Macbooks are a popular choice for people who need a reliable and efficient laptop. However, they can often overheat if not properly taken care of.
In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to keep your MacBook from overheating. We will also provide some solutions if your MacBook does happen to overheat. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to keep your computer running smoothly!
Content Overview
1. Keep your laptop on a hard, flat surface
When it comes to MacBook, there are a few things you should keep in mind in terms of maintenance. First and foremost, it is important to keep your MacBook on a hard, flat surface.
This will help to prevent the MacBook from overheating, as well as protect the internal components from being damaged by dust and debris.
2. Don’t put anything on top of your laptop
One of the worst things you can do to your MacBook is to put something on top of it while it’s closed.
This can cause the screen to become cracked or scratched, and it can also damage the hinges. If you must put something on top of your MacBook, make sure to use a soft cloth or padded case.
Better yet, keep your MacBook in its carrying case when you’re not using it.
This will help to protect it from scratches, dents, and other damage.
3. Avoid temperature and fan apps
While MacBooks are reliable machines, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of using certain temperature and fan apps.
These apps can cause your MacBook to overheat, which can lead to hardware damage. In addition, these apps can also put a strain on your MacBook’s battery, causing it to drain more quickly.
As a result, it is best to avoid using these apps unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to use one of these apps, be sure to monitor your MacBook’s temperature closely and stop using the app if it begins to overheat.
4. Use an external mouse and keyboard
If you’re using a MacBook, you might be tempted to just use the built-in trackpad and keyboard. However, there are several good reasons to invest in an external mouse and keyboard.
First of all, they’re usually more comfortable to use for extended periods.
Secondly, external keyboards often have special features, like dedicated media keys or backlighting, that can make your life easier.
Finally, if you ever need to do any serious work on your MacBook, an external mouse and keyboard will make the task much easier. So if you can swing it, we recommend investing in an external mouse and keyboard for your MacBook.
5. Dim the screen brightness
One of the most important things you can do to prolong the battery life of your MacBook is to dim the screen brightness. The brighter the screen, the more power it requires.
Therefore, by dimming your screen, you can reduce the amount of power it uses and help to extend the battery life.
You can adjust the screen brightness in System Preferences > Displays.
Simply drag the slider to the left to dim the screen or to the right to brighten it. Alternatively, you can use the keys on your keyboard to quickly adjust the screen brightness.
Pressing Option + F1 will dim the screen and Option + F2 will brighten it. By making a few simple changes, you can help to keep your MacBook running for longer.
6. Close unused programs and windows
As anyone who has ever used a laptop knows, battery life is an important consideration. Programs and windows that are left open can continue to run in the background, even when they are not being used, which can drain your battery more quickly.
This helps to free up memory and processing power so that your computer can run more smoothly. For this reason, it is always a good idea to close unused programs and windows when you are finished using them.
On a MacBook, this can be done by click on the program name in the dock and then selecting “Quit.” If you have multiple windows open in a program, you can hold down the “Option” key and click on the window name in the toolbar to close all of the windows at once.
Taking these simple steps can help to prolong your battery life and keep your MacBook running smoothly.
7. Keep your laptop out of direct sunlight
One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your laptop is to keep it out of direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can damage the screen and cause the internal components to overheat.
If you use your laptop outdoors, be sure to keep it in the shade or covered with a cloth to protect it from the sun’s rays. In addition, avoid placing it on surfaces that reflect sunlight, such as mirrors or glossy tables.
The sun can cause the color of your laptop to fade over time. By keeping your laptop in the shade, you can help to prevent overheating and preserve the quality of your computer.
8. Don’t leave it in a hot car
It’s a hot day and you’re in a hurry to get to your next meeting. So, you leave your MacBook in the car while you run into the office to grab something.
Big mistake.
Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly rise to well over 100 degrees, potentially causing irreparable damage to your computer.
Laptops are designed to operate within a certain temperature range, and excessive heat can cause the internal components to break down. In addition, the heat can distort the screen or cause the battery to swell, making it difficult or even impossible to use your computer.
So, next time you’re tempted to leave your MacBook in the car, think twice.
Your computer will thank you for it.
9. Don’t put it on your bed or other soft surfaces
When you’re not using your MacBook, it’s important to store it in a safe place. Ideally, you should put it on a hard surface such as a desk or table. This will help to protect the screen and keyboard from damage.
However, you should avoid putting it on your bed or other soft surfaces. The reason for this is that these surfaces can obstruct airflow and cause the MacBook to overheat. In addition, soft surfaces can also cause the screen to become scratched or damaged.
So, if you want to keep your MacBook in good condition, it’s best to store it on a hard surface.
10. Use a laptop stand or cooling pad
When using your MacBook for long periods, it is important to take measures to prevent overheating.
One way to do this is to invest in a laptop stand or cooling pad. By elevating the MacBook, you allow air to circulate more freely around the device, helping to keep it cool.
Additionally, cooling pads often feature fans that help to increase air circulation.
Some models even include built-in temperature regulators, ensuring that your MacBook stays within a safe range.
By taking these steps, you can help to prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of your MacBook.
11. Keep the vents clear and free of dust and dirt
One of the most important things you can do to keep your MacBook running smoothly is to keep the vents clear and free of dust and dirt.
The vents are responsible for cooling the MacBook by allowing air to flow through the computer. If the vents are blocked, the MacBook can overheat, which can lead to damage. To clean the vents, simply use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or dust.
Make sure to do this regularly, as even a small amount of dust can build up over time and cause problems.
12. Disable unused features and applications
As a MacBook owner, you probably have a lot of applications installed that you don’t use on a regular basis. While it may not seem like a big deal, these unused programs can take up valuable space on your hard drive and slow down your computer’s performance.
Additionally, many applications run background processes that can drain your battery life. To keep your MacBook running smoothly, it’s important to disable any features and applications that you’re not using.
You can usually do this in the “Preferences” or “Settings” menu for each program.
By taking a few minutes to clean up your MacBook, you can help keep it running like new for years to come.