Our MacBooks are wonderful little machines
capable of powering through our daily use. They're reliable, and you'll
find that a MacBook could live for nearly a decade with regular maintenance and
tender love and care. But sometimes, even with the simplest tasks, the fan
will hyperspeed trying to cool
the Mac .
What exactly causes this problem? Curious
why my MacBook Air's fan is making so much noise? Follow this guide to get
some tips and take care of your MacBook.
Why is the fan on my MacBook Air making so much noise?
Your MacBook Air may just
need to cool down a bit; it may be harmless. But if it happens a lot,
it can be due to several reasons:
overheating
Computers are designed to withstand a bit of
heat while they're running. Just like working out – as your system works
harder, the components will start to heat up. The fan is designed to keep
the air cool so it doesn't get too hot.
As machines age, the fan may become less
efficient over time and require maintenance.
Ignoring the problem can cause permanent component damage and will
render your MacBook unusable.
Overworked CPU/RAM
It's automatic for your fan to kick in as
soon as your CPU gets overloaded, and it's best to check which apps are
consuming it.
RAM in overdrive will also have the same
effect. To verify, press CMD and Space to open Spotlight. Click on
the CPU tab and see what percentage of your CPU is in use. You can close
unnecessary apps from here.
External temperature/vents blocked
If it's a hot day or your room has no
ventilation, this can affect the temperature
of your Mac . The fan will start working harder if
the temperature is too high for the machine. Make sure you have the
windows open or the air conditioning on.
You should also check that your computer's
vents are open and free of debris. A blocked vent will not allow hot air
to escape. We recommend using a dedicated stand for your Mac to allow air
from the vents below to properly escape.
How to fix a noisy MacBook fan? (Tips for
performance)
Fans are crucial to the performance of your
Mac. There are things we can do to keep fans running smoothly and up to date.
Free space
Simply removing old apps or files you don't
need will significantly improve your
Mac's performance , meaning your fan won't have to work as
hard.
Improve air circulation
Don't use your Mac in bed. The sheets
and comforter will block your airway and cause you to overheat. Instead,
you should try to use your computer on a stand, that way the air can circulate
properly.
Clean your CPU/RAM
Check your activity monitor to see any
background processes that are consuming your CPU. To do this, go to
Applications > Utilities and look for activity monitor. Look under the
CPU tab and use the X in the top left corner to close any apps that are taking
up a lot of space.
Run Apple Diagnostics (Apple
Diagnostics)
1. Disconnect external devices like mouse, keyboard, etc.
2. Restart your Mac and hold down the D key while it
restarts.
3. Select your language and it will run immediately.
The test should show you the problem, if
any. You should repair your Mac if you're having problems with your fans.
Reset SMC
Resetting these systems can help your fan
cool the system more easily.
Unplug the power cord and shut down your Mac.
Press shift-control-option together and hold down the power button. Do
this for 10 seconds and release. Then turn on your Mac again. If this
doesn't work, it's time to get your Mac serviced.
How to clean a MacBook fan?
This can be a complicated process, but with
patience, you can improve the life of your MacBook. For this, you will
need:
- P5 Pentalobe Screwdriver – Most Macs
are built with P5 screws, so you'll need this specific one.
- Compressed or canned air
- cotton swabs or swabs
- Suction cups and guitar pick (for
models after 2016)
Steps to clean a MacBook fan
1. Flip your Mac over so that the bottom is facing
up. You'll find 10 screws on the outside, around the sides. Unscrew
them with the P5 screwdriver.
2. Removing the back Carefully remove the screws and set
them aside. Get a good grip on the back and start removing from the
base. For a 2016 or newer model, this is where the suction cup and guitar
pick come in handy. Use the suction cup to lift the bottom edge and use
the pick to open the hidden clip below.
3. Find your Mac's fan. You can have more than one, so be
sure to check that you get them all. Cotton swabs should help remove
especially stubborn dust.
4. Reassemble. Once you're sure everything is clean,
attach the bottom to the base and screw it back on. Be careful not to
round off (insulate) the screws.
How to Check MacBook Temperature (Overheating Prevention)
There are a few ways to check the temperature
of your Mac:
physical temperature
If your Mac feels unusually hot to the touch,
or if its fans start working overtime for no apparent reason, this could be a
sign of a glitch or serious problem, and you should have it repaired.
Applications
The first one costs around $20, but it will
give you an accurate reading and give you tips on how to lower the internal
temperature.
If you don't feel like shelling out $20, you
can download iStat pro, which is a free app with basic temperature
reports. The important thing here is to make sure that the temperature is
not too high; your Mac can comfortably work at 90 degrees, even if it
seems too high.
Frequent questions
If you work in a particularly dusty
environment, you should clean your fans every 4-6 months. If it's not
particularly dusty, you can do maintenance every year or so.
Is it bad if my MacBook gets hot?
Computers will get hot if used a lot; as
the components work faster and faster, they expel thermal
contamination. It's normal for a Mac to get a little warm, but if the
temperature feels hotter much more often, you should have it checked.
How do I cool down my MacBook?
Place it on flat surfaces like a table or
desk, open the windows to regulate airflow, and use your air conditioner to
lower the temperature in the room. If you use it outdoors, keep it in
shaded areas.
When should I contact Apple support?
If your Mac shuts down unexpectedly or
overheats on a regular basis, it's probably time to contact Apple. If your
Mac is over 5 years old and the fans are struggling with basic tasks, it might
be time to invest in a new one.
conclusion
Keeping your Mac's fans running smoothly doesn't have to be an impossible
task. All computers are bound to get hot with heavy use, but if it
overheats, it's time to look for a problem.
Your MacBook needs care and love, just like
your other machines, to keep it running smoothly. Please don't leave it to
the last minute; give your MacBook Air some maintenance.
