[Fixed] Mac Fan Running Loud after macOS Sonoma Update

Robert Hunt
Last updated: Nov 20, 2023

Summary: Here, you will get to know the reasons behind a loud Mac fan and how to turn off the fan noise on macOS Sonoma. 

There's nothing more annoying than Mac fans making noise. Wondering why your Mac fan is so loud after updating to the latest macOS Sonoma and how to stop the fan noise? You've landed in the right place. In this article, you will find all the answers you want.

[Fixed] Mac Fan Running Loud after macOS Sonoma Update

Why Is My Mac Fan So Loud after macOS Sonoma Update?

Typically, you won't hear any sound from a Mac fan. If your fan is suddenly loud, it is mainly because the processor is overheated.

In addition, loose fans, aging fans, and too much dust on fans can also cause loud fan noise.

How to Stop Mac Fan Noise on macOS Sonoma

MacBook fan noise is really annoying. But don't worry. Here are some ways to fix it.

Improve Air Circulation

First, check to see if your MacBook's vents are blocked.

A soft surface may block the air vents of your Mac, making the fan run more. For the best performance, place it on a hard, flat surface like a table or desk.

Check Ambient Temperature

High ambient temperatures can make your Mac overheat. It is recommended that you place your MacBook in an environment between 10°C and 35°C.

Free Up Memory

Doing complex tasks on your Mac, such as playing games, editing videos, and designing graphics, can also overheat your Mac as it consumes a lot of your CPU and memory resources.

To check which processes are using the most CPU and memory resources, open Activity Monitor and click on the CPU and Memory tabs as needed. Highlight the processes that consume the most resources and click the Stop button to end them.

Check CPU and Memory Usage on Mac

There is a quicker way to free up memory space on Mac, that is to use BuhoCleaner. It not only releases your memory with one click, but also monitors your CPU load and temperature in real-time in the status bar. Click the button below to have a try now.

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Reset SMC

SMC refers to the System Management Controller. It controls many of the core functions of your Mac. Resetting it can solve issues related to power, battery, fans, and other functions.

Here's how to reset the SMC:

For Macs with non-removable batteries:

  1. Unplug your Mac's power line.
  2. Turn off your Mac.
  3. Press the Shift-Control-Option keys on the left side of the keyboard while holding down the Power button for at least 10 seconds.
  4. Release all keys and press the Power button again to reboot your Mac.
Reset SMC Settings Hotkeys

For Macs with the Apple T2 Security Chip:

  1. Turn off your Mac.
  2. Press the Control-Option-Shift keys for 7 seconds, press the Power button simultaneously, and wait another 7 seconds before releasing all four keys. (Your Mac might turn on and off during the process.)
  3. Wait a few seconds, and press the Power button again to turn on your Mac.
Reset SMC Settings

For the steps of other Mac types, refer to this Apple article.

Update macOS

Bugs in macOS can also cause the fan to be loud. If none of the above methods stop the fan noise, try updating your macOS. But before that, back up your Mac with Time Machine.

Related Article: Mac Won't Update? 8 Ways to Solve Update Issues

Clean Fan Dust

After using your MacBook for a long time, there will be a lot of dust on the fan. Too much dust will lead to poor heat dissipation, and the fan will have to increase its speed to cool your Mac.

All you need to do is open the Mac back cover and clean up the dust on the fan.

Control Fan Speed Manually

Apple doesn't allow you to control fan speed. But thanks to third-party tools like Mac Fan Control, now you can manage your fan speed manually.

It's worth noting that manually controlling fan speed may make your Mac hot and your system unstable. Don't do it if you don't know much about Mac.

Free Up Storage Space

Not only can an overheated CPU cause loud fans, but it can also cause your Mac to run slowly. To keep your Mac running normally, you should reserve at least 15% of storage space.

BuhoCleaner, as its name suggests, is a tool designed for cleaning. It can free up gigabytes of space in a couple of clicks. What it can do for you includes junk file cleanup, app uninstallation, duplicate file removal, memory release, Spotlight reindexing, login items management, etc.

Free up Storage Space with BuhoCleaner

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have reduced the annoying fan noise from your Mac. If not, you may want to ask for help from Apple Services.

Robert Hunt

I'm Robert Hunt, a tech-savvy fan with the love of all things Apple. As a hobbyist of gardening and meditation, I'm also a seasoned writer covering a wide array of Apple products, like iPhone, iPad, iOS and more.