M2 MacBook Air chassis popping/crackling

I've had my M2 MacBook Air since June 27th of this year, and I've noticed that the body of my MacBook Air crackles and pops quite noticeably when picked up with one hand from either of the corners while open, rest my palms on the palm rest, or push down firmly (not hard) on either side of the trackpad.


I realize that this might be normal when purposely flexing the chassis, but it's a bit disconcerting when using it normally and there's a noticeable 'pop'. For example, I notice it the most when I use it on soft surfaces like a bed, pillow, or blanket, and when I rest my palms on the palm rests, there's crackling coming from the chassis.


I did see another post related to the hinge making a clicking sound and I want to make it clear that the sound is not coming from the hinge but the body of the device itself.


Is there anyone else experiencing this?


MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on Aug 2, 2023 12:26 AM

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Posted on Feb 24, 2024 10:00 AM

I m facing the similar problem to some extent with my MacBook Air M1, when I lift my Mac sometimes it makes a crackling sound heard from its chassis. Everytime I press at a particular point it makes the same sound as if the region which is pressed is being deformed.

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5 replies

Aug 2, 2023 02:09 AM in response to 651684165168716135

I'm not, but if you feel your Mac has physical problems, those must be dealt with by a hands-on examination by Apple. Likely free for them to just see what you're talking about.


Creaking hinge post: the solution is time to allow the hinge to loosen up. You may be having that same problem.


"I use it on soft surfaces like a bed, pillow, or blanket". Bad idea as that can easily block the flow of cooling air.

Aug 14, 2023 08:09 PM in response to 651684165168716135

I am experiencing the same phenomenon but with my MacBook Pro m1. I think most people have a hinge issue but what you're describing seems to be my exact same case. resting palms while being on a pillow or blanket. also to add though is I've noticed when looking at my Mac flatly is that it flexes a lot and its the pro which is considerably thicker then the air. so you might want to look at how mjuch it does that. I would say mine flexes at least an eighth of an inch or more from one side to the other.

Dec 18, 2023 03:44 AM in response to 651684165168716135

I actually have an older MBP model(MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)), well @ku4hx might be right. I dropped this MBP a few times, when I only used this MBP(it stands for Macbook Pro if you don't know) at home and never dropped it I don't think I ever heard that crackling sound until I brought it out to other places which I dropped it a few times...

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M2 MacBook Air chassis popping/crackling

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