Help! My Mac Is Broken: How to Fix Common Computer Problems

On average, a laptop will last three to five years. Macbooks tend to last a little longer — but that doesn’t mean you’ll never experience problems.

There are many common computer problems that even a Macbook is prone to. Fortunately, most of them can be spotted and fixed at home — you just need to know how to do it.

Read on to find out about common computer problems and their solutions.

It’s Slow or Freezing

One of the most common Mac issues is simply freezing or slowing down. Especially if you’ve had your computer for a while, you may notice that it doesn’t run as fast as it used to or it may crash unexpectedly.

There are a few things you can do to try and minimize this problem.

The first is to make sure your Mac’s storage isn’t close to being full. Checking out the storage usage is handy for a lot of Mac troubleshooting, as coming too close to the limit can cause a whole host of issues. Try and unload any apps and programs you aren’t using and move files to an external storage device.

You should also make sure not to run too many programs at once that may force the Macbook to work too hard. Photoshop, for example, is notorious for being hard on a laptop so having it open while also running games and multiple browser windows might just be a bit overkill.

The Audio Won’t Play

Another one of the common Macbook problem is audio failing to play.

Firstly, you should check that it’s a problem with the Macbook audio and not with the program or app itself. Check if audio will play from another window and if it won’t, you can deduce that it’s an issue with the Macbook.

It sounds silly, but make sure you haven’t accidentally muted your computer before doing anything else!

If you haven’t, try restarting it and checking that your audio isn’t connected to an external device such as earphones or a speaker that’s turned off. If you’re sure it’s set to the Macbook speaker and nothing is happening, it’s likely a hardware issue that will require a professional to fix.

An External Device Won’t Connect

If you’re having trouble with your Macbook failing to recognize an external device, make sure the device is compatible with Macbook software. Remember, not all devices are, so check the instructions before trying to troubleshoot common computers.

If you’re sure the device is compatible, it’s time to check if it’s an issue with the device, the port, or the computer. You can do this through the process of elimination.

Connect the device to another port and see if it works. If it doesn’t, try another Macbook if you can borrow one. This should all tell you where the problem lies.

It Has a Virus

One of the great things about Macbooks is that they’re very resistant to malware and viruses. Still, technology is ever-changing and as computers become more advanced, so do cyber attacks.

If you do end up with malware on your computer, you need to get rid of it right away. Check out https://setapp.com/how-to/remove-malware-from-mac to learn more about how to remove malware from your Macbook and if you’re ever in doubt, get a professional technician to do it for you.

Remember, malware can steal all sorts of sensitive information, from passwords to credit card information so don’t leave it on there for any longer than it needs to be.

The Camera Is Poor Quality

Is your Facetime camera poor quality?

There was actually a known glitch with the Facetime app where the camera itself appeared to be of poor quality. Check the camera on other apps or even an online browser to determine if the quality is with the app itself.

Most likely, it is. You should make sure to update your software to fix the issue.

If the camera is still bad quality, it could be a hardware issue or it could simply be that your expectations are too high! You can always visit an Apple shop to see other models.

It Won’t Charge

If your Macbook won’t charge or won’t hold a charge, there is likely an issue with the adapter or the battery.

Try a different adapter on your computer to see if it works. If it does, you can deduce that the issue is with the charger itself and you need to buy a new one.

It can be tempting to buy a charger made by an unofficial company because they’re cheaper, but these can overheat and damage your laptop, so stick with Apple accessories.

If it still won’t charge, it may be with the battery. Apple and other certified technicians can replace batteries.

You can download a battery health app to get a good idea too, as this will tell you if it detects something wrong. Batteries do wear down over time and may be the first part of your laptop to fail.

It Won’t Turn On

Another issue — and often the most devastating — is that your Macbook won’t turn on.

Make sure the battery isn’t dead by plugging in the adapter and leaving it for an hour or so. If it still won’t turn on, chances are, there’s a hardware issue that needs to be dealt with.

These Are the Most Common Computer Problems

There are many common computer problems that can cause issues with Macbooks. These are the ones you’re likely to come across most and thankfully, most of them are fixable at home.

If you’re struggling, it’s best to take your laptop to a certified Apple repair technician who can diagnose and fix the problem for you — but often, it won’t come to that.

For more technology tips and other advice, check out the rest of our site.