Last Updated on April 15, 2026
Is your MacBook running as well as it could be?
MacBooks are quite reliable, and it is easy to believe that you will not encounter problems. This is especially the case when you use the computer for a few months. Not to mention hearing praises from other Mac owners.
However, sooner or later, you are bound to experience some issues. Macs are no different from other computers in the sense that they also break down now and then.
For the most part, you should manage to take care of MacBook Air problems yourself. Here is a list of potential issues you can expect and methods to deal with them.
An Unresponsive Microphone
You need a microphone to talk with others for work or when you just want to socialize with friends or family. However, there are instances when the mic is not responding. Thankfully, troubleshooting an unresponsive Mac microphone is not that difficult.
For starters, check application permissions. Separate apps need access to the computer’s microphone.
If the permissions are there, move to the sound input settings located in System Settings > Sound. Note that in recent versions of macOS, “System Preferences” has been redesigned and renamed to System Settings, which now looks very similar to the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad. Tinker with both input and output settings and test your microphone to see if it is responding.
In case the problem persists, you still have these potential solutions:
- Disabling ambient noise reduction
- Turning on dictation
- Restarting the System. If you are using a modern Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip), the old “PRAM/NVRAM” and “SMC” reset keyboard shortcuts no longer work. Instead, these chips perform a self-check and reset during a standard restart or shut down.
- Checking “Voice Isolation.” In newer macOS versions, you can click the Control Center icon (two toggle switches in the top menu bar) while in a call and select “Mic Mode” > “Voice Isolation.” This uses AI to remove background noise and can often fix “unresponsive” or muffled audio issues without extra software.
A Poor Internet Connection
Since you have a MacBook, you likely rely on a wireless connection. And if you mostly use the computer at home, the problem is not about how to find the best wifi channel since you have only one option.
If your internet connection is slow, get in touch with your ISP and check if everything is fine on their end.
There is a chance that third-party peripherals like a wireless printer or even a microwave oven are interfering with the connection. Try taking the computer to a different room or get it closer to a modem.
If your Wi-Fi is consistently poor, consider a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. Since modern MacBooks do not have a built-in Ethernet port, this adapter allows you to plug into a wired connection, which is significantly more stable for video calls and large file transfers.
Loud Fan Noises
Loud fan noises are usually the result of poor computer resource management. If you have too many background applications, the hardware will struggle to keep up.
Besides quitting background apps, you should also consider cleaning the dust inside the laptop. The filth accumulates quite fast, and it leads to overheating in addition to loud fan noises.
If you have a MacBook Air with Apple Silicon, it actually doesn’t have a fan at all, it’s completely silent. If it is getting hot, it’s likely due to a rogue process. Open Activity Monitor (search for it in Spotlight) and look for apps using a high percentage of your CPU. Quitting these “energy hogs” will cool the machine down much faster than a cooling pad.
FPS Drops in Video Games
FPS drops in video games could happen for a number of reasons. First of all, Macs are not the best for gaming because of their hardware. Thus, you should try lowering in-game settings first before looking for other causes behind poor gaming experience.
If the issue persists, try decluttering the desktop and quit background apps. There is also a chance of a virus on the computer, meaning that you need to scan the system using reliable antivirus software.
The lack of drive space could be a problem as well. At least 10 percent of total available storage should be free. Less than that will lead to performance issues.
A Flickering Screen
The flickering screen problem is not that common, but it can still get on one’s nerves quite fast. Most of the time, restarting the computer is enough to fix it, but do you really want to restart your Mac multiple times throughout the day just to deal with a flickering screen? Probably not.
A flickering screen is often caused by “True Tone” or “ProMotion” settings reacting to room lighting. Try going to System Settings > Displays and toggling “True Tone” off to see if the flickering stops. If it only happens in a web browser, try disabling “Hardware Acceleration” in your browser’s settings. If the issue began after you downloaded and installed the latest operating system version, you might need to switch back and wait for a hotfix or use the current macOS version and be patient with the flickering screen. Usually, Apple developers release hotfixes quite fast.
A Slow Internet Browser
A slow internet browser is a bit different from a poor internet connection, but the problem is still annoying because you want internet websites to load fast, right?
More often than not, poor internet browser performance is the result of too many extensions. Some people go overboard and install add-ons and extensions they do not really need without realizing what that does to the overall browser performance. Sure, some extensions improve the overall browsing experience and secure the browser. However, too many will spell trouble.
Clearing the cache and limiting the number of browser tabs are also good methods to speed up the internet browser.
Optimizing Battery Life
If your MacBook Air is dying faster than it should, check System Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Modern macOS versions include an “Optimized Battery Charging” feature that learns your routine and waits to charge past 80% until you need it. This significantly extends the lifespan of your battery.
