why is my macbook really hot?

HOT BATTERY? I have a 2006 MBP and was using a battery that lasted 5 minutes without being plugged in. I also am using smcfancontrol and the MBP sitting on top of a notebook cooler. The operating temperature was still geting into the 77ºC zone and processing anything was painfully slow. Solution: removed the battery. Voila! I opened up Aperture and exported some photos like a brand new computer. The temperature hovered around 33ºC and everything is now working great. Without the smcfancontrol turned on the temperature is around 40.

Hi, I am new to Mac and followed your tips on how to cool down my Mac; Thanks, your advise was a great help.🙂

The reason your MacBook is getting hot is because you are using it on your legs. In order to keep cool it must be on a hard flat surface so that air can flow beneath it. When it is on your legs, it sinks down, airflow is cut off, and heat collects.

So, Your Mac Which is Basically is a Laptop Cannot Be Used On Your LAP

Thank You Apple.

Hi - although I am sure various software issues can lead to hot running, and definitely putting the machine on pillows or duvets, but in my case after a lot of messing around with software and fan control apps, I just had to get the back off it, remove all the dust from the fan vents with compressed air and suddenly it is back to being a beautiful, silent, cool machine again. Remember only do it yourself if you're completely out of warranty and are confident working inside conputers

Thanks.......spot on advice.

I found Spotify was running at 100+ switched it off and laptop almost immediately cooled down.

I got spyware on my computer when downloading this smcfancontrol program. DO NOT USE!

https://youtu.be/oEhmsuNpOMY

I just made a video on how to fix this! Hope it helps!

This is one of the best answers I've read for the given issue. Really does resolve the issue.