How can I reduce MacBook Pro M4's fan noise?

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Level 1

12 points

How can I reduce MacBook Pro M4's fan noise?

I recently purchased a MacBook Pro M4 Pro and noticed occasional fan noise.

Sometimes, even during light usage such as web browsing, streaming videos, or using productivity apps, the fan becomes audible for a short period. It’s not very loud, but noticeable — similar to the older Intel-based MacBook Pro models.

Previously, I used a Mac mini M2 Pro under similar workloads and never heard the fan activate. That’s why I’m wondering if this behavior is normal for the M4 Pro MacBook Pro.

Could it be part of the new thermal management system, or should I be concerned about a potential hardware or background process issue?

Has anyone else experienced this with the M4 Pro?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: MacBook Pro M4 Pro Fan noise

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 3:08 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,468 points

Oct 15, 2025 11:52 AM in response to Faizul516

Fans run all the time and are thermostatically controlled by sensors placed across the logic board. Fans speed up in reaction to tasks whose workloads create temperatures above a certain level. That is 100% normal, safe operation. BTW: My M4 Pro 14 is the coolest running laptop I've ever used.

...streaming videos...

That is not "light usage." It works the CPU and GPU quite hard as the computer decodes video and audio files. All my Macs ramp up their fans when I video-conference as well.

"Productivity apps" covers a lot of ground. I've never had MS Office trigger my fans to speed up. However, photo and video editing apps will trigger a higher-rpm response.

Browsing? Higher workload depends on the browser used and even some web pages. Chrome is the fat hog at the resource trough. I see more and more web pages that, left open in the background, show high energy use.

Activity Monitor, included with macOS, is a handy tool for assessing loads that can run up temps:

Activity Monitor User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 15, 2025 7:48 AM in response to Faizul516

By far the easiest way to cause poor performance, instability, overheating and crashing is to install ANY third-party speeder-uppers, Cleaners, Optimizers, Virus scanners, Bit Torrent, or a VPN that you installed yourself.

¿are you running any of those?

Consider downloading and running this little "discovery" utility, Etrecheck. It changes NOTHING. Etrecheck was developed by a senior contributor here, and uses mostly system calls and simple tests to collect often-needed information.

it contains little tests for speeds of devices, CPU utilization, memory usage, energy usage and a digest of recent problems, in one easy to use package. it does not even need to be Installed. Because less can be learned when your Mac is running great, best time to run is when your problems are actually occurring, if possible.

if you follow the directions faithfully, its report (pre-laundered of all personally-identifiable information) can be "Shared" to the System ClipBoard, then Pasted into an ‘Additional Text’ window in a reply on the forums.

Use Etrecheck Pro for free:

http://Etrecheck.com

The amount of data you get can be daunting. If you POST your report, some Readers here are willing to look over those reports, and can provide valuable insights.

the start reply on the forums, click the "additional text" icon, and PASTE

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