Google Chrome Helper using 90%+ CPU from system startup on Big Sur despite Chrome not being open

Macbook Pro Late 2013 (Mac OS Big Sur)

Chrome v89.XX

The fan noise completely stopped after I removed the older Google Chrome Helper service. Figured out that additional google chrome helper service was running of an older version of Chrome (60.XX) even for the latest version running was (89.XX).

Steps to remove:

Open activity monitor --> Energy --> Look for Google Chrome Helper --> Stop (using button X) the service

Close Chrome application if running

Open Finder --> Applications --> Google Chrome --> Right click --> Show package contents

In Contents --> Versions --> Here look for older version folders and trash them

After this point, the Mac seems to be behaving better and does not keep the fan running even during charging mac.

Non of your advices helped to me. Killing Google Chrome Helper in Activity Monitor worked only for current "session" of using Chrome. After restarting Mac the problem with Google Chrome Helper was still there because it starting to run again after starting Google Chrome.

But! I think resolved the problem! Removing Chrome from my Mac and installing it again from fresh copy is what seems to helped me.

How to do it:

1. Quit Chrome (CMD+Q)
2. Go to "Applications" in Finder and remove Google Chrome app
3. Go to "~/Library/Application Support/Google" in Finder and remove "Chrome" dir
4. Empty Bin
5. Restart Mac
6. Download new Chrome installation and install Chrome again
7. Done!

Hi there, just remove and reinstall Chrome and you should get it work.

No more problems after about 2 weeks from Big Sur release.

Remember there could be other apps based on Chrome browser hidden (wrapped) inside them (like Whatsapp), and might need an update too.

I am currently tracking an issue at work with Chrome Helper. Interestingly enough I replaced the Intel version of Chrome with the Universal version ("Mac with Apple Chip" is the download link, but it works on both Intel and Apple silicon), and so far I am not seeing the Chrome helper issue. Compile issue? Who knows, but worth a test if you are still having the issue.

I removed Google Chrome and installed it again. The battery drain and heating up slowed down. What I noticed was when I use WhatsApp Desktop (downloaded through the App Store) it starts to heat up again and drain battery. I looked in the Activity Monitor and there was a „WhatsApp Helper“ like with Chrome (probably because it‘s an hybrid app).

I didn‘t have any issues so far with Safari and MS Edge.

My theory is, that some Apps have a hard time after the update. I think I read that Big Sur has some kind of layer for Apps designed for the Intel Processors. Maybe some Apps aren’t optimized for that or have issues because of it. I‘ll reinstall WhatsApp Desktop and see what happens. Maybe all the Apps from the Catalina era have to be reinstalled…?

Hi, I did the following on Dec 17 and my new MB Pro has been working normally with a temperature of 40F and no fan running constantly, I hope it helps you.

I've had a MBP 13" 2020 for less than 2 weeks, use it only for Safari surfing and email. I had been having exactly the same problem from day one; fan running loud and hard, computer very warm on bottom and top. I talked to Apple Care about 6 times and got t nowhere, they even told me they are not aware of this happening to anybody else ! So today after spending some hours trying to find a solution on the net I did the following and the temp went instantly for 89C to 44C and has stay there for the last 2-3 hours.

1) disable Google Chrome Helper following this https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-google-chrome-helper

2) uninstall/trash Chrome browser

3) Go back to Activity Monitor and manually select GCHelper and click the X on top to Stop it once and for all

4) Restart computer and check if GCH doesn't show in Act Monitor anymore

5) Check if temperature changed using Intel Power Gadget App (free) and be happy ☺️☺️☺️!!!!!!

6) Do a happy dance ☺️☺️☺️!!!!!!

February 6th, 2021 ---I just upgraded to Big Sur 11.2 on my 2017 MacBook Pro. As a result, my battery started draining far more quickly than before the upgrade. I found a simple fix. In Finder, I went to Applications, then clicked on Utilities and then on Activity Monitor. In the Activity Monitor you can see which functions are using power. I discovered that Google Chrome Helper was using over 90% of the CPUs power. I clicked on Google Chrome Helper in the Activity Monitor window and told it to quit. Problem solved! For good measure I also deleted Chrome altogether since I use this browser rarely. However, for those who use Chrome, the Activity Monitor fix should work. I also now keep the Activity Monitor in my dock so I can check it for rogue activity.

-JanAllyce

My fan was also working full time bec of Google Chrome helper.

What I did was go to Activity Monitor > click Google Chrome helper > click on "X" (STOP)

My macbook is now consuming less battery power and does not overheat anymore.

I tried the tips that found in the web but didn't work. Uninstall and reinstall Chrome was the only solution for me.

Ok, I think da fix is to make it so Google Chrome doesn't open on startup, Kill all of the tasks saying "Google Chrome Helper" and your Mac Book Should run normal.

I got the same problem and I don't think all the answers solved the problem for me. But thank these guys.

If deleting Chrome from your Mac is not a problem, the easiest way is deleting and installing it again.

Otherwise,

1 create a file let's say deleteChromeHelper.sh and save the scripts below into the file

killall "Google Chrome Helper" -9; rm "/Applications/Google Chrome.app/Contents/Versions/71.0.3578.98/Google Chrome Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Google Chrome Helper"

2 open your terminal and type bash deleteChromeHelper.sh in the terminal

Your Mac should get calm down. It fix my MacBook Pro 15 2018 Big Sur.

I completely removed all Google instances on my mac. That includes the notorious Keystone helpers. Whilst I did see improvement I still got a few cases of runaway processes and crashes.

Hello there, which plugin did you disabled?

Same here, Chrome Helper appearing at Big Sur boot taking 90+% CPU, and manually killing task is ok until next boot.

Would love to find out which startup item is using Chrome.