Original question https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251266338?login=true
Since the only approved by Apple answer is "it is getting hot by design" - can we ask for refund as there was nothing in tech specs said about the so high temperature under normal load?
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.4
The advice provided by @gjyrl has been known to work for many users. However, a hot Mac may be caused by the third party software that has been installed on your Mac. Anti-virus apps, cleaning apps, and third party security software are known to cause all sorts of issues with macOS and can make a Mac run much hotter & slower than it should. If you have any of these types of apps installed, then uninstall them by following the developer's instructions. If you still have issues, then run EtreCheck and post the report here using the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper. If you give EtreCheck "Full Disk Access" then a summary of the recent system logs will also be included which may contain some clues. You can also run the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected.
These newer Macs do run hotter than older Macs and many non-Apple laptops. That is the price you must endure to have a high end CPU within an extremely thin laptop which is extremely hard to cool. Also keep in mind laptops today are not meant to be used on a lap as they run much too hot for that today. Laptops now should only be considered as portable computers to be used on a table or desk.
You have 14 days to return the laptop, otherwise you can sell the laptop as used. It is crazy to think any manufacturer is going to advertise any negative things about their own product. Manufacturers always oversell and many times will even "misrepresent" their products to make the product look good. Users must do their own research and accept the consequences of their choices.
The advice provided by @gjyrl has been known to work for many users. However, a hot Mac may be caused by the third party software that has been installed on your Mac. Anti-virus apps, cleaning apps, and third party security software are known to cause all sorts of issues with macOS and can make a Mac run much hotter & slower than it should. If you have any of these types of apps installed, then uninstall them by following the developer's instructions. If you still have issues, then run EtreCheck and post the report here using the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper. If you give EtreCheck "Full Disk Access" then a summary of the recent system logs will also be included which may contain some clues. You can also run the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected.
These newer Macs do run hotter than older Macs and many non-Apple laptops. That is the price you must endure to have a high end CPU within an extremely thin laptop which is extremely hard to cool. Also keep in mind laptops today are not meant to be used on a lap as they run much too hot for that today. Laptops now should only be considered as portable computers to be used on a table or desk.
You have 14 days to return the laptop, otherwise you can sell the laptop as used. It is crazy to think any manufacturer is going to advertise any negative things about their own product. Manufacturers always oversell and many times will even "misrepresent" their products to make the product look good. Users must do their own research and accept the consequences of their choices.
gjyrl wrote:
I run third party SW, but my overheating issue during charging disappeared when I changed the location to RH side of computer. My point with this post is that Apple did not suggest this simple solution when I contacted them for support.
Another point is that my overheating was happening running no SW.
I understand as I saw this issue reported several years ago when the 16" model was first released. There is a huge thread on the Apple forums about that issue and your solution. However, my other reply was to the OP in case their issue is not the same as yours.
My question:
To Apple on two occasions within the last week was why is my NEW MacBook Pro 16 getting incredibly hot during charging.
My answer:
From Apple was to try the following. All of which did nothing......
How to reset the SMC of your Mac
Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac
Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac
My solution after googling the problem was as simple as it gets, but made an incredible difference........
Move the charging cord from LH side (which is where mine was) and plug in on RH side........ as you face computer. Astonishing what a difference it made.
I run third party SW, but my overheating issue during charging disappeared when I changed the location to RH side of computer. My point with this post is that Apple did not suggest this simple solution when I contacted them for support.
Another point is that my overheating was happening running no SW.
I tried resetting SMC/NVRAM a while ago - it didn't have any noticeable effect. I don't usually use this laptop internal keyboard/touchbar while working, so it was normally not an issue. But when I forced to work without external monitor and mouse/keyboard, especially when it is quite hot outside and room temperature comes to 30 degrees - it makes it very uncomfortable as even keys and surface to the left and right from touchbar become noticeable hot. The part between screen and touchbar is so hot that I can barely touch it for a couple of seconds.
I had no previous experience with Apple laptops with discrete graphics (only 13" models with integrated one), so I wonder if the temperature is outside of the limits.
Macbook Pro 16-inch (2019) getting very hot
