MacBook Overheating? Here's What's Causing It and What to Do

A MacBook that runs hot isn't just uncomfortable — sustained high temperatures accelerate component degradation and can cause permanent damage. Here's how to diagnose and fix overheating.

Open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor) and sort by CPU%. If a process is using 80%+ CPU constantly, that's your heat source.

• Common culprits:
• kernel_task — macOS's thermal management. High kernel_task usage usually means the CPU is already too hot and the OS is throttling it.
• mds_stores — Spotlight indexing. Usually temporary after a macOS update.
• Google Chrome / Electron apps — notorious CPU hogs. Switch to Safari for heavy browsing.
• softwareupdate — background macOS updates.

• Update macOS — some versions have CPU bugs causing excessive usage.
• Reset SMC — Apple Silicon: shut down for 30s, restart. Intel: Shift+Control+Option+Power for 10s.
• Reset NVRAM — restart, hold Option+Command+P+R until second startup sound.
• Reduce browser tab count — each Chrome tab is a process. Use Tab Suspender extensions.
• Use Low Power Mode — Battery settings → Low Power Mode. Reduces CPU performance but dramatically cuts heat.

If the MacBook is hot at idle with no demanding processes, it's hardware:

• *Blocked fan or heatsink:** Dust accumulates over years, insulating the heatsink. Cleaning requires opening the MacBook. We include a fan clean with most repairs.

• *Failed thermal paste:** The paste between the CPU and heatsink dries out after 3–5 years, losing conductivity. Reapplication costs ₹1,500–3,000 and immediately drops temperatures 10–20°C.

• *Failing fan:** A fan that makes noise or doesn't spin at full speed needs replacement (₹2,500–4,500).

Bring it in for free diagnosis — we'll confirm the cause and quote you. WhatsApp +91 77000 44192.