In the first quarter of 2021 alone, Apple shipped some 6.7 million Mac computers. That’s a staggering 111.5% increase from its shipments back in the first quarter of 2020. That’s incredible, considering how Macs are far costlier than typical computers.
One reason folks pay for that kind of money is the proven longevity of Mac computers. Apple says that most first-time owners keep their Macs for at least four years. In fact, the company claims its products last longer than that.
Still, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t need Mac repair services ever. As reliable as Apple computers are, their hardware will wear out over time. Apps and software can also develop bugs that can impair the performance of Macs.
So, in this guide, we’ll talk about the top signs indicating you need to get your Mac fixed or replaced. Read on to learn the steps you can take before these issues take a turn for the worse.
1. Keyboard Problems
Erratic character duplication, sticky keys, and irresponsive buttons are common butterfly keyboard issues. They’re so prevalent that Apple acknowledged it might be their fault. As such, the company apologized for its dust-prone and problematic super-thin keyboard.
As part of Apple’s apology, it came up with the Keyboard Service Program. These include early 2015 MacBook units to 2019 MacBook Pro models. Eligible units can get service for free, so long as the issue is only due to a defective butterfly keyboard.
If your Mac laptop has water damage, though, then it may no longer qualify for that program. A water-damaged laptop keyboard can act the same way as a faulty butterfly keyboard.
If you have keyboard woes, have your device checked by a local computer repair expert as soon as possible. It may turn out that the technician only needs to fix a few keys and not replace the entire keyboard.
Either way, don’t delay getting your Mac inspected. Otherwise, the damage can spread and render your entire keyboard useless.
2. Mac Gets Really Hot
An overheating computer is one of the common indications of a bad motherboard. Your Mac can get so hot it may even produce smoky or even burning smells. At this point, your computer should make audible whirring noises, a sign that its fan is at work.
If your Mac doesn’t make any sound or makes very loud noises, its fan is likely malfunctioning. Shut down your computer right away, as overheating can fry up its internal components.
Before you switch your Mac back on, check the ambient (room) temperature, too. Apple states that Macs perform best in temperatures between 50° to 95° Fahrenheit.
Any hotter than that and your Mac can overheat. MacBook batteries can also sustain damage when exposed to extreme heat. By contrast, low temperatures can make the battery in a MacBook discharge faster.
Once your Mac doesn’t feel very hot to the touch, try turning it back on. Monitor your device’s temperature, especially while you run memory-intensive programs. If overheating or fan problem persists, it’s time to create a data backup and take your Mac to a repair expert.
3. Screen Issues
If your Mac’s display is too dim, try increasing its brightness first. If the images are too tiny or too large, try adjusting the screen resolution. For a flickering screen on a Mac desktop, be sure your cables are in good condition and plugged in securely.
If none of those tricks work, you likely have broken Mac hardware parts, such as the screen itself. Your screen may have problematic or even dead pixels or fried wires. Get in touch with a Mac repair specialist to inspect your device and get it fixed pronto.
If you have a cracked screen, you should also consider bringing it to a repair tech as soon as possible. It may be best to replace the Mac screen before the damage spreads and worsens. Cracks will get bigger since you always need to put pressure on the screen whenever you close your Mac.
Once the cracks get large enough, you may no longer be able to see what’s on the screen. This can then affect your productivity, which can be a huge issue if you’re in the middle of work.
4. Program Malfunctions
Apps crashing and freezing all the time can signal high Mac memory usage. The programs themselves may be encountering problems, especially if they’re not updated.
High memory usage is bound to occur over time as apps become more sophisticated. The more sophisticated they are, the more resources they need to consume.
The thing is, your Mac’s memory stays constant. So, over time, it will no longer be enough to accommodate your programs’ growing memory needs. If you don’t want to replace your Mac yet, you can install an extra random access memory (RAM) chip.
You should also be careful not to miss crucial macOS and app updates in your Mac. Otherwise, your device can become a hotspot for malware, which can lead to your apps crashing. Worse, your entire Mac can become infected, which can result in your computer crashing.
Do note that malware threats on Macs have become more prevalent over the years. In 2020 alone, threats in Macs grew by 1,100% compared to 2019. Installing anti-malware can help you keep these dangers from taking over your computer.
If you already have severe infections, though, it may be best to bring your Mac to a repair tech. This way, the tech can salvage your existing data while also getting rid of malware in your device.
Don’t Put Off Essential Mac Repair or Part Replacement Services
Prompt Mac repair or part replacement can help extend the life of your Apple computer. Repairs are also more affordable than having to buy an entirely new unit. Besides, fixing your Mac instead of getting a new one can help you reduce your e-waste production.
Is your Mac still acting up even after doing some basic troubleshooting on it? If so, then please know that we here at Fruit Fixed can help. We service numerous locations in Virginia, so get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to fix your faulty Mac!
