If your Mac is getting slower and slower, the fans spin up as soon as you open your browser and you start to notice strange errors when browsing or using appsYou're not alone. Behind those symptoms could be hardware problems, macOS issues, security vulnerabilities, or even browser extensions that have crept in over time.
In this complete guide you will see how diagnose and fix tracking problems in macOS and in the browsers on your MacCombining official Apple tools, special boot modes, system utilities, and solutions against malware and malicious extensions. The idea is to follow a structured approach: first rule out hardware, then system software, then browsers, and finally, security.
Differentiate between hardware, system, and browser problems
Before you start messing with settings willy-nilly, it's a good idea to determine if the problem stems from physical Mac failures, macOS errors, or browser conflictsEach origin has its own method of diagnosis and repair.
When we talk about “tracking problems” on a Mac, we are referring to both how the system and browser access the disk, the network, or internal resources, as well as to possible unwanted tracking Your activity can be compromised by malware, adware, or intrusive extensions. That's why it's crucial to check the status of your hardware, operating system, and browsers.
Some typical symptoms to keep in mind are slowdowns when opening websites, strange changes to the homepage, popup windows that you've never seen before, applications that stop responding for no apparent reason, or random failures when working with heavy programs like Logic Pro or design tools.
If you've already tried reinstalling macOS or running an antivirus scan and everything is still the same, the next logical step is follow a more structured diagnostic path, starting with the utilities that Apple includes as standard and continuing with advanced settings.
Check your hardware using Apple Diagnostics
The first filter to rule out serious problems is Apple Diagnostics, an integrated tool that analyzes the internal state of the Mac: motherboard, memory, wireless components, graphics card, battery, and other key hardware elements.
This utility works even if your Mac can't boot into macOS, because it runs in its own environment. That means you can use it to detect physical errors that could be causing crashes, overheating, or general slownessbefore blaming the system or the browser.
Keep in mind one important detail: Apple Diagnostics does not check external peripherals It doesn't check for USB drives, nor does it test internal third-party devices (such as unofficial PCI cards), nor does it analyze for software conflicts, extensions, or macOS-specific issues. It's a fairly thorough hardware test, but it doesn't cover everything.
If no error codes appear after running this tool, the problem likely lies in macOS installation, drivers, corrupted configurations, or malwareand not so much in the physical part of the Mac.
How to prepare your Mac before running Apple Diagnostics
Before launching the test, it's advisable to prepare the environment to ensure the results are as clear as possible and avoid false positives. This preparation also helps to detect if the tracing problem is caused by any conflicting external or peripheral device.
The first thing is to make sure that your Mac It is updated to the latest version of macOS Make sure it's compatible with your model. Apple often fixes bugs that affect performance, networking, or power management, so staying up-to-date is always a plus.
Next, shut down your Mac normally from the Apple menu. If it doesn't respond, press and hold the power button for up to [duration missing]. 10 seconds until the machine turns off completelyOn laptops with Touch ID, this button also acts as the power button.
Unplug everything that's not essential: leave it alone keyboard, mouse, monitor, power cable and, if you use it, Ethernet connectionAny external drives, USB hubs, adapters, or added accessories must be disconnected so that the diagnostics can focus on the Mac itself.
Finally, make sure the equipment is placed on a rigid, flat and well-ventilated surfaceAvoid sofas, beds, or blankets, as they hinder cooling and can alter the results, especially if the problem is related to high temperatures.
Run the diagnostic according to the type of Mac
The specific steps to enter Apple Diagnostics vary slightly depending on your Mac. Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, etc.) or Intel processorBut the logic is the same: start the computer in a special mode and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
During the process, the system may ask you to select a language for the test, although in many cases Apple Diagnostics will remember your usual language It will then proceed directly to the test without asking you anything. For older computers, the equivalent tool is Apple Hardware Test, which is operated using the cursor keys and the Enter key.
In recent versions of macOS (for example, macOS Tahoe 26 and later), the interface lets you choose specific diagnoses for certain components, such as the integrated screen, keyboard, or trackpad. In previous versions, the scan was usually more automated and checked all modules at once.
When the analysis is complete, the screen will display a summary of the results, and if there are any errors, you will see one or more reference codes accompanied by a brief descriptionThese codes are key to understanding which component is causing problems and serve as a guide if you need technical assistance.
Interpret the results and use the reference codes
If the tool indicates that “No problems have been found”This means the test didn't detect any errors in the components it checked. However, that doesn't guarantee your Mac is perfect: there may be rare or intermittent faults that don't appear in this test, or purely software problems that aren't addressed here.
When error codes appear, it is essential write them down accuratelyApple publishes official listings where you can check the exact meaning of each Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test reference code, which helps to translate those acronyms into something understandable.
In many cases, Apple Diagnostics will offer you a link to send the results directly to Apple Technical SupportUpon accepting, the Mac restarts in Recovery mode, Safari opens, and the Service and Support page loads with more information about the received code and recommended steps.
When the utility company recommends professional repair, it's a good idea to go to a Apple Store, an Authorized Service Provider, or a qualified independent repairerHaving the reference code written down greatly speeds up the work, as the technician knows from the very beginning which component is most likely to be failing.
What to do if the diagnostic process doesn't start
There are times when, no matter how closely you follow the procedure, The hardware test fails to startOne of the most common causes is having a firmware password configured, which blocks certain boot modes to prevent unauthorized access.
If you suspect you may have that protection activated, you will need to Disable the firmware password from Recovery mode Before attempting the diagnostic again, restart your Mac by holding down Command (⌘) + R until the recovery utility appears.
Within that environment, enter the firmware password when prompted and, from the top menu bar, open the section Utilities and select the firmware password or startup security optionThere you can deactivate it by re-entering the password.
Once that protection is disabled, restart your Mac normally and run Apple Diagnostics again. Without the firmware barrierThe tool should start up correctly and allow you to analyze the hardware without any problems.
Reset NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC after the test
When the hardware appears to be fine but the system behavior remains strange, a very effective measure is reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMCThese memory areas and controllers store delicate settings that, if corrupted, can cause anything from boot errors to strange power consumption.
NVRAM and PRAM store values such as sound volume, time zone, brightness, screen resolution, or boot diskThe SMC (System Management Controller) controls elements such as temperature, fans, battery, hibernation, and power management.
If you continue to suffer after a correct diagnosis slowdowns, fan problems, failures to wake from sleep, or seemingly random errorsIt's worth trying these types of internal restarts, as they often return the system to a more stable state.
Note that if you have an active firmware password, you will need to disable it again to reset the NVRAM/PRAM, as explained in the previous section, since this type of operation... They have additional security restrictions..
Steps to reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC
The process for resetting these components depends on whether your Mac uses an Apple T2 chip, whether it's a desktop or a laptop, and whether the battery is removable or notIt's important to clearly identify your model before proceeding.
To reset NVRAM/PRAM, once you have disabled the firmware password if you had one, restart your Mac and hold down the keys Option + Command (⌘) + P + R for about 20 seconds As soon as you hear the startup chime or see the Apple logo, you'll notice the computer appears to restart during that time, which is normal.
You can release the keys when you hear the startup chime again or when the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time. From that moment on, The settings stored in NVRAM/PRAM are restored to their default values.So some system preferences (such as time zone or boot disk) may need to be adjusted again.
For the SMC, you first need to know if your Mac integrates the Apple T2 security chipGo to the Apple menu, hold down the Option key, and select System Information. In the sidebar, choose "Driver" or "iBridge" and check if the T2 is listed; if so, you'll need to follow the specific methods for that chip.
When referring to laptops with T2, shut down the Mac, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, release it, wait a few more seconds, and turn it back on. For desktop computers with T2, you must shut down, Disconnect the power cord for 15 secondsPlug it back in, wait 5 seconds, and turn on the device normally.
If your Mac doesn't have a T2 slot, the procedure varies: on laptops with a non-removable battery, shut down the computer, hold down the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds, and then release them to turn it on; on models with a removable battery, you will need to Remove the battery, then press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.Replace the battery and turn it on. On desktop computers without a T2, the process is similar to the one explained above: turn it off, unplug it for 15 seconds, plug it in, wait 5 seconds, and turn it on.
Use Safe Mode to isolate software and trace issues
If the hardware appears to be healthy, the focus should shift to the system and applications. A very effective way to locate conflicts is Start your Mac in Safe Mode, a reduced environment in which only the essential components are loaded.
This mode prevents most of the following from being executed: login elements, system extensions, plugins, and third-party processesThat's why it's so useful when you suspect that a tracking problem, slowness, or strange behavior is caused by an app or extension that loads at startup without you noticing.
On Macs with Apple Silicon, you must shut down the computer, turn it back on, and hold down the power button until you see the boot options screenOnce there, you select the boot disk, hold down the Shift key and click on “Continue in safe mode”.
On Macs with an Intel processor, simply turn on or restart the computer and hold down the Shift key until the login window appears. When you see the words “Secure Boot” in the upper right corner, you'll know you've successfully entered that mode.
If the problem disappears in Safe Mode but reappears when booting in normal mode, it is quite likely that the source is in third-party software, extensions, launchers, or even malware that seeps into the initial system load.
Reinstall macOS without erasing your data
When the system has gradually become filled with junk, poorly applied updates, problematic drivers, or remnants of improperly uninstalled software, sometimes the quickest solution is Reinstall macOS from the Recovery utilityThis process, if done correctly, does not delete your documents or photos, but it does reinstall all system files.
To enter macOS Recovery, make sure your Mac has an internet connection. On computers with an Apple chip, turn on your computer and Press and hold the power button until the boot options appearSelect “Options” and click “Continue”.
On computers with an Intel processor, turn on the Mac and, as soon as you do so, Press Command (⌘) + R and hold the keys until you see the Apple logo or a rotating globe. The system will then prompt you to choose a user and, if applicable, enter your password.
Within the Utilities window, select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the on-screen instructions. If you are prompted to unlock the disk, use the same password you normally use to log in to your MacAs long as the disk appears correctly in Disk Utility, you shouldn't lose your personal files.
If the disk displays warning messages or is not recognized, you may need to use "Erase Contents and Settings" or format the drive from Disk Utility, which involves You should make a backup beforehand using Time Machine or another solutionThe reinstallation may involve several restarts; let it finish without forcing shutdowns.
Detect malware and tracking programs on macOS
Just because Apple has a reputation for being a secure platform doesn't mean it's immune. These days, Macs can still be infected with malware. malware, adware, Trojans, or tracking tools that sneak in through dubious downloads, fake updates, or malicious links.
The most common warning signs are a Performance well below normal, many pop-up windows appearing, strange redirects when opening the browser, changes to the home page that you haven't touched, unknown applications or processes that eat up the CPU without explanation.
It's also suspicious if your contacts start receiving strange messages or spam from your email or social media accountsIn that case, it's possible that a piece of malware is trying to spread by exploiting your credentials.
To locate these types of threats, you need to combine the use of built-in macOS tools (Activity Monitor, login settings, Disk Utility, safe mode) with trusted antivirus solutions that add real-time protection and on-demand scans.
Activity Monitor, startup items, and app auditing
One of the quickest ways to see what your Mac is doing in the background is to open the Activity Monitor from Applications > UtilitiesThere you can check, in real time, the CPU, memory, disk and network usage of each process.
Sort the CPU tab by “% CPU” and look at any unknown processes that appear at the top. If you see strange names consuming a lot of resources, Search for them online to check if they are part of macOS or potentially malicious.You can do the same with processes that saturate memory or the network.
Another critical point is the startup items and extensionsThese are accessible in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions (in recent versions of macOS). Review each item that loads at login and disable or remove anything you don't remember installing.
To complete the review, open the Applications folder from the Finder and carefully review what you have installed. Uninstall any program with a generic name or one you don't recognize.Especially if it arrived packaged with other installers. The less junk you have, the easier it will be to pinpoint the source of the problems.
As a further measure, installing a lightweight and reliable antivirus solution allows you to perform fast and comprehensive on-demand analysis and activate real-time protectionso that the system checks every file you download or run and blocks known threats before they can harm you.
Clean browser extensions and stop web tracking
A significant portion of tracking problems and unusual behavior originate within the browser itself. Malicious extensions, outdated toolbars, adware scripts, or changes to the homepage can all contribute. hijack Safari, Chrome or Firefox without you even noticing.
In Safari, go to Settings and open the tab ExtensionsCheck which ones you have installed and Uninstall any add-ons you don't use or don't remember adding.Many adware programs disguise themselves as supposed accelerators, converters, or video tools.
In other browsers, the process is similar: go into settings, locate the extensions or add-ons section, and remove any suspicious ones. While you're at it, make sure that The homepage and default search engine are the ones you want. and not others who have slipped you in.
If your browser continues to behave erratically, consider resetting it to factory settings from its own settings menus. This clears caches, site data, and extensions, and may help. manage cache and cookieswhich can cut it off at the root aggressive redirects and crawling that the antivirus does not detect.
Combine a thorough browser cleaning with the use of reputable content blockers and each browser's privacy options help a lot to reduce advertising tracking and certain tracking techniques based on third-party scripts or cookies.
Take advantage of macOS Recovery and advanced tools
If, despite cleaning extensions, checking processes, and running antivirus scans, you continue to notice strange things, it may be time to resort to... the most powerful tools that macOS Recovery offersThey are not only used to reinstall the system, but also to repair disks and manually work on problematic files.
From the recovery environment you can open the Disk Utility and run First Aid on your startup disk. This analyzes the file system structure, corrects logical errors, and repairs permissions, sometimes resolving performance issues or persistent crashes.
More experienced users can open Terminal in recovery mode and Manually remove suspicious startup agents and hidden scripts or malware remnants that cannot be removed during a normal boot. This is an advanced option that should be used with caution to avoid corrupting essential system files.
When the system is so compromised that malware reappears repeatedly, or the system behaves chaotically after each reboot, it may be time to take a more radical step: erase the entire disk and reinstall macOS from scratchHowever, this should only be done as a last resort and always after you have backed up your important data.
A clean installation, accompanied by a selective restoration of files (not suspicious applications), is usually the safest way to ensure that No trace remains of malware, invasive extensions, or corrupted configurations.
This entire diagnostic process—hardware, NVRAM/PRAM and SMC reset, Safe Mode, review of extensions and processes, malware analysis, and, if necessary, reinstallation or recovery— You'll get a pretty accurate photograph. of what is happening on your Mac and you will be able to tackle both tracking problems in macOS and conflicts in your browsers, leaving the computer agile, stable and under your control again.
