Apple MacBook Pro F‑series error codes typically appear when you run Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test and the system detects issues with cooling, fans, temperature sensors, or related power and logic‑board circuits. These codes help pinpoint where the hardware is failing or operating outside safe limits, especially in modern thin-and-light designs that run hot under load.
This hub consolidates the most common F‑series MacBook Pro error codes in one place so you can quickly understand what each code means, how serious it is, and where to go for deep, step‑by‑step repair and troubleshooting instructions.
Summary of Apple MacBook Pro F‑Series Error Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F21 | General hardware diagnostic fault, often related to thermal or fan behavior. |
| F30 | Fan or thermal management error detected by the system. |
| F32 | Cooling or fan fault affecting airflow and internal temperatures. |
| F40 | Logic‑board or power‑related diagnostic error impacting system stability. |
| F50 | Hardware subsystem fault, commonly tied to sensors or power rails. |
| F60 | Thermal chain or system management controller–related error. |
| F70 | Cooling or fan fault that may cause overheating or shutdowns. |
| F80 | Fan speed or over‑temperature condition detected during diagnostics. |
| F90 | Persistent cooling or fan performance problem under load. |
| F101 | Cooling or fan fault reported by internal temperature monitoring. |
| F102 | Hardware error in the cooling path or associated sensors. |
| F103 | Fan or thermal fault leading to aggressive throttling or shutdown. |
| F104 | Cooling or fan fault, often linked to clogged vents or failing fans. |
| F105 | Advanced thermal management error requiring detailed diagnosis. |
| F106 | Cooling subsystem error that may indicate sensor or SMC issues. |
| F107 | Fan control or thermal protection fault triggered under stress. |
| F108 | Ongoing cooling or airflow issue affecting system temperatures. |
| F109 | Diagnostic code for cooling performance or related circuitry. |
| F110 | Hardware error associated with fan operation or thermal sensors. |
| F111 | Severe cooling or fan fault that can lead to repeated shutdowns. |
F21: Apple MacBook Pro ‘F21’ Error Code Guide (Real‑World Fixes)
The F21 error code indicates that Apple Diagnostics has detected a general hardware fault, frequently tied to abnormal thermal readings or inconsistent fan operation. It can be triggered by dust buildup, a failing fan, or sensor issues that cause the system to misread internal temperatures.
F30: Apple MacBook Pro F30 Fix: Fan / Thermal Error Code Guide
F30 is a fan or thermal error code that appears when the cooling system cannot maintain safe temperatures, often due to a stalled fan, obstructed vents, or degraded thermal paste. Left unresolved, it can cause throttling, loud fan noise, or unexpected shutdowns under load.
F32: Apple MacBook Pro F32 Error Code Guide (Cooling / Fan Fault)
The F32 code points to a cooling or fan fault, signaling that airflow or temperature regulation is not functioning within normal parameters. This may be caused by physical fan damage, worn bearings, or long‑term dust accumulation inside the MacBook Pro chassis.
F40: Apple MacBook Pro F40 Error Code Fix
F40 typically indicates a deeper logic‑board or power‑related diagnostic error that can impact overall system stability and thermal behavior. It may be associated with power delivery to the fans or sensors, requiring careful inspection and, in some cases, professional board‑level repair.
F50: Apple MacBook Pro “F50” Error Code Guide & Fix
The F50 error code flags a hardware subsystem fault, often tied to temperature sensors, fan tachometers, or related power rails on the logic board. Symptoms can include erratic fan ramping, inaccurate temperature reporting, or diagnostics failing repeatedly at the same stage.
F60: Apple MacBook Pro F60 Error Code Guide
F60 usually points to issues in the thermal chain or system management controller, where the MacBook Pro cannot correctly coordinate fan speed and temperature data. This can emerge after liquid damage, previous repairs, or firmware/SMC irregularities that disrupt normal cooling control.
F70: Apple MacBook Pro F70 Fix: Cooling / Fan Fault Code Guide
The F70 error code is a clear sign of a cooling or fan fault, commonly triggered when fans fail to spin up to the commanded speed. If ignored, it increases the risk of overheating, thermal throttling, and shortened component lifespan.
F80: Apple MacBook Pro F80 Error Code Fix Guide
F80 is associated with fan speed anomalies or over‑temperature conditions detected during Apple Diagnostics. It often shows up on systems that run hot under sustained workloads or where one or more fans are partially obstructed or failing mechanically.
F90: Apple MacBook Pro F90 Error Code Fix Guide
The F90 code indicates a persistent cooling or fan performance problem, especially under high CPU or GPU load. This can result from aging thermal paste, worn‑out fans, or inadequate external ventilation around the MacBook Pro.
F101: Apple MacBook Pro F101 Error Code Guide (Cooling / Fan Fault)
F101 is a cooling or fan fault reported by the MacBook Pro’s internal temperature monitoring systems. It often points to subtle problems such as intermittent fan stalls, marginal bearings, or borderline thermal conditions that only manifest during stress tests.
F102: Apple MacBook Pro F102 Error Code Fix Guide
The F102 error code identifies a hardware problem somewhere in the cooling path or associated sensor network. Depending on the model, it can indicate issues with specific fans, heat pipes, or thermal sensors attached to major components like the CPU or GPU.
F103: Apple MacBook Pro F103 Error Code Guide (Fan / Thermal Fault Fix)
F103 is a fan or thermal fault code that typically surfaces when protection mechanisms are forced to intervene, such as emergency fan ramping or thermal shutdown. Systems with F103 may run loud, feel excessively hot, or shut down abruptly during intensive tasks.
F104: Apple MacBook Pro F104 Error Code Guide (Cooling / Fan Fault Fix)
The F104 code marks a cooling or fan fault that is often associated with clogged vents, dust‑choked heatsinks, or failing exhaust fans. Over time, these issues can significantly reduce cooling efficiency and raise internal temperatures well above design targets.
F105: Apple MacBook Pro F105 Error Code Guide & Fix
F105 represents an advanced thermal management error where one or more components consistently operate near or beyond safe thermal limits. It can be related to inadequate contact between the heatsink and chips, improperly applied thermal materials, or long‑term wear.
F106: Apple MacBook Pro F106 Error Code Fix Guide
The F106 code signals a cooling subsystem error that may involve temperature sensors, fan controllers, or the SMC firmware that orchestrates them. Diagnosis typically requires correlating fan behavior, temperature logs, and any recent repairs or liquid exposure.
F107: Apple MacBook Pro F107 Error Code Fix Guide
F107 usually points to a fan control or thermal protection fault that is triggered when the system is placed under sustained computational stress. Affected machines may exhibit rapid fan ramping, thermal throttling, or failures to maintain maximum performance.
F108: Apple MacBook Pro F108 Error Code Fix Guide
The F108 error code indicates an ongoing cooling or airflow issue that prevents the MacBook Pro from stabilizing its internal temperatures. This might be due to obstructed air intakes, environmental heat, or hardware faults in one of the cooling components.
F109: Apple MacBook Pro F109 Error Code Fix Guide
F109 is a diagnostic code related to cooling performance or its supporting circuitry, such as fan power lines or control signals. Without proper attention, it can evolve into more severe thermal errors and frequent protective shutdowns.
F110: Apple MacBook Pro F110 Error Code Guide
The F110 code highlights a hardware error associated with fan operation or nearby thermal sensors that feed data to the SMC. It can be intermittent at first, making thorough testing and monitoring essential to confirm the root cause.
F111: Apple MacBook Pro F111 Error Code Fix Guide
F111 generally indicates a severe cooling or fan fault that prevents the MacBook Pro from maintaining a safe operating temperature. Systems with this code are at high risk for repeated shutdowns and potential long‑term damage if not repaired promptly.
General Maintenance Tips to Prevent Apple MacBook Pro F‑Series Errors
- Keep vents and fans clear by periodically cleaning dust from the intake and exhaust areas with compressed air and avoiding soft surfaces that block airflow.
- Operate your MacBook Pro in a cool, well‑ventilated environment and avoid prolonged use in direct sunlight or on insulating materials like blankets and pillows.
- Schedule regular internal cleanings and thermal paste refreshes on older systems, especially if you notice higher temperatures, louder fans, or reduced performance.
- Install macOS updates and SMC/firmware updates promptly, as they can contain improvements to thermal management and fan control behavior.
- At the first sign of persistent thermal or fan‑related error codes, back up your data and consult detailed repair guides or a qualified technician to prevent further damage.