The internal fan inside a MacBook Pro runs to help cool down the computer and prevent overheating. Fans will often turn on or run at high speeds even during light usage like web browsing or watching videos if the computer is getting too hot. Some common reasons why the fan may be constantly running loudly on a MacBook Pro include dust buildup blocking airflow, intensive background apps, outdated software, or hardware issues. While the loud fan noise can be annoying, it’s the Mac trying to protect itself from overheating. This guide will go over some troubleshooting steps to quiet down the fan and turn it off when not needed.
Check Activity Monitor for intensive apps
The first step is to open Activity Monitor on your Mac to view the CPU usage and see if any apps are using a high percentage of resources (cite: View CPU activity in Activity Monitor on Mac). Activity Monitor is built into macOS and provides information on CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
To open Activity Monitor:
- Click on the Spotlight search icon in the top right corner of your screen (or use the keyboard shortcut Command + Spacebar)
- Type “Activity Monitor” and press return
- Activity Monitor will open and you’ll see CPU usage graphs and listings of active processes
Look at the CPU tab to view the current percentage of CPU being utilized by each running process. Any process using a high percentage may be responsible for firing up the fans. For example, intensive apps like video editors, games, or other graphics-intensive programs can sometimes use over 100% CPU (cite: What does it mean when a %CPU exceeds (# of cores) x 100).
If you spot an app hogging CPU resources, quitting it may help quiet down your fans. Simply select the process and click the “Quit Process” button in the upper left corner of Activity Monitor.
Close any intensive apps
If an app is using a significant amount of your MacBook Pro’s CPU resources, it can cause the fans to spin faster to cool down the system. You can check for intensive apps in Activity Monitor and force quit them to free up CPU resources.
To open Activity Monitor, go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. The CPU tab will show you which apps are using the most CPU. Any apps using high percentages of CPU may be contributing to your fan noise.
To force quit an intensive app, press Command + Option + Esc to bring up the Force Quit menu. Select the app you want to quit and click Force Quit. This will fully quit the app and release its hold on system resources 1. You can also force quit apps by pressing Command + Option + Esc, then clicking and dragging an app icon off the Dock 2.
After force quitting intensive apps, your MacBook Pro’s fans should slow down and run more quietly. This frees up CPU performance for other tasks.
Make sure vents are not blocked
Dust and debris can easily accumulate on the ventilation grills on the bottom of your MacBook Pro, blocking airflow. As iFixit notes, restricted airflow forces the fans to run faster and work harder to cool your computer.
Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or lint trapped in the vents. Avoid holding the can upright as the propellant can damage the computer. Instead, tilt the can slightly to the side. You can also use a small, soft-bristled paintbrush to gently brush out any debris stuck in the vents.
Additionally, make sure your MacBook is on a hard flat surface and the vents are not obstructed by blankets, pillows, cases, or other soft materials that can block airflow.
Keeping the vents regularly cleaned helps your computer maintain proper airflow and prevents the fans from working overtime. This simple maintenance can extend the lifespan of your machine.
Reset SMC
One potential solution for fixing fan issues on a MacBook Pro is to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC controls how the Mac manages power, so resetting it can resolve problems caused by power management faults.1
To reset the SMC on an Intel-based MacBook Pro:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro
- Press and hold the left Shift, Control, and Option keys and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds
- Release all keys
- Turn your MacBook Pro back on
For M1 and M2 MacBook Pro models:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds
- Turn your MacBook Pro back on
Resetting the SMC can clear any stuck power settings and restore proper fan behavior. It’s a simple fix that may resolve overactive fan issues caused by power management faults.
Update macOS
Outdated OS versions can cause issues with fan control on MacBooks. Apple often releases updates to macOS that include fixes for hardware components like the fans. Running an outdated version of macOS could mean you are missing critical fan optimizations and bug fixes.
Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check if any macOS updates are available. It’s recommended to always keep your Mac up-to-date and install the latest macOS updates as they become available. The most recent macOS releases will have the best compatibility with your MacBook Pro’s hardware.
According to MacPaw, updating to the newest macOS improved fan control for many users who were experiencing loud or constantly spinning fans. After updating, their MacBook fans would slow down and quiet properly when not under heavy load.
If fan control issues persist after updating macOS, try resetting the SMC as covered in the next section. But keeping your system up-to-date is an important first troubleshooting step.
Use a Cooling Pad
One of the most effective ways to lower your MacBook Pro’s temperature is to use a cooling pad. Cooling pads lift the laptop up to promote airflow underneath it. The elevated design allows cool air to pass through the vents on the bottom of the laptop, creating a chimney effect. This helps dissipate heat more efficiently.
Many cooling pads also have built-in fans that actively pull cool air into the intakes. Some models even allow you to adjust the fan speed for optimized cooling. Using a cooling pad can lower your MacBook Pro’s temperature by up to 20°F.
When shopping for a cooling pad, look for one that aligns properly with your MacBook Pro’s air vents. Measure the width and depth of your laptop to find a cooling pad that matches up. Also check the pad’s maximum height to ensure enough lift for airflow.
Adjust fan speed with Macs Fan Control
One option to better control your MacBook Pro’s fan speed is to use third party software like Macs Fan Control. This free and open source app gives you granular control to manually adjust the fan speed on Mac computers. With Macs Fan Control you can:
- Monitor fan speeds and temperatures in real-time
- Set custom fan speeds or create custom fan profiles
- Set temperature thresholds to trigger fan speeds
- Control fans on both Intel and M1 Macs
The app helps solve overheating problems and gives you more options to optimize fan noise versus system temperatures. Just keep in mind manually controlling fan speed overrides the built-in thermal management of your Mac. Make sure to monitor temperatures and adjust speeds carefully using Macs Fan Control.
Take it to Apple Store for repair
If none of the previous troubleshooting steps resolved the issue with your MacBook Pro’s fan constantly running, there may be an underlying hardware problem that requires professional repair.
In this case, it’s recommended to take your MacBook to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Trained technicians will be able to properly diagnose the issue and replace any faulty components like the fan or logic board.
According to Apple’s self-service repair program, replacing the fan on a MacBook Pro ranges from $15 to $45 depending on the model [1]. The total repair cost will vary based on the specific issue identified and parts needing replacement.
An Apple Genius Bar technician may be able to clean the fans or apply a firmware update as part of troubleshooting. If a hardware repair or replacement is required, they can provide you with an accurate repair quote.
Taking your MacBook Pro to Apple is the safest bet if you want the issue properly diagnosed and fixed by professionals using genuine Apple parts. This will ensure your computer runs properly once again.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several steps you can try to turn off the fans on a MacBook Pro. First, check Activity Monitor for any intensive apps running in the background that could be triggering the fans and force quit them. Make sure the vents on your MacBook are free of dust buildup or blockage. Resetting the SMC can also help override any fan settings. Keeping your macOS up to date is recommended, as Apple will often release fixes for fan and thermal management issues.
If those basic software troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the fan noise, try using an external cooling pad or adjusting the fan speeds with a tool like Macs Fan Control. As a last resort, take your MacBook to the Apple Store for a hardware inspection and repair if needed.
Start by checking Activity Monitor and updating your software, as those are the easiest and often most effective ways to stop excessive fan activity on a MacBook Pro.