MacBook Air is a powerful machine. All the Mac Air models – M1, M2, M3 – are powerful, and working on the system makes you feel more productive. But like all machines, your Mac Air is also bound to develop some or the other technical problems. It’s a common thing so you should not panic and look for Apple customer support in a frenzy. There are simple DIYs that can solve both small and big MacBook Air problems with minimal or even no support from outside.
We should always try to be more tech-savvy than simply using a laptop or a phone. Knowing these cool MacBook Air tips and tricks will make you feel confident and help you save time and money that you would spend on a technician or Apple Customer Support trying to solve some common Mac Air problem. Here are the 5 most common Mac Air problems that you can fix on your own.
1. MacBook Air not charging
Before panicking when you see a MacBook Air problem and contacting Apple customer service, there are some basic things to try. To begin with, you should check the basics. Check if the adapter is plugged in correctly and the outlet is working. If you see any issue with this, try a different outlet and cable.
The next option is to Reset SMC and NVRAM. These settings can sometimes cause charging issues. Follow Apple's instructions for your specific MacBook Air model. If you think some power issue might have corrupted the chip that manages the power, resetting SMC is what you should immediately do. Most probably, your MacBook Air battery not charging issue will be resolved.
Next is probably the simplest one. Check the MacBook Air battery health. For this, open System Preferences > Battery and see if "Replace Now" is recommended. If so, your MacBook battery may be near the end of its lifespan or if it’s new, there’s probably a technical fault that might lead to a need for a new one.
If the above three tips do not solve your Mac Air charging issue, get in touch with Apple Support or try an online forum. Contact Apple Support for further diagnostics and repair is the best option instead of trying any further DIY check on your MacBook Air.
2. MacBook Air keyboard stopped working
Any MacBook glitch can set you back on your work goals. For a quick solution to MacBook Air keyboard not working, try the external keyboard and mouse. If the work is urgent and you need your MacBook to run immediately, connect an external keyboard and mouse to see if the issue persists. This will help in seeing if it's a hardware or software problem with MacBook Air. Some other solutions to this MacBook issue are:
Clean the keyboard - Gently blow compressed air between the keys and wipe them with a damp cloth. Do not use liquids directly on the keyboard lest it might be damaged permanently.
Reset SMC and NVRAM - As mentioned earlier in the point on MacBook battery not charging, these resets can sometimes resolve keyboard issues.
Update macOS – Maybe you still use macOS Monterey or Ventura. There’s nothing wrong with them since both are functional but still, updates are always known to be helpful. Install the latest macOS updates on the existing OS or do a complete new installation and upgrade to macOS Sonoma. This will ensure you have the latest bug fixes.
Check for keyboard service programs – For MacBook Air keyboard stopped working issues, Apple has offered keyboard service programs for certain models due to known issues. Check Apple website to see if your model is eligible and get in touch with the support if it is.
Contact Apple Customer Support. If none of the above works, contact Apple Support for further assistance. See what they suggest and get it fixed as per that.
3. Mac Air screen problems
Another MacBook Air issue that can leave you disappointed. To overcome the MacBook Air display issue, first identify the problem. See if the screen is cracked, discolored, flickering, or having brightness issues. Different solutions apply depending on the specific problem related to Mac Air screen problems.
Check connections - Check if the display cable is properly connected to the logic board.
Calibrate the display - On your MacBook, Open System Preferences > Displays. Here, adjust the brightness and color settings.
Reset SMC and NVRAM - Try resetting these as they sometimes influence display issues.
Run Apple Diagnostics - Open Apple menu > System Information > Hardware > Apple Diagnostics and run the Extended Hardware Test. If the problem persists, it’s best to get in touch with Apple Support.
Your MacBook Air display issue can leave you helpless. Going blank or having a flickering or discolored screen can leave you overwhelmed and you might look for a solution in a frenzy. Mac Air screen issue is a complex one so if the above steps do not work, it’s best to be patient and take up the matter with customer service Apple or find Apple support number and talk directly.
4. MacBook Air overheating
Mac Air overheating might leave you panicked because there is constantly some news about batteries melting and causing damage. There have been cases with Samsung phones, iPhones, and various other electronic devices. So if you see your Mac Air overheating, the first step should be to ensure proper ventilation.
If you use your laptop sitting or lying on a bed, avoid using MacBook Air on soft surfaces like bedsheets or pillows. This restricts airflow. To be on the safer side, place the laptop on a hard, flat surface. Here are some other solutions to your MacBook Air overheating issue.
Close resource-intensive apps – We all use numerous apps and online tools. Sometimes these apps keep running in the background or using even a few at the same time can stress the CPU. To overcome this MacBook Air problem, quit any apps that are demanding high CPU or graphics processing power, as this can generate heat.
Reduce screen brightness - Lowering the screen brightness of your Mac Air can help reduce heat generation.
Check for dust buildup - Dust buildup impedes airflow and worsens overheating. Use compressed air to clean the vents and if possible, always use your MacBook Air in a clean environment.
Reset SMC - Resetting the SMC can sometimes address fan control issues.
Consider software updates - Updating macOS – from Monterey or Ventura to Sonoma) and apps can sometimes improve thermal management.
If none of these steps help you overcome the Mac Air overheating problem, contact customer service Apple immediately for further diagnostics. The overheating issue of your laptop might slowly turn into something bigger so you should not experiment after failing in the basic DIY checks.
5. MacBook Air trackpad and keyboard not working
We earlier suggested some solutions to Mac Air keyboard not working and why you should not get in touch with Apple customer service without trying a few steps on your own that might solve common MacBook Air problems. There are times when both the keyboard and trackpad give up. It’s not the ideal situation when you sit down to watch a movie on your MacBook Air or have to do some urgent office work. Some of the best solutions to Mac Air keyboard and trackpad stopped working are:
Try external peripherals – If you have an external keyboard and mouse, plug them in. Use them and see if the issue persists. With this, you will be able to check if it's a hardware or software problem.
Reset SMC and NVRAM - Repeating this troubleshooting step for both keyboard and trackpad issues is worth trying. It’s quite handy in solving this common Mac Air problem.
Update macOS - Sticking to the old OS or working with outdated apps and tools is never a good idea. Make sure you're running the latest macOS updates. This is good for bug fixes and potential improvements.
Check for spills – Sometimes things happen and we don’t even realize. One such thing is water or some other liquid spillage on our laptop. Even a few drops inside the system can cause big damage. The damage can cause both the keyboard and trackpad to malfunction. If a spill occurs, immediately shut down your MacBook Air and consult customer service Apple.
Check for keyboard service programs - As mentioned earlier, keyboard service programs may be available for your MacBook Air model. Check online for the program or get in touch with customer service Apple.
To wrap it up – Solving the common MacBook Air problems
Mac Air is a powerful system but like any machine, problems can occur anytime – it does not matter if it’s a new MacBook or old – it’s an M1 or M2. Problems happen but in such times, instead of running to a technician near you or contact Apple customer service, try these DIYs. All MacBook Air models, M1, M2, and M3, have some in-built support functions that can help you overcome the common MacBook Air problems. Simple steps like checking the connection to power can also help you solve these common Mac Air issues.
