What should I do if my Mac gets seriously overheated? Full analysis of the top 10 solutions
Recently, many Mac users have reported that the problem of serious device heating has become a hot topic. Especially in high temperature environments in summer, the heating phenomenon of MacBook Pro/Air is more obvious. This article will analyze the causes and provide you with 10 effective solutions to help you cool down quickly.
1. Analysis of the main causes of Mac fever

| Ranking | Cause of fever | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High load software running | 35% |
| 2 | Too many background processes in the system | 25% |
| 3 | Cooling vents blocked | 20% |
| 4 | Ambient temperature is too high | 15% |
| 5 | Battery aging | 5% |
2. 10 effective solutions
1. Check Activity Monitor
Open "Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor", sort by "%CPU" in the "CPU" tab, and close processes that occupy too many resources.
2. Clean the heat dissipation vents
Use a compressed air can to clean the heat dissipation vents on both sides of the fuselage and the rotating shaft to ensure smooth air circulation.
3. Use a cooling bracket
| Cooling bracket type | cooling effect | Recommendation index |
|---|---|---|
| Metal hollow bracket | Reduce by 3-5°C | ★★★★★ |
| With fan bracket | Reduce 5-8°C | ★★★★ |
| Ordinary plastic bracket | Reduce 1-2°C | ★★★ |
4. Optimize system settings
• Turn down screen brightness
• Turn off unnecessary visual effects
• Enable "Automatically switch graphics cards" in "Power Saver" preferences
5. Update systems and software
Keep macOS and apps up to date as Apple frequently optimizes power management through updates.
6. Reset SMC
After shutting down, press and hold Control+Option+Shift+Power button for 15 seconds, then release all buttons, wait 5 seconds and then turn on normally.
7. Avoid use in high temperature environments
The ideal working environment temperature for Mac is 10-35°C. Avoid using it in direct sunlight or in a closed space.
8. Use professional cleaning tools
Tools such as CleanMyMac and OnyX can help clean up system junk and optimize performance.
9. Check battery health
Check the battery cycle number in "System Report > Power". If it exceeds 1,000 times, it is recommended to consider replacing it.
10. Be careful when connecting an external monitor
When using an external 4K monitor, the independent graphics card will continue to work. It is recommended to appropriately reduce the resolution or refresh rate.
3. Comparison of heating conditions of different Mac models
| Mac model | average operating temperature | high load temperature | Thermal design |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M1 | 38°C | 45°C | fanless |
| MacBook Pro 13 M2 | 40°C | 50°C | single fan |
| MacBook Pro 16 M1 Pro | 42°C | 55°C | Dual fans |
| MacBook Pro 16 Intel | 45°C | 65°C | Dual fans |
4. When do you need to seek professional help?
If the following situation persists after trying the above methods, it is recommended to go to an Apple Store or authorized service provider:
• Device frequently shuts down automatically
• The keyboard area is extremely hot (>60°C)
• Battery life suddenly drops significantly
• Unusual noise occurs
5. Tips to Prevent Mac from Overheating
1. Avoid working at full load for a long time and allow the equipment to rest appropriately.
2. Clean the cooling system regularly (every 3 months)
3. Use officially recommended chargers and data cables
4. Do not place the cover on a quilt or soft cushion when sleeping.
5. Close unnecessary applications during video conferencing
Through the above methods, most Mac heating problems can be significantly improved. If your device is an older MacBook with an Intel chip, the heating problem may be more prominent. It is recommended to consider upgrading to a new model with an Apple Silicon chip for better temperature control performance.
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