MacBook Crashing? Here's The Fix

Mac crashes are a fairly uncommon problem - but they can happen. Luckily, most of the fixes are easy though, and take just a few minutes. Read on for how to stop your Macbook from crashing.

About Mac Crashes

Mac crashing refers to when your computer stop working. It could happen once or occur regularly. If it isn't a persistent problem, then there is no need to worry. However, frequent or bootup crashes can lead to serious long term problems.

Crash Causes

Multiple reasons can cause Mac crashes that Mac. We have discussed them here.

Problematic Applications

Some apps can have bugs that interfere with your system. Developers generally work hard to fix them quickly and launch new updates, so updating your applications frequently will be a great preventative measure. Sometimes, however, a bug fix won't be out for a long time, so quitting usage of the app is the best option.

Lack Of Memory

Many programs take up a lot of space in the system memory. Having limited storage space can lead to frequent freezes and crashes.

Over Usage of CPU

CPU intensive applications can cause the processor to be overburdened. Your fans running louder than usual is an indication of excess processing. Avoid using multiple programs at once to combat this problem.

Incompatible Hardware

Many upgradable hardware parts, such as RAM, can have compatibility issues with your device. Reinstall the original parts to check if that's the case. Make sure to purchase compatible parts to avoid this problem.

Mac Crash Fixes

There are various solutions for Mac crashes. Some of them may not work for you, therefore try all of the methods.

Restart Your Mac

The most straightforward fix for most Mac-related problems is a restart. It clears all current tasks to allow the system to (hopefully) launch correctly. Here is how to do it.

1. Click on the Apple logo on the top left-hand corner of the screen.
2. Select "Restart."



3. Wait for your Mac to boot back up.

Force Restart

Use Force restart if the previous method didn't work or your Mac won't power on.

1. Hold the power key for 6 seconds.
2. Wait for your Mac to turn off.
3. Press the power button again to restart your Mac.

Force Quitting Application

Buggy applications can cause a system crash or freezing. Your cursor may be a spinning wheel when such apps are open. If they are fully updated, then you'll need to force quit them.

1. Hover your cursor over the icon of the application.
2. A small window will appear.
3. Select "Quit."

Clearing Storage

We mentioned how low storage might result in freeze or crash, in which case you'll need to clean up your space. Manually doing so can take up many hours, that's why we recommend using CleanMyMac X (download or full review here) It's an application used to search your Mac for ways to save up on storage space.

1. Launch CleanMyMac X.
2. Select "Smart Scan" from the left panel.
3. Click "Scan."
4. Wait a few seconds.
5. Choose "Run" to delete the files.

Deleting Cache Files

Cache files are temporary data files used to boost the speed of some processes. They are helpful but can cause your Mac to crash. It's essential to delete caches regularly, especially ones related to browsers. Here is how to do it with CleanMyMac X.

1. Open CleanMyMac X.
2. Select "System Junk" from the left panel.
3. Click on "Scan."



4. Once everything scanning is complete, choose "Remove."
5. A few GBs worths of space is freed.
6. Reopen CleanMyMac X.
7. Select the "Privacy" tab on the left hand.
8. Click "Scan."
9. Choose all the options.
10. Press "Remove."

Repair Disk

Broken disk permissions can cause abnormal Mac boot up. The solution is to use the Maintenance Script on CleanMyMac X.

1. Launch CleanMyMac X.
2. Choose the "Maintenance" tab.
3. Select "Run Maintenance scripts" and "Repair Disk permission."
4. Click on "Run."

Reset PRAM and NVRAM

The PRAM (Programmable Random Access Memory) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) are storage used to access particular settings quickly. They're responsible for smooth Mac operations. There is only one easy method to reset both the PRAM and NVRAM, here is how to do it.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Select the Command, Option, P, and R keys simultaneously with one hand and use the other to press the power button.
3. Release these keys when you either hear two sounds or the Apple logo appear.
4. Your Mac will reboot.

Resetting SMC

The System Management chip is also vital for your Mac's optimal operation. It's similar to PRAM and NVRAM. Here is how to reset the SMC.

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Wait a few seconds and then turn on your Mac using the power button.

Formatting Your Disk And Reinstalling macOS

If the previous methods did not work, considering formatting your storage. This will delete all your data, so you must have backups ready. The step-by-step guide for the process is as follows.

1. Go to disk utility.
2. Select "View."
3. Click on "Show all devices."



4. Choose your disk from the sidebar and then erase it.
5. Type the new name of the disk.
6. Choose "APFS" or "Mac OS Extended" located in the format section.



7. Select "GUID Partition Map" under "Scheme."
8. Click "Erase".
9. When it's done, quit Disk Utility.

Now that your formatting is complete, here is how to install macOS.

1. Turn on your Mac.
2. Hold "Command" and "R."
3. Release them once you see the Apple logo.
4. Enter the password of your device.
5. The "Utility" window should pop up.
6. If it doesn't, go back to step 1.
7. Select the "reinstall" option.
8. Press "Continue."
9. Follow the steps provided after this.
10. Wait a few minutes.

Don't close your Mac during the installation.