Troubleshooting 6 Of The Most Common MacOS Problems
The allure of Apple’s Mac computers lies in their sleek design, user-friendly interface, and a universe of powerful applications. However, the Mac environment is not immune to the occasional hiccups. To ensure you stay prepared, here’s a guide to help you navigate the common glitches.
Author:Tyreece BauerReviewer:Gordon DickersonJan 12, 202451.9K Shares764.2K Views
The allure of Apple’s Mac computers lies in their sleek design, user-friendly interface, and a universe of powerful applications. However, the Mac environment is not immune to the occasional hiccups. To ensure you stay prepared, here’s a guide to help you navigate the common glitches.
Slow-Performing Safari
If the once-mighty web browser stumbles, it doesn’t mean the end of your online adventures. Try these fixes to get back on track:
- Clutter accumulates when the cache is allowed to collect. This may interfere with your browsing experience. Hence, you must clear your cache for a refreshed and speedy browsing experience. Go to Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data and delete cache and cookies.
- If there are too many extensions, it may weigh down on your browser. You need to disable or uninstall the unnecessary extensions.
- Detox the DNS if the issue persists. Sometimes, it is the DNS settings that slow things down. You can switch to public DNS servers like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Google’s 8.8.8.8.
“The Following Disk images Couldn’t be Opened” Error
Disk image not opening is an error message that you’ll see when trying to open a disk image on your Mac. Disk image (dmg) is a unique image file format that simulates the physical disk. It has the capabilities of a physical disk, and hence, you can mount it on Finder and transfer files or create clones of it.
You can consider the following methods to get rid of the problem:
- Re-download the disk image as sometimes dmg corruptedis the result of an unstable network or malware assault. Hence, before re-downloading, check there are no interferences.
- You can verify the disk image using Disk Utility. This will reveal whether it is the mounter that is at fault.
Trouble in Spotlight Paradise
Spotlight is a powerful search toolthat allows you to search and open files, apps and more, quickly. The tool can even perform basic calculations and unit conversions. If the tool is not performing to its full potential and slowing things down, you can consider the following fixes:
- Verify whether all the desired folders and files are ticked for indexing.
- Check whether you have given Spotlight the desired permission to perform searches and other functions.
- If Spotlight is busy indexing in the background, its performance will be impacted. You need to leave your system alone for a while so that the indexing process is complete. If the performance is still slow, restart your Mac.
Apps Crashing
Frozen or unresponsive applications may turn your Mac computer into a digital wasteland. However, there’s no need to despair because there is still hope for resurrection.
You can force quit the application by pressing Command + Option + Escape. Then, relaunch the app. Sometimes, this is all it takes to make the application start working again.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you can check whether there are other resource-hungry apps running in the background that are interfering with the app you are trying to run. Free up system resources by closing or pausing all unnecessary processes and programs. To do this, go to the Activity Monitor and click the X icon of the redundant programs.
Verify whether the application is updated and compatible with the macOS version you are running. If not, go to the App Store or to the developer’s website and update the app.
Finally, reinstall the app to give it a clean, fresh start.
Storage Suffocation
Too many files and folders on your Mac computer can suffocate its storage space. This may impact the overall performance of the system and also prevent you from downloading more apps or documents.
You can help the hard drive breathe easy with the following optimization strategies:
- Go to the Storage tab in System Settings to identify the storage hogs. Here, you can identify all the unused apps, old files, and downloaded caches. These are prime targets for removals. Delete them, and remember to clear the Bin.
- Tackle the Photos folder and delete all the duplicate and old photos you don’t need anymore. The important ones can be sent to iCloud or to an external storage drive.
- Uninstall the unused applications.
Excessive Battery Drain
Nobody wants to be tethered to a power outlet by working on a Mac. However, with time, you may find the battery’s performance deteriorating. You can try the following fixes:
- Adjust the screen brightness and keep it at the lowest level. This can significantly improve battery life.
- Pause or stop all the animations and effects.
- Quit the energy-guzzling apps and processes in the Activity Monitor.
- Check whether the battery needs replacement. If so, head to your nearest Apple service center.
So, now you know the common macOS problems and how to troubleshoot them. As you can see, the solutions aren’t too complicated. Just remain calm, and you’ll be back on track in no time.
Tyreece Bauer
Author
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional.
As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry.
He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community.
Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
Gordon Dickerson
Reviewer
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
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