1. Update Your Mac

Before we take a look at other solutions, let’s update our Mac first. Because many times if there’s a software issue Apple usually addresses this and fixes this with an OTA update. Follow these simple steps to update your Mac.

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar.
  2. Apple menu will open. Click on System Preferences.
  3. Once the System Preferences is open, click on Software Update.
  4. If there is a software update available, then click on it to update your Mac. Pro Tip: 4 Ways to Use iPhone as Second Monitor With Windows and macOS

2. Clean/Unblock Vents

The vents on your Mac allow your Mac to work efficiently. If it is getting blocked by anything, it might also be one of the reasons why the fan on your Mac is running loud. Even Apple says to make sure that you are using your Mac on a flat surface and that the vents are not getting blocked by anything. I would also suggest you clean the vents of your Mac with the help of a laptop cleaning brush or get it cleaned by someone professional.

3. Shutdown Your Mac for Some Time

If you always keep your Mac running and instead of shutting it down you just close its lid, chances are that your Mac might be heating up. And in order to keep it cool the Mac fans are running loud. In this case, shutting your Mac down for a brief period of time would be really helpful. Here are the steps to do so.

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar.
  2. Now click on Shut Down.
  3. A pop-up will appear on the screen, click on Shut Down to confirm the Shut Down of your Mac. Tip to Improve Focus: How to Disable iPhone Calls Ringing on MacBook

4. Kill Apps Using Activity Monitor

If you always open multiple apps on your Mac, this might also trigger your Mac’s fan. Multiple apps running simultaneously need a lot of system resources to run properly, which can heat up your Mac and in return, your Mac fan will be always on and running at full speed causing unwanted noise issues. Here are the steps to completely kill an unnecessary app using Activity Monitor on your Mac.

  1. Press the Cmd + Space on your keyboard to open the Spotlight search on your Mac.
  2. Type the app name or the initials of the app’s name to search for it. Once the result appears click on it to open it. Tip: Launch an app faster using Spotlight search.
  3. Click on the app that you want to close to select it and then click on the Stop (x icon) button at the top.
  4. A pop-up will appear on the screen, click Force Quit and the app will be closed.

5. Reset NVRAM

Several times when a Mac is not working properly and it’s related to the hardware, resetting NVRAM can work in your favor. Resetting the NVRAM restores the default hardware settings on your Mac. Here are the simple steps to reset the NVRAM on your Mac. Note: Resetting the NVRAM works only on Intel Macs.

  1. Shut Down your Mac.
  2. Turn on your Mac by pressing the power key.
  3. Immediately press the Opt + Cmd + P + R key on your keyboard, hold it for 20 seconds, and then release it.
  4. Let the Mac turn on, as the NVRAM has been reset.

6. Reset SMC

The SMC or System Management Controller manages power on your Mac. You can reset the SMC as it can help you with the Mac fan always running loud on your Mac. But do note that resetting the SMC works only for Intel Macs. Let’s take a look at the steps to do so. Note: If you own a Mac with Apple Silicon, Apple says that closing and opening the lid on your Macbook or restarting it can help. And to restart your Mac, click on the Apple logo > Restart.

MacBook

Let’s take a look at the steps to reset the SMC on a MacBook.

  1. Shut Down your MacBook.
  2. Press and hold Shift + Opt + Control keys on keyboard simultaneously. Meanwhile, press and hold the power button as well. Keep holding them for 10 seconds and release them. Note: If you have a MacBook that has an Apple T2 security chip in it, hold the right Shift key on your keyboard. If it doesn’t have either Apple Silicon or T2 chip in that case, hold the left Shift key while resetting the SMC on your MacBook. Tip: Find out if you have a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip.
  3. Now turn on your MacBook by pressing the power key on your keyboard as the SMC has been reset.

Mac Mini or iMac

Here are the steps to reset the SMC on a Mac desktop.

  1. Shut Down your Mac.
  2. Unplug the power cord and wait for approximately 15 seconds and then plug it back in.
  3. Once it is plugged back in wait again for 5 seconds, then turn it back on.

7. Run Apple Diagnostic Test

Whether it’s Mac fans running loud or any other hardware issue, running an Apple Diagnostic Test can get you a more detailed insight into what exactly is wrong with the hardware of your Mac. Once the test ends it will show you a reference code on the screen, you can look for more in the Apple Diagnostic reference codes to understand more about what that code means. Tip: If Apple Diagnostic Test comes up with a problem that requires professional assistance, you should visit Apple Care to get it checked properly. Tip: Find out if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon or Intel processor.

Run Apple Diagnostic Test on Mac With Apple Silicon

Here are the simple steps to run an Apple Diagnostic Test on a Mac with Apple Silicon.

  1. Shut Down your Mac and ensure it is on a flat surface with good ventilation.
  2. Turn on your Mac and continue to hold the power button and let your Mac startup.
  3. Once you see the start-up options on the screen, release the power key.
  4. Press and hold Cmd + D on your keyboard to start a Diagnostic Test. And the Diagnostic Test will end with a reference code on the screen.
  5. (Optional Step) If you want to rerun the Diagnostic Test press Cmd + R, press R to restart, or press S to Shut Down your Mac.

Run Apple Diagnostic Test on Mac With Intel Processor

Let’s take a look at the steps to run an Apple Diagnostic Test on a Mac with an Intel processor in it.

  1. Shut Down your Mac and ensure it is on a hard, flat surface and its vents are not blocked by anything.
  2. Turn on your Mac by pressing the power key on your Mac.
  3. Once the Mac starts to turn on, immediately hold the key D on the keyboard of your Mac.
  4. Release it when you see a progress bar or a language selection prompt. And follow the on-screen instruction to run the test.
  5. (Optional Step) If you are not satisfied with the result and want to rerun the Diagnostic Test press Cmd + R, press R to restart, or press S to Shut Down your Mac.
  6. Is there an app to control Mac fan speed? Yes, there’s a popular app called Mac Fan Control that many people use on their Macs to control fan speed and reduce fan noise.
  7. Is there an app to check the temperature of my Mac? And what is a good and acceptable temperature range? Yes, you can download and install Temp Monitor on your Mac to do so. And a good operable temperature for optimal performance is between 50° and 95° F (10° and 35° C). A higher temperature may force the fan to run at a higher speed to protect your MacBook. Reducing the temperature will also reduce or shut down the fan entirely. Avoid sunlight, sit inside an AC room, etc. can help.

Keep Your Mac Fan Quiet

Mac’s fan noise can be really irritating and distracting at times. Fortunately, by trying these methods, you can finally put this to rest. But do remember to always use the Apple-authorized power adapters and monitor the fan speed and temperature of your Mac. This practice will lead to a more enjoyable Mac experience in long term. Are you a student or a working professional? These Mac tips and tricks would help you be more productive.