After using your MacBook for a while, you may notice the lid won’t close all the way. In other words, when you shut down the device and put the top down, the lid won’t stay closed. This random issue might sometimes occur after only a few months of usage. Let’s jump right in and explore what might be causing this problem.
What to Do if Your Macbook Pro Lid Won’t Close Properly
Remove Debris
Take a closer look at your Mac’s hinges, and check if there is any visible debris that could be causing this issue. Shut down your machine, unplug the power cable, and use a soft cotton cloth to clean the hinges and lid.
You can also use compressed air to blow out debris and dust from your Mac’s hinges. Just make sure not to use the compressed air too close to your Mac. Keep the can at a safe distance.
Speaking of hinges, inspect them carefully to check if they’re broken or damaged. For example, if you accidentally dropped your Mac, even the smallest dent could prevent the lid from closing properly.
Maybe You Have a Swollen Battery
If your Mac’s battery swelled, that could explain why the lid won’t close smoothly anymore. By the way, check if your trackpad is working as intended. Swollen batteries often cause trackpad issues. As your battery begins to swell, it presses up on the trackpad. Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring problem with Mac computers.
This could happen from overheating. For example, if you run resource-hogging programs and your Mac’s hardware components are simply not up to the task, your machine will overheat in an effort to meet your usage demands. Running games on a Mac computer may lead to the same problem. Keep in mind that Apple designed your Mac with productivity in mind, not gaming.
As a quick reminder, your Mac is equipped with a Lithium-ion battery. The electrolyte inside the battery is made of polymer which produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide over time. These gases then build up causing the battery to swell. This is a potentially dangerous problem, and you should address it as quickly as possible.
Take Your Mac to an Apple Store
If you couldn’t identify the root cause of the problem, or you suspect the battery is swollen, book an appointment at the nearest Apple Store. Apple’s technicians will inspect your device. We’re sure they’ll come up with a solution to your problem.
Conclusion
To sum up, if your Mac lid won’t close evenly, make sure the hinges are working properly. Then, visually inspect your trackpad. If it’s bulging out, this could indicate the battery is swollen. Take your Mac to an Apple Store for an in-depth diagnostic.
Have you ever experienced similar issues with your Mac? What was the root cause of the problem in your case? Let us know in the comments below.
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies — AI and DNA computing in particular.
I had a problem with a 17″macbook pro not closing properly. I sprayed a tiny amount of WD40 into both ends of the hinge worked it in a bit and cleaned off the excess. Now it works fine.
I appriciate the info above, I would like to add more about this probleme. My battery is normal. Its not swollen, the hinges are quite clean and okay but rather than it does not close properly. As for as I noticed that the hinges are badly manufactured and it does not fit correktly. The hinges actually are too tight and do not close properly. It is factory delfalt.
I had the same problem with my macbook pro 17″. I sprayed a tiny ammount of WD40 into each end of the hinge, cleaned off the excess and now it works perfectly.
I had a problem with a 17″macbook pro not closing properly. I sprayed a tiny amount of WD40 into both ends of the hinge worked it in a bit and cleaned off the excess. Now it works fine.
I appriciate the info above, I would like to add more about this probleme. My battery is normal. Its not swollen, the hinges are quite clean and okay but rather than it does not close properly. As for as I noticed that the hinges are badly manufactured and it does not fit correktly. The hinges actually are too tight and do not close properly. It is factory delfalt.
I had the same problem with my macbook pro 17″. I sprayed a tiny ammount of WD40 into each end of the hinge, cleaned off the excess and now it works perfectly.