. Mine goes off and gets so hot it literally burns my fingers after an hour. This computer was advertised as best for graphic designers and if you cannot even run one thing like illustrator much less word for an hour then its a huge waste of money. Unfortunately I have the 2019 which I can not use and it is upsetting it cost me 3000. And before you ask yes I did reset the smc and have called apple twice in 2 months since I have had it w no resolve -I have not even been able to begin to do graphics on it because it can not handle it. My ancient lenovo works better.Roger
If your mac didn’t always heat up like it’s doing now, the thermal paste which allows heat to transfer efficiently from your CPU chip to the heat sink might dried up and lis no linger able to transfer heat well. The fix is to remove the heat sink, clean up the mating surfaces and install new thermal paste. The graphics processor might have the same issue.Roger
Of course all of these suggestions take all responsibility away from Apple and a possible defective pc and put it on the owner. The fact that so many people are having this issue… seems it has to do more with the internal components than with the operator. Perhaps Apple should step up and offer repair services to fix this; at their expense. I have a 2018 MacBook Pro and it has just begun getting very very hot within the past few weeks. I have no idea why. It is certainly not from these obvious issues that anyone with sense could figure out. I will certainly never buy another MacBook.Nikki
I have used a cooling fan since 2017 for my 2011 MBP and it has never died or have screen dimming like the latest models do. I’m afraid to buy the 2020 or newer MBP.Mansi Vijay
Hey Nikki, Greetings from WeTheGeek! The new MacBook Pro claims to be Apple’s fastest and most powerful laptop to date, but is it right for you? Well, that totally depends on your needs and preferences. For instance, the latest MBP comes with powerful M1 Pro, and even beefier M1 Max chip, upgrades from last year’s M1. But do you really need that enhanced processing power? Additionally, the advanced thermal system can now move up to 50 percent more air through the laptop than that of the previous generation, resulting in a cooler and quieter user experience. Additionally, the refresh rate is responsive that preserve battery life, speeds up machine for smooth scrolling and transitions etc. Hence, there are a lot of advantages that come with newer MBPs, so we think it’s definitely worth a shot! What do you think?