Cryptocurrency mining has long been associated with high-powered hardware, soaring electricity bills, and complex setups. For many, the idea of mining at home starts with one pressing question: Can I use the computer I already own? If you're using a Mac powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 silicon chips, you’re likely wondering whether these sleek, energy-efficient processors can double as crypto miners.
The short answer is yes — you can mine cryptocurrency on Apple M1 and M2 devices. But there's a major caveat: while technically feasible, the profitability is extremely low, and the practicality is questionable. Let’s dive into what’s possible, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time.
Mining Crypto on the Apple M1 Chip
Apple introduced the M1 chip in November 2020, marking a major shift from Intel processors to its own custom silicon. The M1 brought impressive performance and energy efficiency to MacBooks and iMacs, leading some tech enthusiasts to explore its potential beyond everyday computing — including cryptocurrency mining.
While the M1 wasn’t designed for mining, it can mine certain cryptocurrencies using its CPU and GPU resources. However, don’t expect miracles. The hash rate — a measure of mining performance — maxes out at around 5 megahashes per second (MH/s), with real-world results often closer to 2 MH/s, especially when mining Ethereum before the network transitioned to proof-of-stake.
For context, specialized mining rigs using ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) can achieve over 100 terahashes per second (TH/s) — that’s more than 20 million times faster than the M1’s output. Even mid-tier GPUs used for mining typically deliver hash rates tens of thousands of times higher.
Is M1 Mining Profitable?
In a word: barely.
A notable experiment by software engineer Yifan Gu demonstrated that an M1 Mac could mine Ethereum at approximately 2 MH/s. At that rate, daily earnings amounted to less than $0.15** — roughly **$50 per year before electricity and wear-and-tear costs. After expenses, profits were negligible.
While the M1 chip is highly energy-efficient, efficiency doesn’t translate directly into mining success. High efficiency means lower power consumption, but without sufficient computational power, profitability remains out of reach.
Additionally, mining places heavy, sustained loads on your system. Running mining software 24/7 can lead to:
- Increased fan noise and heat buildup
- Accelerated battery degradation (especially on MacBook models)
- Reduced lifespan of internal components
This makes continuous mining impractical if you also plan to use your Mac for work, browsing, or entertainment.
And let’s not forget: Ethereum no longer supports mining after the Ethereum 2.0 Merge in 2022. That eliminates one of the few viable GPU-friendly coins previously accessible to Mac users.
Bitcoin mining? Forget it. Bitcoin relies almost entirely on ASIC miners, which are orders of magnitude more powerful than any consumer-grade CPU or GPU — including those in Apple’s silicon lineup.
Mining Crypto on the Apple M2 Chip
Apple’s M2 chip, released in June 2022, offers modest improvements over the M1: faster CPU and GPU performance, higher memory bandwidth, and better neural engine capabilities. But like its predecessor, the M2 was built for productivity, creativity, and efficiency — not for crypto mining.
There is limited public data on M2 mining performance, but early tests suggest only marginal gains over the M1. Even with a slightly higher processing speed, the M2 still maxes out in the same low MH/s range, making it equally unsuitable for profitable mining.
Bitcoin remains completely out of reach due to its extreme mining difficulty and reliance on ASICs. As for alternative coins (altcoins), only a few lightweight or experimental cryptocurrencies might be mineable on an M2 — but again, profits would be negligible.
Moreover, newer Macs come with tighter thermal throttling and system management. Prolonged high-load tasks like mining trigger aggressive cooling responses, which can throttle performance and reduce effective hash rates even further.
Core Considerations Before Mining on Apple Silicon
Before repurposing your Mac as a miner, consider these key factors:
- Low Hash Rate: Both M1 and M2 chips deliver minimal mining power compared to dedicated hardware.
- No Major Mineable Coins Supported: Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake removed the most accessible option for GPU miners.
- Thermal and Hardware Stress: Continuous mining can overheat your device and shorten its lifespan.
- Opportunity Cost: Tying up your primary computer in a near-zero-profit venture may not be worth it.
- Better Alternatives Exist: Entry-level GPUs or cloud mining services offer far better returns.
If you're determined to experiment, focus on low-difficulty altcoins like Monero (XMR) or Ravencoin (RVN), which are more CPU-friendly. However, always verify current network conditions and profitability using online calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mine Bitcoin on an M1 or M2 Mac?
A: No. Bitcoin mining requires ASIC miners with extremely high hash rates. The M1 and M2 chips lack the necessary power and are not viable for Bitcoin mining.
Q: Is it safe to mine crypto on my MacBook?
A: While technically possible, running intensive mining software for extended periods can cause overheating, battery degradation, and reduced system longevity. It's not recommended for daily-use devices.
Q: What cryptocurrencies can I mine with an M1 or M2 chip?
A: You might mine low-difficulty coins like Monero or experimental tokens using CPU-based miners. However, profitability is minimal, and earnings may not cover electricity costs.
Q: Did Ethereum mining work on M1 Macs before?
A: Yes — prior to the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade in 2022, developers successfully mined Ethereum on M1 Macs using modified software like Ethminer. However, Ethereum now uses proof-of-stake and no longer supports mining.
Q: Does Apple allow crypto mining on its devices?
A: Apple does not explicitly ban mining, but doing so may violate warranty terms if hardware damage occurs due to overheating or overuse.
Q: Can I use my Mac normally while mining?
A: Not effectively. Mining consumes nearly all available processing power and generates significant heat, making regular usage uncomfortable or impossible during operation.
👉 See how next-gen platforms simplify digital asset access — no mining required.
While Apple’s M1 and M2 chips showcase remarkable engineering in efficiency and performance, they were never intended to compete with dedicated mining rigs. Using them for crypto mining is more of a technical curiosity than a viable income stream.
If you’re interested in entering the world of cryptocurrency without investing in expensive hardware, consider alternatives like staking, yield farming, or trading — all of which require no physical mining equipment.
For those who still want to experiment: go ahead, try it once. But manage your expectations. You won’t get rich — but you might gain a deeper appreciation for just how powerful modern ASIC miners really are.
👉 Start your crypto journey today with tools designed for real-world results.
Final Verdict
Yes, crypto mining on Apple M1 and M2 silicon is possible — but it's not profitable, not sustainable, and not practical for serious miners. It may satisfy curiosity or serve educational purposes, but if you're looking to generate meaningful returns from cryptocurrency, you’ll need better tools than a MacBook.
Stick to what your Mac does best: creating, coding, browsing — and let the dedicated hardware handle the mining.