4 Most Common Mac Problems and Solutions

MacBooks, despite their good name among computer users who want a reliable device, still show signs of problems. It is to be expected since no computer can last forever. Nor can it run flawlessly. In some cases, it is the negligence of the owner who disregards Mac maintenance. In other cases, the issue could be related to faulty hardware that gets missed during manufacturing.

Hardware-related problems usually require professional help one can find in computer service stores. At the same time, it is also worthwhile to run diagnostics OSX, and other operating system versions offer before you commit the computer to a service shop. Diagnostics might show you the information, and you can figure out a solution yourself.

Now, as far as maintenance-related issues go, there are a number of most common Mac problems, or rather, problems that you can treat as common. The purpose of this article is to share those common problems and solutions to them.

Storage Issues

Let’s start with storage issues. MacBooks are far from the best option when it comes to the total amount of available storage. Of course, it helps if you are using the computer only for work and there are no large files involved in data management.

On the other hand, plenty of people rely on the MacBook, not just for work but for other activities, such as entertainment. Combine that with someone who actually has to work on the computer and accumulate a significant number of large files, and the problem becomes quite noticeable. If you install too many applications or video games, for example, expect to end up with just a few gigabytes of free available storage.

A similar thing can be said about media, such as movies or TV shows, but you do not really need to hoard those on a computer any more because streaming services exist. Besides deleting unnecessary data from the device permanently, which is arguably the most effective method, you still have the option to utilize external storage. Hard drives and USB flash sticks are great accessories to have. And if you want a more digital approach, cloud services exist as well.

Pro Tip: scan your Mac with antivirus software to confirm that malware has not infected the system and slowly consumed the disk’s space.

Screen Flickers

A flickering screen might not seem like a significant issue at first, especially if the flickering occurs infrequently. Ignoring the problem is not an issue, however. If you leave it there, it is bound to snowball. Once the flickering becomes too frequent, you will struggle to use the computer, so do not end up reaching that point.

The likeliest cause behind screen flickers is the incompatibility between the operating system and your video drivers. If you installed an update of either of those two and noticed the flickering, try to search for a hotfix file online by typing the problem and the current operating system version or the video driver version. If a hotfix is not available, you will need to wait for one. In case you do not want to wait, try downgrading the operating system version or the video driver version.

Poor Battery Lifespan

A poor battery lifespan on a MacBook is usually an accumulation of multiple things. From running too many redundant background processes to overcharging the device by leaving the charger plugged in all night, each little detail adds up and results in a Mac battery that is not sustainable. First, open Activity Monitor and identify which processes should not be active. If you have too many startup items and forget about applications that launch after the computer loads, trim up the startup item list.

In case you enable redundant visual effects on the MacBook, get rid of those as well. Similar to how every little detail adds up to battery consumption, eliminating every little bit of a resource hog is a worthwhile approach. Finally, if you notice that certain applications are consuming way too many resources, consider looking for an alternative that is more friendly.

Overheating

An overheating MacBook puts you in an anxious mood. You are aware of the problem but cannot decide whether you should take action or whether it is still okay to ignore the issue for a little while longer. As a rule of thumb, the more you delay, the worse it will get. And certainly do not expect that the overheating and loud noises are going to disappear without your interference. It is not just about that anxiety and overall sluggish computer performance.

Not eliminating the problem is a hindrance to the internal hardware. It will not take too long before you have to replace the hardware or even purchase a new computer. Prioritize cleaning the dust inside. It is the main cause of overheating. Also, if you have some money to spare, invest in a cooling pad.