My MacBook Pro making strange noise when it runs on battery power

Question

Level 1

4 points

My MacBook Pro making strange noise when it runs on battery power

I have a problem on a MacBook pro 16, M1 pro. When my MacBook is loaded (after about 40W), a strange (similar to white) noise appears. These are definitely not fans, I checked through the programs. It (noise) comes from approximately between the right side of the touchpad and the keyboard. This only happens when running on battery power.

Just in case, I'll add that I've already had problems with charging: the laptop connects and disconnects cyclically if it's in a certain position, or it doesn't connect at all, but I don't think it's related.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Noise from MacBook battery

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 14, 2025 03:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

76,634 points

Jul 14, 2025 03:25 PM in response to Shoptick

That is a hard issue to diagnose in this text-based setting. About all you can do at home is to run Apple Diagnostics.

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

If AD finds a hardware issues it will show a code. At the bottom of the AD article I linked, there is another link to the page the translates the codes. Have Apple evaluate, giving them the come that was displayed.

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 14, 2025 05:31 PM in response to Shoptick

There is one part at about that location which, if malfunctioning, could cause strange noises:

The haptic feedback engine.

Try this test:

Click the trackpad. Do you get the proper clicking sensation in your finger when you click the trackpad?

The trackpad does not actually move when you click. Instead, the haptic engine "thumps" on the underside of it (when working properly).

Reply