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8 Common MacBook Problems and Their Solutions

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Great Tips to Get the Most out of Your Mac

Macbooks are some of the most potent personal devices on the planet. And they are some of the most expensive, too. 

And with Apple’s latest innovation, the creation of the M1 chip, helping Apple produce its chips rather than relying on Intel, even more Macbooks are being sold than before. 

But just because a computer is popular, reliable, and powerful doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are tons of MacBook problems that users encounter daily. But with Apple, unlike other computer manufacturers, many of these MacBook problems are easy to resolve without being a tech nerd.

So what are the common MacBook issues to be aware of, and how can you solve them fast? Keep reading below to learn why repairing a MacBook is easier than you think.

1. MacBook Is Slow

One of the most frustrating things to happen to your MacBook is when it runs slow. There are many reasons your computer may slow down and many things you can do to help resolve it. 

First, you’ll want to clean up some storage space. Try looking for files you don’t need, huge ones like photos, videos, TV shows, or applications you no longer use. Trash them and empty your trash bin. 

Consider moving anything you want to keep to an external hard drive or cloud storage to free up as much space as possible on your computer.

Also, disable any apps that open upon starting your computer. Every app that is open in the background is slowing your system down. 

Ensure your system is up to date, and regularly restart your computer to flush your RAM and run cleanup scripts.

2. Keys Getting Stuck

MacBook keyboards are innovations in and of themselves. Many users love how they feel.

But they occasionally experience issues. Sometimes debris will get underneath a key and prevent you from using that key. Other times, a key will double type. So when you push the “A” key, you type two or even three letters.

This can destroy your ability to type fast. The first thing to try is using a can of compressed air to gently but forcefully flush debris out. Hold your computer up at an angle while spraying around each key to hopefully cause the debris to fall out.

If this doesn’t work, your only option may be to bring it into Apple. But if you can’t be away from your computer for more than one or two days while they perform MacBook repairs, you can purchase an external keyboard in the interim.

3. MacBook Screen Flickering

Many people inevitably experience the dreaded MacBook screen flicker. This causes your screen to be overtaken by a screen of colorful, distorted lines. While it only lasts for a split second, it can destroy productivity and make it too frustrating to use your computer.

It likely has to do with the hardware in the computer, as opposed to the screen itself. There may be some minor bugs that cause the flicker. 

When you start seeing the screen flicker, the easiest thing you can do to fix it is to restart the computer. Restarting your computer lets the hardware shut down and start back up fresh.

Most of the time, this process gets rid of the bug, and the flicker is gone. Is MacBook not working in some other way? Restarting your computer can solve many different issues and should always be your first step. 

If that doesn’t work, you can take a few other steps to stop the screen from flickering.

4. Frozen Apps

Sometimes an app will freeze when you try starting it up or in the middle of a session. When this happens, you won’t be able to close it from within the app.

You’ll need to force quit the app externally. To do so, click the Apple icon on your MacBook menu bar. Then click “Force Quit” and choose the app you are trying to close.

5. Websites Not Loading Properly

When browsing the internet, you may encounter issues with specific websites. The content might not load properly, or you are loading old versions of a web page. Or you might be trying to use a button or form feature that isn’t functioning right.

This likely isn’t an issue with your Mac, but with the specific browser you are using, be it Safari, Chrome, or another browser app.

The most common way to fix browsing issues is to clear the cache. To do this, open your browser’s history and select the option to clear the cache.

6. Dead Battery

Some MacBook users experience issues with the battery after a few years of using a computer. For example, the battery might not charge 100 percent anymore.

Or, your MacBook might only work if it’s plugged in. Once you unplug the charger, the computer turns off. 

These are signs that the battery has passed its useful life. If covered by a warranty, Apple should be able to replace the battery free of charge. If not, you’ll have to pay for a replacement. You won’t be fixing a MacBook by replacing the battery yourself unless you void any future warranties.

7. Screen Is Blank on Startup

Occasionally, you may have a blank screen when starting up your MacBook. In this case, you may have an app or files on your computer causing an issue. 

Hold the button to restart your MacBook. Once it turns on, you’ll want to find any troublesome software on your computer. Using a program like Clean My Mac can spot and see these issues before you can.

8. Can’t Shutdown Mac

Sometimes your computer won’t shut down when you want it to. Apps may freeze and prevent a shutdown. You may need to force quit any applications preventing the computer from shutting down before you can finally turn it off.

If all else fails, you can force your computer to power off by holding the power button for about six seconds. 

Solving More Complex MacBook Problems

Fixing a MacBook is relatively easy with some of the more common issues like those mentioned above. Although rare, you may encounter MacBook problems to complex for the average user to solve.

Bringing these into your local Apple store may be the only option to salvage your investment. Many times, these repairs can be free. If not, you’ll want to compare the repair costs with a replacement to see which makes the most sense. 

Are you looking for more tech tips? Visit our blog now to keep reading. 

Masri
Masri serves as the Chief Content Editor at BestKodiTips. With three years of experience, she excels in creating technical content, focusing on how-to guides, Android and Kodi tutorials, app reviews, and addressing common technological challenges. She ensures to stay abreast of the latest tech updates. Outside of work, Masir finds pleasure in reading books, watching documentaries, and engaging in table tennis.

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