Common MacBook Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

MacBooks are known to be very reliable and fast, but like any other electronic device, they can develop some problems. Knowing these common problems and how to solve them can help you a lot and will not let you get upset. Below are the common MacBook problems and their possible solutions.
Slow Performance
Another common issue that MacBook owners have is that their computer runs slow. This may be due to high background activities, low memory, or the hard disk being almost full. To solve the issue, first, open the Activity Monitor to find out which applications are consuming a lot of resources. Ensure you quit any programs that you do not need to be running and even go ahead and remove any programs that you do not use. Also, erasing cache files and optimizing the storage space can also be of benefit in increasing the speed. If your MacBook is still slow, it may be worth to increase the RAM or to change to an SSD.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
It is quite annoying when one is using Wi-Fi and it keeps on dropping. If your MacBook cannot access the internet, then check whether Wi-Fi is on. Try changing the settings of your router and power off your MacBook and router and then turn them back on. If the issue is still there, try to reset the network settings. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences, then click on Network, click on Wi-Fi and then click on the minus (-) button to delete it. Then, Wi-Fi should be enabled and connected to the network again. If the above steps do not help, one can try to run Apple Diagnostics to check for hardware issues.
Battery Drain
Another major problem that is quite frequent is the battery that drains out quickly, particularly in earlier versions of MacBook. Some of the causes of battery drain include; running of background applications, bright screen, and outdated software. To fix it, first, you need to check your battery health by going to the Apple menu, then System Information. If the battery health is low, then one can suggest the user to replace the battery. Also, dim down the brightness of the screen, close the applications that are not in use, and switch off Bluetooth if not in use to enhance the battery life.
Startup Problems
If your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air does not boot or gets stuck at the apple logo, then this could be as a result of a corrupted macOS or a damaged startup disk. To solve the issue, try to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and the NVRAM/PRAM. To reset the SMC, first power off your MacBook, then press and hold the Shift, Control, Option, and power buttons at the same time for about ten seconds. For NVRAM/PRAM, turn on your Mac and immediately press the Command, Option, P, and R keys at the same time until you hear the startup sound twice. If the problem still remains, then one should try booting the system in recovery mode and then use Disk Utility to check and repair the disk.
Frozen Applications
Crashing or freezing of the applications hampers the work flow. If you face a frozen app, you can force close the app by pressing the keys command + option + escape. If the problem occurs frequently with a certain application, it is advised to update the application or re-install it. Also, it is advisable to update your macOS as updates may contain fixes for compatibility issues that may be causing the problem.
Overheating
This is because overheating may lead to the slow down or sudden shut down of the MacBook. To solve the issue, it is advised to check whether the vents are not jammed with dust or any other particle. To clean the vents, use compressed air and to check for blockages. Also, there is a possibility of checking the temperature of the MacBook with the help of other applications and it is recommended to refrain from running heavy applications for a long time. If the problem persists, it may be a fan failure or some other hardware problem that may need the attention of a professional.
Conclusion
MacBooks are usually considered to be very reliable devices, but like any other devices, they can also develop problems that can impair their functionality. Some of the issues that are likely to be encountered include; slow performance, Wi-Fi connectivity, battery problems, startup issues, frozen applications and overheating. Some of the maintenance practices include clearing cache files, updating the software, and checking on the battery health among others to ensure that the MacBook is in good condition. If the issues continue even after trying the above solutions, it is advised to contact Apple Support or an authorized service center.