7 Easy Fixes for an Overheating MacBook Air M1

ByJim Miller

Do you own a MacBook Air M1 and have been experiencing overheating issues? Don't worry, you're not alone. Despite its energy-efficient design, your MacBook Air M1 can still get pretty hot, especially when performing intensive tasks or running multiple software simultaneously. The thin and compact design of the MacBook Air also leaves less room for heat dissipation, which can contribute to overheating. But fret not, we've got you covered with these simple fixes to cool down your overheating MacBook Air M1.

1. Reduce Multitasking

One of the main culprits behind an overheating MacBook Air M1 is excessive multitasking. While the MacBook Air M1 is a highly efficient system, running multiple software simultaneously can put a strain on its resources and cause it to overheat. To alleviate this issue, close any unused browser tabs and inactive software that you're not currently using. Take a look at the number of apps open in your dock and close the ones you don't need at the moment. This will give your Mac some breathing space and help prevent overheating.

2. Check Background Processes

If closing resource-intensive apps doesn't solve the overheating issue, it's possible that an app or background process is consuming excessive CPU power. To identify and terminate these processes, follow these steps:

  1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search.
  2. Type “Activity” in the search box and open “Activity Monitor.”
  3. Click on “CPU” at the top menu bar.
  4. Check the “%CPU” column to identify resource-intensive processes.
  5. Also, check the “Energy” and “Memory” tabs to analyze the power and memory consumption of each process.
  6. Select the process that is consuming excessive resources and click the “x” at the top to quit it.
  7. Close the Activity Monitor and wait for some time to see if the system cools down.

3. Reset the SMC

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can help resolve temperature-related issues on your MacBook Air M1. To reset the SMC, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your desktop.
  2. Choose “Shut Down” from the drop-down menu.
  3. Keep the lid closed and the system shut down for at least 30 seconds.
  4. Click the Power button to start the system.

4. Update macOS

Apple frequently releases updates that include performance and thermal management improvements. It's crucial to keep your macOS updated to ensure optimal performance and temperature control. Here's how you can check for and install updates:

  1. Go to the Apple Menu at the top-left corner of your desktop.
  2. Click on “System Settings.”
  3. Go to “General” on the left sidebar.
  4. Click on “Software Update” on the right.
  5. Wait for the system to check for any updates.
  6. Choose “Update Now.”

After the update is complete, your MacBook Air M1 should run more efficiently and experience fewer overheating issues.

5. Use External Cooling

If none of the above methods seem to work, you can try using an external cooling pad. While the MacBook Air M1 is designed with a fanless cooling system, an external cooling pad can help in certain situations. It helps keep the surface underneath your MacBook Air cooler, indirectly aiding in heat dissipation.

6. Remove Case/Cover

Sometimes, the case or cover you use on your MacBook Air can trap heat inside, leading to overheating. If you're using a case or cover made of materials that are poor conductors of heat, it's best to remove it and check if that resolves the overheating issue.

7. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, it's advisable to reach out to Apple Support. Certified service centers can diagnose any internal hardware issues that may be causing your MacBook Air M1 to overheat. Apple's customer support executives are also available for live chat and can assist you in resolving your issues.

Keep It Cool!

By following these easy fixes, you can prevent your MacBook Air M1 from overheating and ensure optimal performance. Remember to avoid excessive multitasking, check for resource-intensive background processes, keep your macOS updated, and consider external cooling options if necessary. If all else fails, don't hesitate to seek help from Apple Support.