5 tips to keep your MacBook cool during a heatwave

Just like people and animals, laptops also react to heat. Your Mac doesn’t like extreme heat; it can even shut down completely. If you still need to work on your MacBook (or just want to finish watching your series), it's advisable not to let your MacBook overheat. With the tips below, both you and your MacBook will make it through the summer!

1. Good surface

Over the years, MacBooks have become a lot faster, lighter, and thinner. This means there is less space inside the casing for fans. By placing your Mac on a flat, hard surface, it has plenty of room to ventilate properly. Think of a table. It's not a good idea to place your MacBook on your lap, a cushion, or its case.

2. Shade

It might seem obvious, but don't place your MacBook in the sun. This will significantly heat up the casing, making it hard on your laptop. Did you know that you can get sunburned even in the shade? So, don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you're sitting under a tree in the backyard. You don’t need to apply sunscreen to your MacBook, which is a relief.

3. Keep your Mac clean

Dust can easily get into the openings of your Mac, including the fan vents. Clean your Mac a few times a year with something like a dry cotton swab or a can of compressed air. This way, you ensure that your Mac can keep ventilating properly. Make sure to turn off the MacBook before doing this.

4. Take a short break

You need more frequent breaks to cool down during this period, and so does your Mac! For example, put it in the shade in the kitchen for half an hour. While you're at it, you can grab a cool glass of iced tea from the fridge. Just make sure to put the carton back in the fridge and NOT your MacBook.

5. Buy a laptop cooler

If you don’t have time for a short break and really need to keep going, consider buying a laptop cooler. This stand, on which you place your MacBook, has fans that blow cool air against the bottom of your laptop. You can easily connect it to your MacBook using a USB cable.