Extreme lagging since 2 days ago on video calls in multiple apps (14.4.1 and 14.5)

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Level 1

4 points

Extreme lagging since 2 days ago on video calls in multiple apps (14.4.1 and 14.5)

Since two days ago I've been experiencing extreme lag in video calls in multiple applications - zoom, browser-based (chrome), and other applications. I've literally never had any problems whatsoever, so it's very out of the blue.

The only thing that happened was I left the laptop locked on a Friday night (21 June), and on Monday morning (24 June) it had restarted for some reason (unknown as to why, maybe an update was shipped?).

I have an M2 Max and it's not under heavy strain on CPU or RAM at all.

I've tried:

Reinstalling and updating Zoom, Chrome, etc
Updating from 14.4.1 to 14.5
Reinstalling 14.5 (recommended by Apple Support)
Endless reboots!

Any ideas for anything else to try would be much appreciated, I'm having to use my iPhone for the many calls I have to do each day as the macbook is unusable. I have Apple Care in case that's relevant. Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jun 26, 2024 8:03 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 10

80,758 points

Jun 26, 2024 9:20 AM in response to rcheesley

I have an M2 Max and it's not under heavy strain on CPU or RAM at all.

No so. Video conferencing software is very taxing even on larger computers, working both the CPU and GPU hard. Chrome is a known resource hog. Both can cause extra heating of the system, forcing it to clock back to reduce heat production. Any blocking of the computer's air intake and exhaust vents will aggravate that.

Please read this Apple article on temperatures. It has some excellent suggestions:

Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

Of course, as you are under warranty, by all means contact Apple for evaluation if the tips in the article do not help.

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Answer 2

rcheesley Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 26, 2024 9:30 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks for the helpful response. I was basing that statement on having been eyeballing activity monitor while having these issues with lag, and noticing that neither were anywhere near what I'd consider to be high usage for my Mac, especially during video conferencing. CPU has been around 74% idle, memory around 20Gb out of 32 in use.

My macbook is on a stable work surface, it's well ventilated (I use cardboard desk risers to ensure max ventilation) and doesn't feel any different to the touch than usual. I use the official plug and cable which came with the device. I always use it (and leave it) in lid-open mode.

I'll keep troubleshooting and see if I can find a way to ensure the ambient temperature isn't the issue, as well! If I can't solve it I'll head into the apple store!

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Extreme lagging since 2 days ago on video calls in multiple apps (14.4.1 and 14.5)

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