How to Check CPU Temperature on a Mac

Checking your Mac’s CPU temperature helps you spot overheating issues before they cause slowdowns, fan noise, or unexpected shutdowns. This guide shows you several ways to monitor the temperature, from built-in tools to free third-party apps, and explains what to do if things run too hot.

What You’ll Need

A Mac running macOS (any recent version works).
For the built-in method: the Terminal app (found in Applications/Utilities).
For detailed readings: a free app like Macs Fan Control or Stats (download from the developer’s site or the Mac App Store).

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Terminal (Built-in, No Extra Apps)

Open Terminal from Applications → Utilities, or search for it with Spotlight (Cmd+Space).
Type the following command and press Return:
sudo powermetrics --samplers smc -i 1 -n 1
You’ll be prompted for your administrator password. Note: the password won’t show as you type—just press Return after entering it.
Wait a few seconds. The command reads the System Management Controller (SMC) and outputs a block of data.
Look for the line that starts with CPU die temperature. The value next to it (in °C) is your current CPU temperature.
To get a continuous reading, run sudo powermetrics --samplers smc -i 5 (updates every 5 seconds). Press Ctrl+C to stop.

Method 2: Using a Free App (Easier for Monitoring)

Download and install Macs Fan Control or Stats from the developer’s official website. (Both are free and reputable.)
Open the app. It will show a menu bar icon or a small window.
Look for the CPU temperature reading—usually labeled CPU or CPU Proximity. Some apps also show per-core temperatures.
If you want to see the temperature in the menu bar, enable that option in the app’s preferences.
Leave the app running in the background; it will update the temperature every few seconds.

Method 3: Using Activity Monitor (Indirect)

Open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities).
Click the CPU tab.
You won’t see a temperature here, but you can check CPU Usage and CPU History. If usage is constantly near 100%, the CPU is likely getting hot.
For a direct temperature, you still need Terminal or an app—Activity Monitor doesn’t show it.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong command—some older guides suggest istats or osx-cpu-temp, which require installing extra tools. The powermetrics command works on all modern Macs.
Forgetting “sudo”—without it, the command fails with “Could not read SMC.” Always include sudo.
Misreading the output—the SMC data includes many values. Look specifically for “CPU die temperature,” not “GPU” or “Battery.”
Taking a reading right after heavy load—the temperature spikes during video rendering or gaming. Wait a few minutes of idle time for a baseline.
Ignoring the units—the output is in Celsius. If you’re used to Fahrenheit, remember 50°C = 122°F.

Tips

Know your normal range—idle temps are typically 35–55°C, under load 70–90°C. Above 95°C is concerning and may trigger throttling.
Check all cores—some apps show individual cores; one core may be hotter than others. That’s normal, but if one is consistently 10°C higher, it could indicate a thermal paste issue.
Use the menu bar—set your monitoring app to display the temperature in the menu bar so you can keep an eye on it while working.
Monitor over time—a one-time reading is less useful than a trend. Log temperatures during a heavy task to see if they climb steadily.
Clean your Mac—dust buildup inside the vents is a common cause of high temps. If readings are consistently high, consider cleaning or having it serviced.

Troubleshooting

The Terminal command says “Could not read SMC”

Make sure you included sudo and entered your password correctly. If it still fails, try sudo powermetrics --samplers smc -i 1 -n 1 again—sometimes the SMC needs a moment. If it persists, restart your Mac and retry.

The output doesn’t show “CPU die temperature”

On some Intel Macs, the line may be labeled CPU temperature or CPU Proximity. Search the output for “CPU”. On Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs, the command may show CPU thermal level instead—that’s a percentage, not a temperature. For a temperature on Apple Silicon, you’ll need a third-party app.

The app doesn’t show a temperature

Some apps require giving permission in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring or Accessibility. Check the app’s documentation and enable the required permission.

Temperatures seem too high or too low

If your Mac is under heavy load (e.g., video export), 90°C is normal. If it’s idle and above 80°C, there may be a problem—check for background processes in Activity Monitor, or try resetting the SMC (for Intel Macs) by shutting down and holding Shift+Control+Option on the left side for 10 seconds, then powering on.

The temperature reading doesn’t change

If the number is stuck, the app may be reading a stale value. Close and reopen the app, or try a different one. Also ensure the app is updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to check my CPU temperature?

Yes, reading the temperature is perfectly safe. The commands and apps only read sensor data—they don’t change any settings.

What is the normal CPU temperature for a Mac?

At idle, most Macs run between 35°C and 55°C. Under heavy load (gaming, rendering), 70–90°C is expected. Sustained temperatures above 95°C can cause thermal throttling and should be addressed.

Do Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2) show CPU temperature the same way?

No. The powermetrics command on Apple Silicon may not show a direct temperature, only a thermal level. Use a third-party app like Stats or Macs Fan Control which support Apple Silicon.

Can I check CPU temperature without installing anything?

Yes, the Terminal command sudo powermetrics --samplers smc -i 1 -n 1 works on Intel Macs without extra software. On Apple Silicon, you’ll need an app.

Why is my Mac’s fan so loud even when the CPU is cool?

The fan speed is controlled by multiple sensors, not just the CPU. Dust, high ambient temperature, or a faulty fan can cause loud operation. Check the fan speed in an app like Macs Fan Control—if it’s spinning at 5000+ RPM while idle, clean the vents.

How do I lower my CPU temperature?

Close unnecessary apps, especially browsers with many tabs. Use Activity Monitor to find high CPU usage. Ensure proper ventilation—don’t place your Mac on a soft surface. If it’s still hot, consider cleaning the internal fans.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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