Is your MacBook Pro getting so hot that it burns your hand? Are the fans constantly running at high speed and loudly? Is your battery draining quickly or is your device running slowly? If so, you may be dealing with MacBook Pro overheating issues. MacBook Pros are prone to overheating due to hardware and software issues.
In this guide:
· Reasons for MacBook Pro overheating
· Effective solutions to prevent overheating
· You will find tips for improving long-term performance!
Why Is My MacBook Pro Overheating? (4 Main Reasons)
There are several possible causes of overheating on MacBook Pro devices. Here are the most common ones:
1️ -) Heavy-Duty Applications
Applications like Chrome, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, video editing software, and games make heavy use of the CPU and GPU, which can lead to overheating.
Solution:
· Open Activity Monitor (Spotlight > Activity Monitor)
· Check which app is consuming the most CPU.
· Close open tabs that you are not using and use alternative lightweight applications.
If you are experiencing MacBook Pro heating issues, using Safari instead of Chrome would be a good solution.
2️ -) Fans are not working properly or are clogged
The cooling fans inside the MacBook may not work properly due to dirt and dust, which will cause the temperature to rise.
Solution:
· Clean your Mac's vents regularly.
· Control fan speeds with third-party applications (Macs Fan Control, iStat Menus).
· Check if there are any objects blocking the fan outlets.
MacBook Pro overheating issue may be caused by the fan. You can run Apple Diagnostics to test if the problem is caused by the fan. If you see error codes like PPF001, PPF003, or PPF004 on the screen, it means that your fan is damaged. In this case, you will need to contact Apple Support and have your device repaired.
3️- ) You Use Your Mac on the Bed or Couch
The MacBook's air vents are usually located on the bottom cover. If you use your Mac on a soft surface such as a bed, pillow, or couch, air circulation will be restricted and the device will heat up. To reduce internal heat, the Mac needs to take in air from the outside, and the vents are located on the bottom cover.
Solution:
Use your Mac on a hard, flat surface.
Increase ventilation by using a laptop stand or cooling pad.
4️ -) macOS Update or Buggy Software
In some cases, macOS updates bring new system load, which makes the processor work harder and causes overheating. Especially if your MacBook Pro is an older model, overheating problems may occur more. In some cases, the lack of updates can cause overheating.
Every new update brings a new improvement, so it is important to make sure that your device is on the latest update for the MacBook Pro overheating issue.
Solution:
· Install the latest version of macOS by going to System Settings > General > Software Update.
· Uninstall apps that are not updated or are constantly running in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MacBook Pro Overheating
· My MacBook Pro is overheating, what should I do?
First, open Activity Monitor and close any applications that use a lot of CPU. Check the fan outputs and try using a cooling pad.
· Why is Google Chrome making my MacBook so hot?
Chrome can quickly heat up your MacBook due to its high RAM and CPU consumption. Alternatively, you can use Safari or Microsoft Edge.
· Why are MacBook Pro fans running all the time?
If the fans are constantly running, it indicates that the processor is overheating. Close heavy applications, clean the fans, and use an app like Macs Fan Control to control fan speeds.
· Will my MacBook be damaged by overheating?
MacBook overheating for a long time may shorten battery life and cause performance degradation. It is recommended to apply the above solutions to reduce the heat.
How to measure MacBook Pro temperature?
CPU and GPU temperatures can be controlled with applications such as Macs Fan Control and iStat Menus.
Conclusion: What Should You Do to Prevent Your MacBook Pro from Overheating?
If your MacBook is overheating, you should first reduce system load by closing applications that are using the most CPU. If you are experiencing browser-related overheating, try using Safari or Edge instead of Chrome. You can improve airflow by using your MacBook on a hard surface and cleaning the fans.
If the fans are constantly running at high speed or your MacBook is overheating, check the CPU usage in Activity Monitor and close any unnecessary background processes. If the overheating problem still persists, you may want to contact an Apple Service.
Also read: Why Some MacBook Users Never Clean Their Screens? Science Explains