Is it normal for MacBook Pro 14" M4 to feel warm on the bottom while watching videos?

Is it normal that the MacBook Pro 14" M4 warm in the middle from the bottom when watching videos? This is my first MacBook and I don't know if it's normal or not because I bought it a week ago. It's not hot but it's still quite warm when I touch it. I feel it when I hold it on my legs.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: warm macbook 14 m4

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Jun 7, 2025 1:51 PM

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Posted on Jun 8, 2025 9:27 AM

I feel it when I hold it on my legs.


Historically, that's a major cause of overheating in laptop computers regardless of make.


The M4 14" has cool air intakes low on each side where the bottom plate meets the main chassis:


Chances are high that using it in your lap is blocking cool air from getting in to some degree. Also, hot air is expelled through the hinge area on the back. Do not block that area. See:


Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support


Watching videos is one of the highest-demand tasks you can do. It will run up temps even with all vents unobstructed, but should remain in safe ranges. Be it in a game, a streaming video, or video-conferencing, it works the CPU and GPU quite hard.


I'm not saying don't watch videos. I'm saying make sure your computer can breathe without restriction while doing so. If you must hold the computer in your lap, get a rigid lapboard. I even used one of Mrs AJ's larger plastic cutting boards for a lapboard (please don't tell her!).

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 8, 2025 9:27 AM in response to marian1313

I feel it when I hold it on my legs.


Historically, that's a major cause of overheating in laptop computers regardless of make.


The M4 14" has cool air intakes low on each side where the bottom plate meets the main chassis:


Chances are high that using it in your lap is blocking cool air from getting in to some degree. Also, hot air is expelled through the hinge area on the back. Do not block that area. See:


Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support


Watching videos is one of the highest-demand tasks you can do. It will run up temps even with all vents unobstructed, but should remain in safe ranges. Be it in a game, a streaming video, or video-conferencing, it works the CPU and GPU quite hard.


I'm not saying don't watch videos. I'm saying make sure your computer can breathe without restriction while doing so. If you must hold the computer in your lap, get a rigid lapboard. I even used one of Mrs AJ's larger plastic cutting boards for a lapboard (please don't tell her!).

Jun 10, 2025 3:52 PM in response to marian1313

MBP 14 M4 laptops are notorious for not having as robust cooling inside, compared to the 16". Might I recommend a good lapdesk that has a good pad (memory foam preferred, rather than beads). The hardtop to lapdesks will provide better ergonomics, softer on the thighs and of course, providing better clearance for cooling. If you want to go a step further, there are decent laptop risers (4 pieces made of metal with rubberized edges) on Amazon (same place you can find the lapdesk). The risers can provide a bit more lift to the laptop to ensure fully open intakes.

Is it normal for MacBook Pro 14" M4 to feel warm on the bottom while watching videos?

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