MacBook overheating
MacBook gets hot to the touch, fans run loud, performance slows
In short: A MacBook that overheats and runs the fans constantly is almost always dealing with restricted airflow (dust in the intake and fans, blocked vents on a soft surface), failed thermal paste, or a software process consuming the CPU. We diagnose and address each layer.
What’s happening
A MacBook running hot enough to be uncomfortable on your lap, with fans audibly running, almost always comes down to one of four causes:
- Dust and debris blocking the fans and air intakes. Years of use accumulate fluff and dust in the cooling system. Airflow drops, the CPU thermal-throttles, fans spin up to compensate.
- Failed thermal paste between CPU and heatsink. Apple’s factory thermal compound dries out over a few years. Heat transfer from the chip to the heatsink degrades. The chip runs hot even at idle.
- Software process consuming the CPU. Chrome with too many tabs, a misbehaving app, Spotlight reindexing, Time Machine running. Activity Monitor will show this.
- Failed fan. Mechanical fan failure means heat doesn’t get extracted at all.
What to do first
Open Activity Monitor → CPU tab → sort by ”% CPU” descending. If a single process is sitting at 100%+ and you don’t recognise it, that’s your culprit. Force-quit it and see if temperatures drop.
If the load looks normal but the MacBook still runs hot, it’s a hardware issue. Use it on a hard flat surface (not on a sofa or bed where it can suffocate), and let us look at it.
What we do
Workshop diagnostic: open the MacBook, deep-clean the fans and intake mesh, replace the thermal paste with a high-quality compound, and load-test to confirm temperatures are back in the normal range. Most overheating jobs are back with you the same or next day.
If we find a failed fan, that’s replaced with a genuine Apple unit before paste is reapplied.
How we quote
Phone us with your MacBook model and we’ll give you a ballpark on the call. If diagnostic is needed, the £75 fee covers it and is deducted from any repair you go ahead with. 90 day warranty on parts and labour.
Sound like your Mac?
Bring it in or call. We diagnose at workshop or onsite, with an honest assessment before any work starts.