Once your Mac starts making a lot of noise, it’s not only annoying, it’s also a sign of a malfunction. Indeed, it is possible that a technical problem, such as a defective fan, could cause your computer to overheat. If this is your case, then we advise you to follow our few tips to Fix your Mac overheating issue, to the point that it is damaged.

Explore the Contents

1 Tips to Fix your Mac overheating issue
2 Tips for cleaning the fans on your Mac

Tips to Fix your Mac overheating issue

Just because your Mac’s fans are running at full speed doesn’t necessarily mean it’s faulty. For good reason, their primary function is to cool your computer by increasing the airflow around the components.

If you are working on heavy tasks, such as video editors or editing software, then your Mac will require more work and create more heat. At this point, the fans should automatically turn on.

Even when you are not running any program the noise persists? This means that there is potentially a problem. To remedy this, there are a few factors to consider before calling Apple support.

1. Check CPU usage

Mac fans usually kick in as a precaution when the CPU is overloaded. Nonetheless, if you are intrigued by the racket yours is making, then it is recommended that you open up Activity Monitor and see which apps are consuming all of your CPU resources. To do this :

Hold down the command key
Press the space bar to open Spotlight
Search for Activity Monitor.
Click the Processor tab, then look at which programs are at the top of the % Processor column.
If one of them is not essential, then click on it, then on the X to stop its execution.

2. Check your room temperature

When diagnosing a ventilator problem, it is important to consider environmental factors.

Therefore, if it is hot in your room and you do not have air conditioning, then the ambient temperature could have a negative effect on the performance of your Mac. Ideally, it should be between 10 and 35 degrees.

Feel free to open a window, turn down your thermostat, or use a cooler to circulate the air from your Mac.

3. Check the temperature of my Mac

If you think your Mac is overheating, check its temperature using the Temperature Gauge Pro utility.

You can also get a copy of iStat Pro, free software that offers easy temperature control and reporting.

As a reminder, the recommended temperature for your Mac is 90°.

4. Make sure that air can circulate

When your MacBook is placed on a flat surface, there is no room for air to circulate.

We suggest you use a dedicated MacBook stand, which will elevate it to let air pass.

5. Clean your fans and air vents.

The overheating of your Mac could also be due to its air vents being blocked, as this makes it difficult for hot air trapped inside the device to escape.

On a MacBook Pro, the fans are located along with the display hinges and side edges, while those on MacBook Airs are located on the top edge of the chassis.

For Mac mini owners, look under your device, where the coolest air is sucked in. Make sure the holes are clear.

On the iMac and iMac Pro, the air vents are on the back and bottom edges, while on the iMac Pro they are on the front and back.

You can try using a vacuum cleaner to remove any lint or dust buildup, but be sure to keep the nozzle away from the unit’s housing to prevent damage.

6. Reset your management controller

Despite all these steps your Mac is still overheating? Remember to reset your SMC.

For MacBooks incorporating a T2 security chip, either Air and Pro (2018) or later:

Shut down your Mac.
Hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release it

If the problem persists, then:

Simultaneously press the Control, Option, and Shift keys for 7 seconds.
Then press the start button.
Hold these 4 keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.
Turn on your MacBook again.

For MacBook Pro (2009 to 2017), MacBook Air (2017), or earlier models:

Shut down your Mac.
Hold down all of the Shift, Control, and Option keys, and then press the power button for 10 seconds.

Release them, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

7. Turn off the fans on your Mac

To control and monitor your cooling system, download the free Mac Fan Control software for free.

It allows you to modify the value of the speed and the speed of the fans in relation to the temperature sensor. Thus, they will only turn on when your Mac is really hot.

Tips for cleaning the fans on your Mac

Over time, your Mac’s fans get dirty. To clean them:

Shut down your Mac.
Turn the machine over to open its case using a suitable screwdriver such as a Pentalobe.
Remove the fans, taking care not to cut any wires.
Access the ventilation grill, then remove the dust using a dry air canister or toothbrush.

None of the above tips worked to fix your Mac overheating issue? There may be a hardware problem with your Mac.

As a last resort, you will then have to contact Apple support and make an appointment at the Genius bar.

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