Notes app on Mac using 100-200% CPU

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Level 1

9 points

Notes app on Mac using 100-200% CPU

I use the Notes app every day, and it is continuously using 100-200% CPU. I've restarted in Safe Mode, created a new user account on my MacBook Pro (M1) with a new AppleID, and the problem doesn't present. The problem also disappears when I log out of iCloud in my main user account (thus using an empty Notes app/creating a couple notes).

I have ~3,866 notes in All iCloud. This issue was present in macOS versions before my current Ventura OS. Would I have to delete thousands of Notes to keep my laptop running/idling cool? I don't want to have to switch to another app!

Is there no solution to this continuous, high CPU usage? Could it be a particular corrupted note with a broken link/media file that's causing the CPU to run so high? If so, how would I find it among my many notes?

Thanks for your help!

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on May 1, 2023 4:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PRP_53

Level 10

91,423 points

May 1, 2023 4:59 AM in response to JDSchwartz

Good work 👍 so far but a few more suggestions to isolate what maybe causing this Computer Issue

5 - There could be ( seems to be ) something in the Main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.

6 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.

7 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer

The application is free or paid from added features.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<

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Answer 2

pervak

Level 1

4 points

Apr 3, 2024 6:27 AM in response to JDSchwartz

The answer adsorbed from https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/pp9shm/notes_app_on_macbook_air_m1_uses_60_90_of_m1_cpu/?rdt=38025

1) Notes app somehow looking for the Title in each note to present them in the List mode. If there is not title for the note it tries to generate title from the text. So, you can be consistent in setting Titles for every note and it will be zero CPU spending then.

2) Gallery mode seems has some different logics, that's why switching to Gallery mode temporary solves the problem with CPU overloading.

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

91,423 points

May 2, 2023 3:02 AM in response to JDSchwartz

Then have a few suggestions ;

1 - Get Support Choose a product and we’ll find you the best solution.Start now and open an Apple Support Ticket as they are Apple Employees to deal will these types of issues .

2 - Product Feedback - Apple and make it known to Apple regarding this ongoing issue

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Answer 4

JDSchwartz Author

Level 1

9 points

May 2, 2023 2:00 AM in response to PRP_53

Thanks for the reply. I switched to gallery view (instead of list view) and the CPU usage goes down to normal levels while using, and even (more importantly) down to 0% when focus is on another app (idling). So for now I'll hold off Etrecheck diagnostics and use this workaround. It is an issue though, and should be reported/fixed! Thanks again!

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Answer 5

Jun 9, 2023 2:13 PM in response to JDSchwartz

I had the same issue - when notes is open eats a massive amount of CPU, and the fan gets angry.

The fix- deleted the two accounts ( see Notes > account) that were not syncing because of outdated passwords.

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Notes app on Mac using 100-200% CPU

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