Introduction
Your MacBook is designed to be reliable, but like any electronic device, it can develop issues over time. Recognising the early warning signs of problems can help you get repairs done before minor issues become major failures. Here are the key signs that your MacBook may need professional attention.
Battery and Power Issues
Battery problems are among the most common MacBook issues. Warning signs include:
- Battery drains rapidly even with light use
- MacBook shuts down unexpectedly at 20% or higher battery
- Battery percentage jumps erratically
- MacBook will only work when plugged in
- Battery is visibly swollen (urgent - stop using immediately)
- Charging indicator shows battery is not charging
Screen and Display Problems
Display issues can range from minor annoyances to complete failure:
- Flickering or flashing screen
- Vertical or horizontal lines across the display
- Patches of discolouration or dead pixels
- Backlight bleeding around edges
- Screen goes black but MacBook is still running
- Cracked or physically damaged display
Performance Issues
Slowdowns and performance problems may indicate hardware or software issues:
- MacBook takes a long time to boot up
- Applications freeze or crash frequently
- Fans run loudly even during light tasks
- MacBook overheats during normal use
- Rainbow spinning wheel appears frequently
- System becomes unresponsive
Keyboard and Trackpad Issues
Input device problems are common, especially on butterfly keyboard models:
- Keys do not register when pressed
- Keys feel sticky or unresponsive
- Double typing (one press registers multiple times)
- Trackpad does not click or responds erratically
- Trackpad cursor jumps around unexpectedly
Frequently Asked Questions
How urgent is a swollen battery?
A swollen battery is an urgent safety concern. Stop using your MacBook immediately, do not charge it, and contact us for repair as soon as possible. Swollen batteries can cause further damage to internal components.
Can software issues cause these symptoms?
Yes, some symptoms like slowdowns and crashes can be caused by software issues. We recommend trying a safe mode boot or fresh macOS installation before seeking hardware repair. If problems persist, hardware repair is likely needed.
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