🔥 Is Your MacBook Overheating? Try This Fix
MacBooks are powerful, but they can get hot — especially during heavy use, poor ventilation, or background processes running wild. If your Mac feels unusually hot or the fans are constantly spinning, try this quick Terminal fix to reset background processes and improve temperature control.
1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac
- Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
- Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.
2. Enter this command in Terminal
Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:
Loading...What this command does:
- Attempts to stop
kernel_taskif it’s using abnormal CPU and causing heat - Can temporarily reduce CPU usage and fan noise
- Requires admin password (invisible while typing)
💡 Additional Tips to Cool Down Your Mac
🌀 1. Close Unused Apps and Tabs
Press Command + Option + Esc to force-quit resource-hungry apps.
🌡 2. Monitor with Activity Monitor
Go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor to identify processes using too much CPU.
📦 3. Disable Login Items
- Go to System Settings > General > Login Items
- Remove unnecessary apps from opening on startup
🌬 4. Elevate or Ventilate Your Mac
Place your Mac on a hard, flat surface — or use a laptop stand to increase airflow underneath.
🔋 5. Update macOS
Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest updates to ensure thermal management is optimized.
✅ Mac Cooling Fix Complete
After applying this fix and best practices, your MacBook should feel cooler and run more quietly. Repeat the Terminal command when overheating returns — but if issues persist often, consider cleaning internal fans or consulting Apple support.