Many users noticed their MacBook overheating after installing macOS Tahoe 26. Fans spin louder, the laptop feels hot to the touch, and sometimes the battery drains faster.
This guide explains the common causes of overheating after the update and gives you simple, safe steps to cool your MacBook down quickly.
Why Your MacBook Runs Hot After the macOS 26 Update
Here are the most frequent culprits behind the spike in heat and fan noise:
- Spotlight and Photos reindexing: After a major macOS upgrade, Spotlight and Photos often rebuild their databases. This background indexing can spike CPU usage for 24–48 hours.
- Apple Intelligence & other new background processes: New Tahoe features like Live Translation or improved Siri may keep your CPU/GPU busy.
- Outdated or incompatible third-party apps: Some older apps may not be optimized for macOS 26 and hog system resources.
- Too many browser tabs or heavy tasks: Video editing, streaming, and multiple Chrome windows can stress the CPU/GPU.
- Poor ventilation or dust buildup: Heat can’t escape easily if vents are blocked or clogged.
Quick Fixes to Stop Overheating
1. Restart and let macOS Finish Indexing
Right after updating, keep your Mac plugged in and allow indexing (Spotlight, Photos) to finish.
This is normal and usually settles within a day or two.
2. Check CPU Usage in Activity Monitor
- Open Activity Monitor → CPU tab.
- Look for processes using a high %CPU.
- Quit apps or background tasks that are hogging resources.
If you spot unfamiliar or stuck processes, restart your Mac to clear them.
3. Update macOS and All Apps
- Go to System Settings → General → Software Update to install any macOS patches.
- Update your third-party apps through the Mac App Store or their websites to ensure they’re optimized for macOS 26.
4. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
Resetting SMC can often fix fan speed and power management issues:
- Shut down your Mac.
- On Apple-silicon Macs, simply shut down and restart.
- On Intel Macs:
- Press Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds, then release and power on.
5. Manage Startup & Background Apps
- Go to System Settings → General → Login Items.
- Remove unnecessary apps that launch automatically.
- This lightens CPU load at startup and keeps your Mac cooler.
6. Lower Display Brightness & Disable High-Power GPU (if applicable)
If you have a MacBook Pro with dual GPUs:
- Open System Settings → Battery → Options and enable Automatic Graphics Switching to save power.
- Reduce display brightness to reduce battery heat.
7. Keep Vents Clear & Work on a Hard Surface
Avoid soft surfaces like blankets or couches that block airflow.
If needed, use a cooling pad to improve ventilation.
Advanced Solutions
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
- This resets settings that may affect power and thermal management.
Check for Malware or Rogue Processes
Rarely, hidden processes can overwork the CPU. Use a trusted antivirus or Malwarebytes to scan your Mac.
Run Apple Diagnostics
Restart your Mac and hold D while booting to run built-in diagnostics for fan or sensor issues.
Prevent Future Overheating
- Keep 10–15 GB of free storage space for macOS to run smoothly.
- Regularly clean vents with compressed air to remove dust.
- Avoid running too many heavy apps immediately after updating macOS.
- Keep macOS and firmware updated for future bug fixes.
FAQs
Q: Is it normal for a MacBook to run hot right after a macOS update?
A: Yes, temporarily. Spotlight and Photos often reindex for up to 48 hours after a big update.
Q: Will overheating damage my battery?
A: Prolonged heat can shorten battery life. If heat persists beyond a couple of days, try the fixes above or contact Apple Support.
Q: When should I seek professional help?
A: If overheating continues even after updates and resets, or if your Mac shuts down unexpectedly due to heat, book a Genius Bar appointment.
Conclusion
If your MacBook is overheating after the macOS Tahoe 26 update, it’s often just background indexing or outdated apps causing CPU spikes. Start with basic steps, let indexing finish, check Activity Monitor, update apps, and reset SMC. Most users notice a significant temperature drop within a day or two. Follow these tips to keep your MacBook cool, extend battery life, and enjoy macOS Tahoe without the heat.
