What to do when your MacBook is overheating

⚡ Fast fix

• Too hot to touch? Asurion recommends shutting it down and letting it cool off before continuing.
• Check what's working overtime. Open Activity Monitor and look for apps using an unusually high amount of CPU power.
• Give it some air. Move your MacBook to a hard, flat surface and make sure the vents aren't blocked.
• Still overheating? Pop in a nearby
  uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a free diagnostic and fast repairs.

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MacBook® laptops can get warm during demanding tasks, but if yours feels like it's doubling as a space heater, something else may be going on.

Asurion Experts help people troubleshoot overheating laptops every day, and the cause is often something surprisingly simple—and often simple to fix. Here's what to do when your MacBook is overheating and how to help prevent it from happening again.

Why is my MacBook overheating?

From playing games to streaming movies, your MacBook does a lot. And all that activity generates heat. While modern MacBooks are designed to manage temperature automatically, excessive heat can sometimes indicate a problem.

Here are a few reasons your MacBook might overheat:

• Blocked air vents. If you use your MacBook on a soft or uneven surface, like a bed or your lap, airflow can be restricted and heat can build up.
• Dirty fan or vents. Dust, dirt, hair, and debris can make it harder for your cooling system to do its job.
• Hardware or battery issues. Malfunctioning hardware or a damaged battery can generate excess heat.
• Too many programs or browser tabs open. Dozens of tabs, streaming services, browser extensions, and background apps can put a surprising amount of strain on your Mac.
• Background processes. Cloud sync services, photo indexing, backups, AI tools, and menu bar utilities can consume resources even when you're not actively using them.
• Outdated software. An outdated version of macOS® can sometimes cause performance issues that increase processor workload.

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How do I know that my MacBook is overheating?

Here are some signs to watch out for if you're worried that your MacBook is overheating:

• Your MacBook feels uncomfortably hot.
• Error messages appear.
• Your MacBook takes longer than usual to perform basic tasks.
• Apps and programs freeze.
• Accessories like your mouse or keyboard won't connect.
• Your MacBook shuts down suddenly.
• Your MacBook fan is loud or runs for a long time.

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How to stop your MacBook from overheating

Asurion recommends these simple steps to cool down your MacBook:

Turn off and unplug your MacBook

Take a break until your laptop has completely cooled down.

Move to a cool, well-ventilated space

Your MacBook works best when the temperature is between 50 degrees and 95 degrees F (10 degrees and 35 degrees C).

Check the vents and fans

Look for dirt or anything that might be blocking the fans—you can use a few puffs of compressed air to clean if any grime is present. If you're working with your laptop on a soft surface like your lap or on a bed, that can also lead to your computer not getting enough ventilation.

If the fan still struggles, makes a loud noise, or runs at maximum speed after cleaning the vents, contact a MacBook repair expert for help.

Find resource-hungry apps in Activity Monitor

Instead of guessing which app is causing the problem, check Activity Monitor.

1. Open Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
2. Click the CPU tab.
3. Sort by % CPU usage.

If an app is consistently consuming a large amount of CPU power, quit it and check whether an update is available. Web browsers with dozens of tabs open are common culprits.

Check for background processes

Sometimes the issue isn't an app you're actively using. Cloud storage syncing, photo libraries indexing, backup utilities, and other background services can temporarily increase processor activity and heat generation. Give these processes time to finish if they're running.

Turn on Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode can help reduce heat and extend battery life. To enable it:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Battery.
3. Turn on Low Power Mode.

This reduces background activity and can help keep temperatures under control during lighter workloads.

Restart your MacBook

If you've tried these steps but your MacBook keeps overheating, restart your computer. A reboot can clear temporary software issues and stop runaway processes.

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How to prevent your MacBook from overheating

It's important to keep your MacBook running at a safe temperature. Here are a few tips for keeping your machine cool:

Don't leave your MacBook in a hot place

Never leave your laptop in a car, in an overly humid space, or in direct sunlight.

Use your MacBook on a stable, well-ventilated work surface

Don't place your Mac anywhere that would block ventilation, like on a pillow or under bedding. If you want to use your MacBook in bed, place it on a book or laptop stand.

Keep the keyboard and vents clear

Don't place anything over your MacBook's keyboard or vents that could restrict airflow.

Use only power cords and accessories authorized by Apple®

Unauthorized or incompatible charging accessories could cause problems with your MacBook, including overheating.

Keep macOS up to date

Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help your Mac run more efficiently.

1. Click the Apple® menu.
2. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Install any available updates.

To make sure your MacBook stays updated, enable automatic updates in the Software Update menu.