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Laptops are notorious for overheating. MacBooks are no different and it can be annoying when you can’t have the laptop on your lap and when your fingers heat up just by touching the keyboard. Luckily, there are strategies for ensuring your MacBook doesn’t overheat.
Here are some tips to help you stop your MacBook from overheating.
Test to find a problem
First, it is helpful to check the condition of your fans before you start anything else. This will help you determine whether there is something actually wrong with the fan or if it’s just being unable to perform as you’d want it to.
The test option is available in all MacBooks. For those, with MacBooks older than June 2013, you can find it under the Apple Hardware Test. The newer models will have the feature in the Apple Diagnostics tool.
The testing itself is similar for both options. You need to have your MacBook plugged in and have any external peripheral removed. Restart your laptop and hold down the D key. The onscreen instructions will guide you through the test and it shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes. If there’s a problem, you will be informed about it afterward.
Keep your OS up-to-date
You also need to make sure the software you use is up-to-date. Start by ensuring you have the latest operating system in use. All the versions are free to upgrade, so you don’t have any reason not to make these leaps. Just make sure you create a backup – you probably won’t need it but it does always provide that extra bit of security.
It’s important to keep all of your software updated not just the OS. Make sure you update your browser, word editors, and photo editors and so on to ensure you always use the latest models.
Stop using Chrome
Speaking of browsers, Chrome can cause your MacBook to overheat. Chrome causes the processor to run overtime, adding to the heat levels of your computer. You are much better off using another browser – Safari isn’t all bad and Firefox is a nice alternative for those looking something else.
Limit your apps
MacBook is not good at multi-tasking. If you are opening many apps at once, you might notice that it will start overheating and the performance drops. The most struggles seem to happen if iTunes and Photos are open at the same time. If you like to listen to music while working on the laptop, you might find it nicer to use your smartphone to play the tunes.
Similarly to apps, the fan can start going crazy if you have many tabs open in the browser. The more tabs you open, the harder the system will have to work and this can eventually lead to overheating. Close any tabs you aren’t using, bookmark the ones you’d like to get back to and reduce the workload of the browser.
Ensure the fan is not obstructed
MacBook fan vents from the back edge of the laptop and you want to keep this as open as possible. You shouldn’t try to keep the laptop on your lap, place it on a soft surface or have it directly against a wall. These can block the airflow and cause your MacBook to heat up. The best place for a MacBook is on a flat surface such as a table or the floor. If you want to work on the couch, consider using a book or a tray as a surface for the laptop.
Avoid the sun
It might sound a little obvious but avoid using the MacBook in direct sunlight. Any laptop can suffer from a lot of heat so if you want to work outside, you must find the shade. According to Apple, the best temperature for the MacBook is between 10 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Keep it clean
Finally, it’s also a good idea to keep your MacBook clean. Give your laptop a proper clean every once in a while with a soft fabric suitable for the purposes. If you can, open the bottom of your MacBook with a screwdriver and use compressed air to blow away any debris it had. Be extra mindful near the cooling fan and the vents.
The strategies above should help you keep your MacBook going. However, you also need to keep in mind that your laptop will keep overheating easier as it gets older. So, if you’re struggling with overheating, it might be that the fan is simply getting too old and it is time to replace the MacBook. The rumors that Apple might unveil its new generation of MacBooks. If you don’t want to wait for the possible reveal, you can opt for the latest model. It’s a solid performer and it shouldn’t have issues with overheating.
So, if you want to prevent your MacBook from overheating, utilize the above strategies and enjoy your Mac for longer.