MacBook Pro Getting Really Hot? Top 12 Fixes [2023]

Is MacBook Pro getting hot? Is MacBook heating up a lot? Wondering how to fix MacBook Pro overheating issue? You’ve come to the right place. The sleek aluminum body that once felt cool to the touch is now radiating intense heat, leaving you wondering if it’s about to burst into flames. Okay, maybe not flames, but it’s definitely hot enough to make you question its well-being.

If you’ve ever experienced your MacBook Pro heating up to uncomfortable levels, fret not! You’re not alone. In fact, many MacBook Pro users have encountered this common issue, leaving them searching for effective remedies to restore the chill factor of their favorite device.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the heart of the matter, exploring the top 12 fixes to keep your MacBook Pro running cool and calm. From simple software tweaks to practical hardware adjustments, we’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Normal For a Mac To Get Really Hot?

While it’s not uncommon for laptops, including MacBooks, to generate some heat during intensive tasks, excessive heat can be a cause for concern. MacBooks are designed to dissipate heat efficiently through their aluminum casing and internal cooling system.

However, if your MacBook is consistently running at high temperatures or becoming uncomfortably hot to the touch, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

If MacBook gets really hot then there are several factors that can contribute to excessive heat buildup. These include resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, running multiple applications simultaneously, inadequate ventilation, outdated software or firmware, and even hardware malfunctions.

Can Overheating Damage a Macbook?

Absolutely! Excessive heat can indeed wreak havoc on your device. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause a multitude of problems. If MacBook heats up fast, it can lead to accelerated wear and tear on internal components such as the processor, graphics card, and battery.

How Can I Cool My MacBook Pro?

So, it’s clear that overheating is no joke when it comes to your MacBook’s well-being, right? But fear not! In the following sections, we’ll delve into 12 solutions to fix MacBook Pro overheating issue that will help you nip the heat problem in the bud and ensure your MacBook stays cool, efficient, and in top-notch condition for years to come.

What Temperature Is Bad For a Macbook?

Think of your MacBook as a temperature-sensitive creature that prefers a cozy-cool climate. When its temperature reaches a scorching 95°C (203°F), that’s the danger zone! To keep it happy and healthy, aim for a comfortable range of 40-80°C (104-176°F), where it can thrive without risking any internal damage.

How to Check Mac Temperature?

Checking your Mac’s temperature is crucial to ensure it stays within safe operating limits. There are many third-party tools that offer temperature check features along with optimization functions.

Why MacBook Pro Running Hot: Quick Overview of Reasons?

If you’re wondering why your MacBook Pro is running hot, here’s a quick overview of potential reasons:

Intensive Tasks: Running resource-intensive applications like video editing or gaming can put a heavy load on your MacBook’s processor, causing it to generate more heat.
Insufficient or Blocked Ventilation: Blocking the airflow around your MacBook by placing it on soft surfaces or obstructing the vents can restrict proper cooling, leading to increased temperatures.
Dust and Debris: Accumulated dust and debris inside your MacBook can impede airflow and cause heat buildup, affecting its cooling efficiency.
Outdated Software or Firmware: Running outdated operating systems, applications, or firmware can result in compatibility issues or inefficient resource management, leading to increased heat production.
Background Processes: Numerous background processes or Mac applications running simultaneously can strain your MacBook’s resources, leading to higher temperatures.
Faulty Hardware: In some cases, faulty components like fans or heat sinks can result in inadequate cooling, causing your MacBook to run hotter than usual.

By identifying the underlying reasons behind your MacBook Pro’s heat issues, you can take appropriate measures to address them and keep your device running cool and smooth.

12 Ways to Fix the MacBook Pro Getting Hot Issue

MacBook Pro getting hot? Here are the top 12 fixes you can try to deal with the MacBook Pro running hot issue.

1. Quit Resource-Intensive Apps or Processes

When your MacBook Pro starts to heat up, one of the first steps you should take is to identify and close any resource-intensive applications or processes that may be putting a strain on your system. These demanding tasks, such as video rendering or running multiple virtual machines, can cause excessive heat generation.

Activity Monitor is a powerful built-in tool on your MacBook Pro that allows you to identify resource-hungry applications or processes that could be causing excessive heat. Here’s how to use it:

Launch “Activity Monitor” by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Activity Monitor”.
In the Activity Monitor window, click on the “CPU” tab to sort processes by their CPU usage.
Look for processes with high CPU usage percentages or those that consistently consume a significant amount of resources.
Select the resource-intensive process and click the “Quit” (X) button in the toolbar or right-click and choose “Quit” to close the application or process.

By freeing up system resources, you can alleviate the strain on your MacBook Pro and help it cool down.

2. Clean Dust and Debris From Bents and Fans

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the vents and fans of your MacBook Pro, obstructing airflow and causing it to heat up. Here’s how to clean them to fix the

Shut down your MacBook Pro and unplug the power adapter.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth or compressed air to gently clean the exterior vents and fans. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or use liquids.

If there is visible dust buildup, you can use a small brush or a clean, dry toothbrush to carefully loosen and remove the debris.
Once you’ve cleaned the vents and fans, turn on your MacBook Pro and observe if the temperature improves.

Regularly cleaning the vents and fans will help maintain proper airflow, prevent overheating, and extend the lifespan of your MacBook Pro.

3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Items

Here comes another solution to fix the MacBook heating up issue. When your MacBook Pro starts up, it loads various applications and processes in the background, which can contribute to increased heat. To reduce this burden, follow these steps to disable unnecessary startup items:

Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
Choose “Users & Groups” or “Users & Accounts“.
Select your user account and go to the “Login Items” tab.
Review the list of items set to launch at startup.

Identify any unnecessary or less frequently used applications.
Highlight the application and click the “-” (minus) button below the list to remove it from startup.

By minimizing the number of applications launching at startup, you can alleviate the strain on your MacBook Pro’s resources and help keep its temperature under control.

4. Optimize Energy Settings To Reduce CPU Usage

To fix MacBook Pro overheating issue, you can use this simple hack. Adjusting your energy settings can help optimize your MacBook Pro’s performance and reduce CPU usage, resulting in lower heat generation. Follow these steps to optimize your energy settings:

Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.“
Choose “Battery” or “Energy Saver.”
In the “Battery” tab, adjust the “Battery Level” slider to a lower setting or enable “Power Saver” mode.
In the “Power Adapter” tab, select the “Better Energy Savings” option or customize settings to reduce CPU performance.
Consider enabling options like “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” or “Slightly dim the display while on battery power.”

If MacBook Pro gets really hot, you can optimize the energy settings and strike a balance between performance and power consumption. In this way, you can reduce CPU usage and minimize heat buildup on your MacBook Pro. This can help you fix the “MacBook Pro running hot” issue easily.

5. Use a Cooling Pad

Invest in a compatible cooling pad for your MacBook Pro to enhance airflow, dissipate heat, and keep your device running cooler. Simply place your MacBook Pro on the cooling pad and connect it to a USB port for powered cooling.

6. Limit Background Processes and Apps

Imagine your MacBook Pro as a busy multitasker. Limiting the number of background processes and apps it juggles can lighten its workload and prevent overheating. Simply close unnecessary applications, and browser tabs, and quit non-essential processes to give your MacBook Pro some breathing space.

You can also use Activity Monitor to identify resource-hungry culprits and bid them farewell. By doing so, you’ll help your MacBook Pro stay cool, calm, and collected.

7. Reset the SMC

Sometimes, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve temperature-related issues on your MacBook Pro. Here’s how you can do it:

Shut down your MacBook Pro.
If your MacBook Pro has a removable battery, disconnect the power adapter. For models with a built-in battery, keep the power adapter plugged in.
Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for about 10 seconds.

Release all keys and the power button.
Turn on your MacBook Pro by pressing the power button.

Resetting the SMC can help resolve power and thermal management issues, potentially improving temperature regulation on your MacBook Pro.

8. Check for Viruses or Malware

Here comes another solution to deal with MacBook heating issues. Viruses or malware can not only compromise your MacBook Pro’s security but also contribute to increased heat generation. In fact, you can also use a reliable tool like to check for viruses and malware.

9. Keep Your MacBook in a Cool Environment

MacBook Pro gets really hot sometimes? Well, the temperature of the surrounding environment increases MacBook heating issues. Avoid exposing your MacBook Pro to direct sunlight or placing it near heat sources like radiators or heaters. Ensure proper ventilation by using your MacBook on a flat, hard surface that allows airflow underneath.

10. Declutter the Desktop

A cluttered desktop on your MacBook Pro can contribute to increased heat buildup. Create organized folders to store files instead of scattering them all over the desktop. This helps in better file management and makes it easier to locate specific items when needed.

Large files, such as videos or high-resolution images, consume system resources even when they’re not actively in use. Consider moving them to a dedicated folder or an external storage device to free up valuable system resources and reduce heat generation.

11. Update macOS

Keeping your macOS up to date is essential for maintaining the optimal performance of your MacBook Pro, including temperature regulation. Here’s why updating macOS is important and how to do it:

Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
Choose “Software Update.“
If an update is available, click “Upgrade Now” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Regularly checking for and installing macOS updates ensures that your MacBook Pro remains optimized, secure, and performs at its best, helping to regulate its temperature effectively.

12. Get your MacBook Pro Physically Checked

If you’ve tried various fixes and your MacBook heats up fast, it may be time to seek professional assistance. A certified technician can thoroughly inspect your MacBook Pro for any underlying hardware problems that may be causing the overheating. They can diagnose and address issues such as malfunctioning fans, faulty thermal sensors, or damaged heat sinks.

By seeking professional assistance, you can ensure that your MacBook Pro receives the specialized attention it needs to resolve any underlying hardware issues contributing to the MacBook heating up issue.

Final Thoughts

This is how to fix MacBook Pro overheating issue using simple methods. Dealing with a MacBook Pro getting hot can be a real concern for many of us. The heat not only affects its performance but can also lead to potential damage. Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take to address this issue.

By quitting resource-hungry apps, cleaning out dust from vents, and optimizing energy settings, you can give your MacBook Pro a breather and prevent it from getting too hot. Using a cooling pad, keeping it in a cool environment, and decluttering the desktop are additional measures you can take to maintain a cooler temperature.

Remember to regularly update macOS, check for viruses, and seek professional assistance if needed. These actions can ensure that your MacBook Pro stays in top shape and performs optimally, without running the risk of overheating.

So, don’t let the heat slow you down! Take these steps to keep your MacBook Pro cool and enjoy a smooth and worry-free computing experience.

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Priyanka Sharma

Priyanka is a tech enthusiast who likes to write about different kinds of topics in the tech industry. She has expertise in writing problem-solving guides related to Mac computers. You can find her on LinkedIn.

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