How to control fan speed on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for controlling fan speed on Mac.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Controlling the fan speed on a Mac can be accomplished through various methods, including using third-party applications or built-in macOS features. This guide will provide detailed instructions for each method to help you manage your Mac's cooling system effectively.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to control your Mac's fan speed, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
  • •Administrator access to install third-party applications.
  • •Basic understanding of macOS interface and navigation.
  • •Backup important data using Time Machine or another backup solution.

Method 1: Using Macs Fan Control

Macs Fan Control is a popular third-party application that allows users to monitor and control fan speeds manually or automatically based on temperature sensors.
  • •Step 1: Download Macs Fan Control from the official website (https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control).
  • •Step 2: Open the downloaded file and drag the application to your Applications folder.
  • •Step 3: Launch Macs Fan Control from your Applications folder.
  • •Step 4: In the main window, you will see the current fan speeds and temperature readings. Click on the 'Fan' dropdown menu to select a fan to control.
  • •Step 5: Choose 'Manual' to set a specific RPM or 'Automatic' to revert to default settings. Adjust the RPM slider to your desired speed.
  • •Step 6: Verify the changes by observing the fan speed in the application. The speed should change according to your settings.
  • •Step 7: If the fan does not respond, ensure that you have the latest version of the application and restart your Mac.

For macOS Ventura (13) and later

In macOS Ventura and later, ensure that you grant necessary permissions for Macs Fan Control.
  • •Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
  • •Add Macs Fan Control to the list and enable access.

For macOS Monterey (12) and earlier

No specific changes are required for earlier versions, but ensure the app is updated.
  • •Check for updates within the app by clicking on 'Macs Fan Control' > 'Check for Updates'.

Method 2: Using Terminal Commands

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, Terminal commands can be used to control fan speeds directly.
  • •Step 1: Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
  • •Step 2: Install the 'macfanctld' daemon using Homebrew by typing 'brew install macfanctld'. If you don't have Homebrew, install it from https://brew.sh.
  • •Step 3: Start the macfanctld service by typing 'sudo brew services start macfanctld'. You may need to enter your password.
  • •Step 4: To check the current fan speed, use the command 'sudo powermetrics --samplers smc'.
  • •Step 5: To set a specific fan speed, use 'sudo ./fancontrol -s [desired_speed]'. Replace [desired_speed] with the RPM you want.
  • •Step 6: Verify the fan speed using the previous command.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while controlling fan speeds, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Permission Denied' - Solution: Ensure you have administrative privileges and the application has the necessary permissions.
  • •Issue: Fans not responding to changes - Fix: Restart the application or your Mac and check for updates.
  • •Problem: Application crashes - Workaround: Uninstall and reinstall the application or check for compatibility issues with your macOS version.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to applications.
  • •Command line: 'sudo pmset -g therm' - Displays thermal status and fan control settings.
  • •Hidden feature: Temperature monitoring - Use Macs Fan Control to set alerts for high temperatures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For optimal performance, regularly monitor your Mac's temperature and adjust fan speeds accordingly to prevent overheating.