Apple has been known as a major contender in mobile computing market and a maker of quality products. However, it doesn’t mean that its MacBook are free of issues. After a period of use, it is quite normal for any computing device to have some technical issues. If you have been using a MacBook for more than a year, you should be prepared to face certain issues. Here are problems to be aware of:
Overheating
It is a direct sign that your MacBook is operating in overdrive, especially if you often use demanding software or play 3D games. Make sure placing the MacBook on a desk, so you can get good air circulation. When playing games, set lower resolutions and graphics details to avoid overworking both the CPU and GPU.
Audio issues
If you can’t hear anything, make sure that the sound isn’t muted or the volume is up. If you still have issues, make sure that the problem isn’t isolated to certain programs or games. If you continue having problems, it is a good idea to reboot the MacBook to see if the problem is properly resolved.
Unresponsive programs
Third-party programs may have issues or glitches that make them unresponsive. If the program has been unresponsive for a few minutes, consider force quitting it. Click Apple icon and choose Force Quit. Choose the problematic program and press the Force Quit button. Reopen the program to see if it still has similar problem.
Beach ball spins endlessly
It is frustrating if the beach ball spins non-stop and this indicates that your MacBook can’t fix an internal issue or it’s being frozen. If you manage to regain control, uninstall all programs that you no longer use. Also look for the possibility of malware infection.
Short battery life
If your battery is quickly dying, it often indicates overuse and a replacement is necessary. However, if your MacBook is still relatively new, it is possible that you run too many programs at once. It is important to reduce CPU, GPU and RAM loads to prevent quick draining of the battery. If you open the web browser, keep tabs fewer than five. Always have the habit of closing any program that you don’t use. It is also a good idea to disable any animation. Go to Settings> Display and choose Reduce Motion.
Slow performance
MacBook is designed as a computer with fluid interface and smooth performance. If your MacBook is getting sluggish, it is possible that you have outdated software or you are running out of storage space. Even high-speed NVMe storage can stutter if it’s nearly full. Delete all files and programs that you no longer use. Update your macOS and make sure you get the latest version.
Poor Wi-Fi connection
Sometimes, your Wi-Fi connection gets disconnected and you can’t establish connection at all. Go to Wireless Diagnostics to figure out the real issue. Sometimes, it is necessary to reset PRAM and SMC to establish reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Flickering display
If your display is flickering, a complete restart often resolves the problem. If you continue having similar issues, disable the automatic graphics switching. Go to Settings> Energy Saver and disable Automatic Graphics Switching.