joelfromnepean

Q: why does my Macbook Air overheat when charging?

Why does my McBook Air overheat when charging?

MacBook Air, iOS 9.3.3

Posted on Aug 4, 2016 5:43 PM

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Q: why does my Macbook Air overheat when charging?

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  • by HeatherLee333,

    HeatherLee333 HeatherLee333 Aug 4, 2016 6:20 PM in response to joelfromnepean
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Aug 4, 2016 6:20 PM in response to joelfromnepean

    Hmm. A Couple of questions:

     

    Q1: Do you have any programs running in the background or are you donating your CPU to any research projects (i.e. SETI, space, etc. using BOINC or science research) during times when your computer is in sleep mode or not in use?

     

    If so, login to your account at their website, go to My Account, and click on preferences for that system. In general, most programs will have a preference pane where you can customize how much or maximum percentage of your processor you will allow them to use, how often, etc. For Example, I have been a contributor to SETI at Berkeley for years, and there are many aspects of the program and rules that you can change and control to protect your computer from overheating.

     

    Or if this doesn't apply to you..

     

    Q2: Do you multitask a lot? Do you generally have Safari or other browsers and tabs open at the same time while using/having multiple apps open? If so you may be out or VM or RAM and that would cause it to overheat. If this is the case you could download a free app from the app store (I like Dr. Cleaner) to monitor your memory and try not to run too many apps that use a high percentage at the same time. I found after my 2010 Macbook died and addressing the overheating issue at the Apple store, the MacBook Pro is better geared for multitasking and using multiple apps at once. However, If this is the issue then it's not hard to avoid once you're aware of what the cause is.

     

    Another thing you might try is instead of sitting it directly on a desk or your lap, you might try a tray or raised platform with ventilation holes so that there is airflow around it while in use, or sitting it on a foam mat or material that absorbs heat underneath it.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Aug 4, 2016 9:22 PM in response to joelfromnepean
    Level 8 (49,039 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 4, 2016 9:22 PM in response to joelfromnepean

    Please read Mac notebooks: Operating temperature - Apple Support.

     

    It's normal for its temperature to increase while charging, which happens with any battery. "Overheating" is subjective though, and requires further explanation. If your Mac becomes literally too hot to handle, something is wrong with it, and it ought to be evaluated by Apple. A properly operating Mac will shut down on its own well before it becomes dangerously hot.