MacBooks have a reputation for reliability, but like any laptop they develop problems over time. Here are the issues we see most often, the checks you can do yourself, and what a repair involves. PC Masters is an independent repairer and isn’t affiliated with Apple. If your MacBook is still covered by Apple’s warranty or AppleCare, check with Apple first, as an independent repair could affect that cover.
Battery draining quickly
MacBook batteries wear out with use. Go to System Settings, then Battery, and check Battery Health. If it shows Service Recommended, or the battery only lasts an hour or two, a replacement will bring back proper battery life. A swollen battery, which can lift the trackpad or make the case bulge, needs replacing straight away.
Not charging
- Try a different USB-C port, cable and wall socket, and check the charging port for fluff.
- Make sure you’re using a charger with enough wattage for your model.
- Restart the MacBook. On older Intel models, resetting the SMC can also help with charging and power problems.
Running hot or loud
Open Activity Monitor to see whether an app is using a lot of the processor. Older Intel MacBooks in particular collect dust inside, which makes the fans run loudly and the laptop slow down to stay cool. A clean and fresh thermal paste usually makes a big difference.
Running slowly
- Check your storage in System Settings, General, Storage. A nearly full drive slows everything down.
- Remove apps you don’t need from General, Login Items.
- Keep macOS up to date.
Most MacBooks made in recent years have their memory and storage built into the main board, so they can’t be upgraded later. That makes freeing up space and keeping the system tidy even more important.
Keyboard problems
Some MacBooks made between around 2015 and 2019 use a “butterfly” keyboard that’s prone to sticky, repeating or unresponsive keys. Dust and crumbs are often the trigger. Depending on the model and the fault, the keyboard can be cleaned or replaced.
Screen problems
Flickering, lines, dark patches or a cracked display usually mean the screen or its cable needs replacing. On some MacBook Pro models, the thin display cable can wear where the lid opens and closes, causing uneven lighting along the bottom of the screen. See our laptop screen replacement page.
Liquid spills
If you spill a drink on a MacBook, switch it off by holding the power button, unplug it and don’t try to turn it back on. Liquid can damage the logic board, keyboard and trackpad, and corrosion can cause faults days later. Read our guide Spilled a Drink on Your Laptop? for the steps to take.
Before any repair
Back up your files with Time Machine or iCloud before handing your MacBook over for any repair, just in case. It’s a good habit anyway, and it means your photos and documents are safe whatever happens.
Won’t turn on
Plug it in and leave it to charge for at least 15 minutes, then hold the power button for 10 seconds and try again. If it still won’t start, or you’ve had a spill, leave it off and get it checked. Your files can often be recovered even when the MacBook won’t start, using our data recovery service.
We repair MacBooks alongside Windows laptops, including batteries, screens, keyboards, charging problems and liquid damage. Find out more about our laptop repair service in Luton.
In short: check battery health and storage first, keep macOS up to date, and switch off straight away after a spill. Many MacBook faults, from batteries to screens and keyboards, can be repaired, so a fault doesn’t have to mean buying a new one.
Need a hand? PC Masters offers a free diagnosis over the phone, a £59 same-day call-out across Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Harpenden and Leighton Buzzard, No Fix, No Fee, and a warranty from 1 month up to 36 months. Book online or call 0800 145 5521, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm.