So, your Mac isn’t performing as well as it should? Or have you encountered a problem making it difficult for you to use your device?
While MacBooks are much more reliable than other laptop and computer models available on the market, they’re not flawless. They also run into problems now and then. Luckily, you can quickly deal with those issues and get back on track.
Here’s a list of commonly reported issues and ways to fix them.
Slow Loading Speed
Macs can become slow with time, and it is tricky to pinpoint a specific problem. It might be that time has taken its toll on the system, or there’s a temporary problem that can be fixed with a simple restart. However, the most common causes for a slow Mac are a lack of storage space, an outdated macOS version, and the desktop having too many files.
You can start by freeing up drive space. Next, remove all the temporary system junk like plugins, extensions, and app caches. You must also eliminate apps you don’t use and check the Downloads folder to remove files that are no longer useful to you.
If the operating system is outdated, your system may be missing the latest system improvements and features. That’s why your device is running slowly. You must check for updates and ensure they are installed.
Also, a cluttered desktop might be why your system is running slowly. Therefore, it would be best if you decluttered the desktop to improve the overall performance.
Startup Disk Full
There’s no going back once you have seen the ‘Your disk is almost full’ notification on the screen. Your device may act strangely or run slowly if it has run out of storage space.
The startup disk full problem can hamper the performance of your Mac. You must delete the files and apps you no longer need, remove old backups and cache files, etc. This will solve the problem and prevent your Mac from feeling suffocated.
The Hated Spinning Beach Ball
If you stare at the spinning beach ball too often, it can become challenging to use the device. You can avoid the problem by freeing up system resources. Close all the unnecessary background applications by going to the Activity Monitor and declutter the desktop. Also, check for malware, as the spinning beach ball might be due to unknown cybersecurity threats.
Poor Battery Life
A poor battery lifespan results from too many background applications running simultaneously. Also, visual effects can drain the battery more quickly than usual.
Check the Activity Monitor to find and stop the background programs you don’t need. In the Activity Monitor, you will see processes using the most GPU, energy, and memory. You can improve the battery’s lifespan by making some changes.
Also, if visual effects are enabled on your computer, you must disable them to save battery.
Loud Fan Noise
Can you hear the fan noise? Is it too loud?
Although there might be a noise when your Mac is working too hard to keep up with you, the sound getting too loud indicates a problem. Also, there might be too much dust inside your device. You have to clean the vents to ensure nothing is interrupting the airflow. If you are afraid of cleaning the inside of your laptop or the vents, take your device to the nearest service center.
When you do this, the fan noise will be reduced. Also, you will notice improvements in the system’s temperature. Typically, fans make a lot of noise when the system is overheated. However, if the fans work correctly, your system will not overheat, and you can work as usual.
However, if the problem persists, you can get a cooling pad to prevent your Mac from overheating.
A Flickering Screen
A flickering screen isn’t a common problem, but some Mac users encounter it more often than they would like. The reason why the screen might start to flicker is pretty straightforward. It is the incompatibility between the graphics processing unit and the operating system.
As a rule of thumb, users must install or upgrade to the latest macOS as soon as they find an update available. This is because the new macOS will come with the latest features and performance improvements. But updating the operating system may sometimes cause a flickering screen.
You can solve the problem by switching back to the older macOS version and waiting for a hotfix. Change the OS version if the issue persists, and you might even have to take your computer to the service center.
Final Thoughts
These are the commonly reported Mac problems and their fixes. So, the next time you encounter them, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to resolve them and be on track to finish your tasks.
