is it safe to keep using my MacBook Pro when it became hot ( feels like overheating )?

The bottom of my macbook became very hot when in use for approximate 40min in use. Is it normal?

Thank you.


MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 23, 2024 12:20 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 23, 2024 5:48 PM

Some Apple laptops do get very warm when being used. If the cooling fans are at maximum speed, then the CPU will be throttled in order to reduce the system temperature until the cooling system is able to once more keep the temps within operating range. On many Apple laptops, the heatsink is on the bottom of the board so it makes the bottom case very hot sometimes. Laptops are not always meant to be used on laps these days.


You can always run the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected to confirm the cooling system is functioning properly.


FYI, the CPU is allowed to get to about 95C - 100C on some laptops before the CPU is throttled.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 23, 2024 5:48 PM in response to jurate64

Some Apple laptops do get very warm when being used. If the cooling fans are at maximum speed, then the CPU will be throttled in order to reduce the system temperature until the cooling system is able to once more keep the temps within operating range. On many Apple laptops, the heatsink is on the bottom of the board so it makes the bottom case very hot sometimes. Laptops are not always meant to be used on laps these days.


You can always run the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected to confirm the cooling system is functioning properly.


FYI, the CPU is allowed to get to about 95C - 100C on some laptops before the CPU is throttled.


Apr 24, 2024 1:23 AM in response to jurate64

If your MacBook Pro is feeling hot to the touch, it's usually a sign that it's working hard to manage its processes. While MacBooks are designed to handle heat to a certain extent, prolonged overheating can potentially lead to hardware damage or performance issues over time. Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Check your surroundings: Ensure that your MacBook isn't sitting on a surface that obstructs airflow, such as a bed or pillow. Make sure the vents are not blocked.
  2. Reduce workload: If possible, close any unnecessary applications or processes that might be putting extra strain on your MacBook's CPU and GPU.
  3. Ventilation: Consider using a laptop cooling pad or raising the laptop to allow for better airflow around the device.
  4. Environment: Avoid using your MacBook in excessively hot or humid environments, as this can exacerbate heat issues.
  5. Monitor temperatures: You can use software tools like iStat Menus or Macs Fan Control to monitor the internal temperature of your MacBook and take action if it consistently runs hot.

If your MacBook continues to feel excessively hot despite these measures, it might be worth having it checked by a professional to ensure there are no underlying issues causing the overheating.

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is it safe to keep using my MacBook Pro when it became hot ( feels like overheating )?

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