How to Speed Up 2018 Mac Book Air Contacts - All About Electronic Gadgets, Tech & Accessories

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The 2018 MacBook Air is known for its sleek design, portability, and user-friendly features. However, like all tech, it can slow down over time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to improve your MacBook Air’s speed, from managing storage to optimizing system processes and also know How to speed up 2018 mac Book air contacts.

1. Clear System Storage

One of the most common reasons for a slow MacBook Air is lack of available storage. macOS requires free disk space to operate efficiently, and if your storage is nearly full, your Mac’s performance can suffer.

Check Storage Status:

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select About This Mac and go to the Storage tab.

This will show you a breakdown of how your storage is being used. If you’re running low on storage, here’s how to free up space.

How to Free Up Storage:

Empty Trash: Files left in the trash still take up disk space. Make sure to empty your trash bin regularly.
Delete Large Files: Use the Finder’s search feature to locate large files. Click on File > Find, then choose Kind: File Size and set the size filter to identify the largest files on your Mac.
Optimize Storage: macOS has a built-in storage optimization tool. Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage, and enable options like storing files in iCloud, optimizing file storage for TV and movies, and removing old email attachments.

2. Manage Startup Programs

Startup programs are apps that automatically launch when you boot up your Mac. While they can be convenient, too many running in the background can slow down your MacBook’s performance.

How to Manage Startup Programs:

Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
Click on your account, and then select the Login Items tab.
Uncheck any programs you don’t need to launch at startup.

Reducing the number of startup apps will free up system resources, resulting in faster boot times and improved overall performance.

3. Reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM

Sometimes resetting the system management controller (SMC) and the PRAM/NVRAM can solve performance issues on a MacBook Air.

Resetting the SMC:

Shut down your MacBook.
Press Shift + Control + Option + Power Button together for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

The SMC controls low-level functions like battery management and thermal regulation, and resetting it can resolve power and performance issues.

Resetting PRAM/NVRAM:

Shut down your MacBook.
Press Option + Command + P + R simultaneously and hold for about 20 seconds.
Release the keys after the second chime.

This resets your Mac’s memory settings, which can help improve performance and fix minor system glitches.

4. Update macOS and Apps

Running outdated software can result in slow performance. Apple continually releases macOS updates to improve system stability, security, and speed.

How to Update macOS:

Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
If an update is available, click Update Now.

It’s equally important to keep your apps up-to-date. Open the App Store, click on the Updates tab, and update any outdated applications. Updated software is optimized for better performance and will often include bug fixes that could improve speed.

5. Clean Out System Cache and Temporary Files

macOS stores temporary files, including system caches, app caches, and browser caches, which can pile up over time and cause slowdowns. Deleting these files can give your Mac a speed boost.

How to Clear Cache:

Open Finder and click Go in the menu bar.
Select Go to Folder and type ~/Library/Caches/.
Delete the contents of each folder but do not delete the folders themselves.

You can also use third-party tools like CleanMyMac or Onyx to automate the cache cleaning process.

6. Reduce Visual Effects

macOS is visually appealing, with animations and effects designed to enhance user experience. However, these visuals can take a toll on your MacBook’s performance, especially on older models like the 2018 MacBook Air.

How to Reduce Visual Effects:

Go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar.
Uncheck Animate opening applications and Automatically hide and show the Dock.

You can also disable the transparency effects:

Go to System Preferences > Accessibility.
Click Display in the sidebar, then check Reduce Transparency.

Disabling or minimizing these visual effects can lead to noticeable speed improvements.

7. Monitor Activity Using Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor is a built-in macOS tool that provides real-time information about your system’s resource usage. By using it, you can identify apps or processes that are consuming too much CPU or memory.

How to Use Activity Monitor:

Open Activity Monitor (use Spotlight by pressing Command + Space and typing “Activity Monitor”).
Go to the CPU tab to see which processes are using the most resources.
Quit any unnecessary processes by selecting them and clicking the X button in the upper-left corner.

Monitoring resource-hogging apps helps keep your Mac running smoothly.

8. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

Apps take up storage and may run background processes that consume system resources. If you have apps you no longer use, it’s a good idea to uninstall them to free up both storage and memory.

How to Uninstall Apps:

Go to the Applications folder.
Drag the app you want to delete to the Trash.
Don’t forget to empty the Trash after uninstalling.

Some apps leave behind additional files even after being uninstalled. You can use third-party software like AppCleaner to ensure all associated files are removed.

9. Disable Siri Suggestions

Siri Suggestions is a feature in macOS that provides search recommendations and proactively suggests actions based on your usage. While useful, this feature can consume system resources and slow down performance.

How to Disable Siri Suggestions:

Go to System Preferences > Siri & Spotlight.
Uncheck the box next to Show Siri Suggestions in Spotlight and Lookup.

Disabling this feature can improve performance, particularly when using search functions like Spotlight.

10. Upgrade Your Storage to an SSD (Optional)

If you’ve tried all the software solutions above and your 2018 MacBook Air is still slow, consider upgrading the internal storage to a larger or faster SSD. While the 2018 MacBook Air already comes with an SSD, upgrading to a more efficient model with higher storage capacity can further improve read/write speeds.

Unfortunately, upgrading storage is more challenging on modern MacBooks since Apple uses proprietary hardware, and it might void your warranty. If you’re not comfortable with opening up your Mac, consider seeking help from an Apple-certified technician.

11. Run a Malware Scan

Malware or unwanted programs can significantly slow down your Mac’s performance. Even though macOS is generally secure, it’s not immune to malware.

How to Scan for Malware:

Use a reputable tool like Malwarebytes or Avast Security.
Download the app, run a full system scan, and remove any malicious software it finds.

Regularly scanning your Mac for malware can keep it running at peak performance.

12. Consider a Fresh Install of macOS

If none of the above solutions work, it might be time to consider a fresh install of macOS. This will remove all system clutter, and you’ll essentially be starting from scratch with a clean slate.

How to Reinstall macOS:

Back up your data using Time Machine.
Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
Select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions.

Reinstalling macOS will take some time, but it’s a reliable way to speed up your MacBook by eliminating accumulated software issues.

Conclusion

Speeding up your 2018 MacBook Air is a multi-step process that involves optimizing both software and hardware. By clearing out unnecessary files, reducing system demands, managing startup programs, and keeping your macOS updated, you can significantly improve your Mac’s speed and performance. Regular maintenance and occasional hardware upgrades will ensure your MacBook Air runs smoothly for years to come.

Also read:How to Attach Wired Speakers for Mac

FAQs on How to Speed Up Your 2018 MacBook Air

The 2018 MacBook Air is a popular choice for many users due to its sleek design, portability, and ease of use. However, over time, you may notice a slowdown in performance. Whether it’s slower boot times, lagging applications, or delays in loading contacts and other services, you’re likely searching for solutions to get your MacBook back to its fast, responsive self. This blog post covers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to speed up a 2018 MacBook Air, with a focus on optimizing performance.

1. Why is my 2018 MacBook Air running slow?

There are several reasons why your MacBook Air might be running slower than usual. Some common causes include:

Full storage: A near-full hard drive can significantly reduce your Mac’s performance as it struggles to find enough space to perform tasks.
Too many startup items: Programs that automatically launch at startup can slow down your Mac’s boot time.
Background apps and processes: Having too many apps running in the background can use up memory and CPU resources.
Outdated software: Running older versions of macOS or apps can lead to performance issues.
System clutter: Temporary files, caches, and unnecessary system data can accumulate over time, slowing down your Mac.

2. How can I check what is slowing down my MacBook Air?

To identify what’s causing your Mac to slow down, you can use the built-in Activity Monitor:

Open Activity Monitor (search for it using Spotlight by pressing Command + Space).
Check the CPU and Memory tabs to see which apps and processes are using the most resources.
If you notice any unnecessary apps or processes using up a lot of CPU or memory, you can select them and click the X icon to quit.

By regularly monitoring Activity Monitor, you can identify which processes are resource-heavy and optimize your MacBook’s performance accordingly.

3. How do I free up storage on my MacBook Air?

Freeing up storage is essential for maintaining optimal performance on your 2018 MacBook Air. Here are several methods to clear out space:

Delete unnecessary files: Go to the Finder and search for large files. Remove those you no longer need.
Empty the Trash: Files sitting in the Trash still consume space. Make sure to empty it regularly.
Clear Downloads: The Downloads folder can fill up quickly. Review and delete files you no longer need.
Use Storage Management: Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage to enable features like automatic storage optimization, iCloud storage for files, and auto-deletion of old email attachments.

Additionally, using third-party apps like CleanMyMac can automate this process and help you find hidden files that are taking up unnecessary space.

4. Can too many contacts slow down my MacBook Air?

If you have a large number of contacts stored on your MacBook Air, it can slow down the Contacts app. However, this usually isn’t a major contributor to overall system slowdowns. That said, here’s what you can do if the Contacts app feels sluggish:

Clear unnecessary contacts: Review and delete contacts you no longer need.
Disable unnecessary accounts: If you have multiple accounts syncing contacts (e.g., iCloud, Google, Outlook), you may want to disable accounts you no longer use. To do this, go to System Preferences > Internet Accounts and uncheck accounts syncing contacts that are no longer needed.
Rebuild Contacts Database: If the app is still slow, try rebuilding the contacts database by logging out of iCloud, restarting your Mac, and logging back in.

These steps can reduce the load on the Contacts app and improve its speed.

5. How do I manage startup programs on my MacBook Air?

Having too many programs launch at startup can slow down your MacBook’s boot time. To manage which apps launch at startup:

Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
Select your account and click on the Login Items tab.
Review the list of apps, and uncheck any apps you don’t need to start automatically.
To remove an app completely from startup, select it and click the minus (-) button.

By limiting startup programs, your MacBook Air will boot faster and run more smoothly.

6. Should I reset the SMC or PRAM/NVRAM to improve performance?

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and PRAM/NVRAM can help resolve some performance-related issues, especially if your MacBook is experiencing power-related problems (e.g., battery issues, slow wake from sleep, or fan noise).

Resetting the SMC: Shut down your MacBook. Press Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard along with the power button for 10 seconds, then release all keys and turn on your MacBook.
Resetting PRAM/NVRAM: Shut down your MacBook. Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds, then release the keys.

This can resolve minor performance glitches and improve overall system responsiveness.

7. Does updating macOS help speed up my MacBook Air?

Yes, keeping macOS updated is essential for optimal performance. Each update includes bug fixes, security improvements, and performance enhancements that can speed up your MacBook Air. Here’s how to update:

Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
If an update is available, click Update Now.

Make sure to also update your apps via the App Store to ensure they’re optimized for the latest version of macOS.

8. Should I disable visual effects to speed up my MacBook Air?

Disabling or reducing visual effects can free up system resources and improve performance, especially on older MacBook models like the 2018 Air. Here’s how to reduce visual effects:

Go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar and uncheck Animate opening applications and Automatically hide and show the Dock.
To reduce transparency effects, go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display and check Reduce Transparency.

These changes can make a noticeable difference in performance, particularly if your Mac is running slower than usual.

9. Can too many browser tabs slow down my MacBook Air?

Yes, having too many tabs open in browsers like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox can significantly slow down your MacBook Air. Browsers are resource-intensive, and each tab uses memory and CPU.

To improve performance:

Close unused tabs.
Use a tab management tool or browser extensions that help consolidate tabs.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies regularly.

Limiting the number of tabs you have open will free up memory and keep your Mac running smoothly.

10. When should I consider reinstalling macOS to improve speed?

If your MacBook Air is still running slow after trying all of the above methods, you may want to consider reinstalling macOS. A clean install can remove clutter, old files, and system errors that may be slowing down your computer.

Before reinstalling macOS:

Back up your data using Time Machine.
Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
Select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions.

A fresh installation can give your Mac a new lease on life and restore its original speed.