If your Macbook won't turn on - that's not a reason to worry. According to the Macrepublic service center specialists, every second Apple laptop that suddenly turned off and does not want to turn on is easily reanimated at home.
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Let's take a closer look at how this happens.
Check Monitor
First of all, you need to exclude a malfunction of the display. The Macbook Pro screen may not turn on and the rest of the system may be working properly. If during startup you hear the fan noise, the indication works and the OS boot melody is heard, but the screen remains black, then it is hidden in it. Only the service center can fix the problem.
Check power
The most common reason that Pro, Air, Retina, Macbook will not turn on is the lack of power. Therefore, if such problems arise, perform the following actions:
Check the power cord connections to the adapter and outlet.
Make sure the outlet is working.
Recheck the cord and adapter on other devices.
Check the integrity of the charging plug. Clean it from dust and debris.
Eliminate the likelihood of battery failure
Other ways to turn on your Macbook
- disconnect the gadget from the network;
- remove the battery;
- press the "Power" key and hold for 5-10 seconds;
- put the battery back;
- try turning on the laptop again.
When the MacBook overheats, a shutdown is also observed. You can turn on the device only after complete cooling.
If Pro, Air, Retina, Macbook does not turn on after the update, boot is performed in safe mode, holding down the "Shift" button during startup.
Failure of the controller or memory modules can also prevent the Macbook from turning on. A reboot and a complete power off for 10 seconds will help to fix the failure.
If Pro, Air, Retina, Macbook does not turn on, you can try resetting the system management controller. A reset is performed by synchronously pressing the Option, Control, Shift, and Power keys. In this case, the power cord must be connected to the laptop, and the buttons are released at the same time. After that, you can try to turn on the MacBook again.
Another way to proceed if the Macbook Pro screen does not turn on is to restart the PRAM / NVRAM. The restart is performed by pressing and holding the Power, Option, R and P buttons until the black screen turns gray and a reboot occurs.
A power surge or a power failure can also cause your MacBook not to turn on. Power control is carried out by "Power Manager", it also blocks the inclusion of the laptop. The following actions will help to disable the manager's action: When the MacBook overheats, a shutdown is also observed. You can turn on the device only after complete cooling.
If your Mac is frozen and unresponsive, a forced restart should help. To do this, press and hold the power button until the Mac screen turns off, and then turn on the computer as usual.
Attention! With this shutdown, unsaved data in applications will most likely be lost.
2. Removing removable media
Eject (⏏) or F12
During a crash of a Mac with an optical drive and a disc inside, the system may fail to boot from it and freeze. Press the ⏏ (Eject) or F12 key on your keyboard, or press and hold the mouse or trackpad button to eject the media.
3. Selecting a boot disk
If your Mac has multiple disks installed and the system cannot boot from the default disk, you can open the bootable disks selection dialog and select the desired media manually. To do this, press and hold the ⌥ (Option) key immediately after turning on the computer.
4. Boot from CD or DVD
Likewise, you can instruct your Mac to boot from disk from the built-in or external optical drive. In this case, press and hold the C key on the keyboard.
5. Download from server
⌥N (Option + N)
Once you have a NetBoot server on your local computer that has a bootable system image, you can try to start the Mac using it. To do this, press and hold the ⌥N (Option + N) key combination.
This boot method does not work on computers with an Apple T2 processor.
6. Run in Target Disk Mode
If your Mac doesn't want to start up, you can put it in Target Disk Mode and copy important files by connecting it to another computer using a FireWire, Thunderbolt, or USB-C cable. To start in this mode, press and hold the T key when turning on.
7. Run in verbose mode
⌘V (Command + V)
By default, macOS does not display a detailed startup log, showing only a loading bar. If problems arise, you can enable a verbose log to help you understand at what stage of the download the error occurs. To do this, when turned on, press the shortcut ⌘V (Command + V).
8. Start in Safe Mode
When your Mac won't boot normally, it's worth trying to launch Safe Mode. It checks the disk and turns on only the basic components of the system, which allows you to determine which named programs or services are causing errors. Press and hold the ⇧ (Shift) key to boot to Safe Mode.
9. Single user mode
⌘S (Command + S)
This mode starts the system in an even more stripped down version - only the command line is available in it. Nevertheless, with its help, specialists will be able to diagnose and correct errors if any. To start in single-user mode, press the keyboard shortcut ⌘S (Command + S).
10. Run diagnostics
macOS has built-in hardware diagnostic software to help diagnose hardware problems. Press and hold D to start diagnostics.
11. Run network diagnostics
⌥D (Option + D)
If the boot disk is damaged, then the diagnostic test will not work. In such cases, network diagnostics can help, allowing you to run the test over the Internet. To do this, press the combination ⌥D (Option + D)
12. Recovery mode
⌘R (Command + R)
When booted in recovery mode, you can access Disk Utility, reinstall macOS, and restore data from a created backup. Press and hold ⌘R (Command + R) to enter recovery mode.
If you have a firmware password set on your Mac, you will need to enter it.
13. Network Recovery Mode
⌥⌘R (Option + Command + R)
A mode similar to the previous one, which, in the presence of the Internet, allows you to reinstall macOS by downloading the system distribution kit directly from Apple servers. To use it, press ⌥⌘R (Option + Command + R).
14. Reset NVRAM or PRAM
⌥⌘PR (Option + Command + P + R)
If you have problems with the display, speakers, cooling fans, or other Mac components, you can try to resolve them by resetting NVRAM or PRAM. To do this, press and hold the ⌥⌘PR keys (Option + Command + P + R) at startup.
If you have a firmware password set on your Mac, this method will not work.
15. Reset SMC
A more drastic reset is to revert to the default System Management Controller (SMC) settings. It is applied if the previous method did not help. Resetting the SMC is performed differently depending on the Mac model.
On stationary computers shut down your Mac, unplug the power cord, and wait 15 seconds. Then reconnect the cable, wait five seconds and press the power button to turn it on.
On laptops with a removable battery you must turn off your Mac, remove the battery, and then press and hold the power button for five seconds. After that, you need to install the battery and press the button to turn it on.
On laptops with a non-removable battery shut down your Mac and hold down Shift + Command + Option with the power button for ten seconds. After that, release all keys and press the power button to turn on.
On a MacBook Pro with Touch ID, the sensor button is also the power button.
In this article, we will break down 6 main reasons why your MacBook may not turn on. We will tell you about possible home diagnostics and try to help you troubleshoot.
Let's immediately determine what "does not turn on" in this article, we mean the state of the computer in which it does not react in any way to pressing the power button, whether it is when the charger is connected or not.
This article will most likely be useless if your MacBook, after pressing the power button:
- emits a turn-on sound
- the fan noise is heard
- the sleep indicator lights up (if available)
- when you press the Caps Lock key, it lights up
Top Reasons MacBook Won't Turn On
- One of the most common reasons for "not turning on" is a breakdown of the power supply. The most common failure is the MagSafe magnetic tip. The main cause of failure is twisting of the wire and, as a result, damage to the internal contacts of the tip. In this case, you either need to replace the charging lead with the MagSafe tip or buy an original charger. To test this hypothesis, connect a known working power supply to the computer. In the absence of such, take your computer with you to work, and on the way, drop into any store that sells original Apple chargers. Ask to connect the charger to the computer and if everything works, you can immediately purchase it.
- Malfunction of peripheral devices can also cause this breakdown. Turn off one device at a time, and after turning off each device, try turning on your Mac. If at some point it turns on, then the problem was in the last disconnected device.
- SMC System Management Controller Failure The main symptoms of failure of this controller are the following:
- no reaction to pressing the power button
- the indicator light on the power supply unit is not working properly. For example, it does not light up when connected to a computer.
- connect the charger to the MacBook then simultaneously squeeze and release The following buttons are Shift + Ctrl + Alt + Power button (on MacBooks starting in 2016, the Touch ID button is the power button). Pay attention to the indicator light on the power supply; in case of a successful reset, it should go out and re-light up at the beginning in green and then in orange. More details about resetting SMC can be found on the Apple website at the link
- If resetting the SMC does not help, you can try disconnecting the battery for 5-10 seconds.
- Deep or complete discharge of the battery. In terms of its symptoms, deep discharge is very similar to paragraph 3 of this article. This problem is solved by resetting the SMC controller, or you can also try disconnecting the battery from the motherboard.
- Failure of the ON button. Perhaps the main and only reason why the power button may break is the external factor of liquid getting on the keyboard. The fact is that since 2008 the power button has been built into the keyboard and its contacts go through it directly to the motherboard. In this connection, the liquid that got on the keyboard can "touch" the conductive tracks of the power button and damage them. In order to exclude this outcome, it is necessary to disconnect the keyboard from the motherboard and connect the power supply. If the MacBook turns on, then it's definitely the keyboard. However, the diagnostic method described above is only suitable for models manufactured from 2011 inclusive.
- If you have tried everything that has been written in this article and nothing has helped you, then most likely the matter is rubbish - the motherboard is out of order. Unfortunately, you cannot do anything at home without skills and special equipment. In any case, you will have to contact the service center.
By the way, have you tried plugging the power supply into a different outlet? ;-)
It should be understood that if your MacBook does not turn on due to physical impact, for example, a strong blow or liquid ingress (popularly - flooding), then you cannot do without contacting a service center.
Apple computers are highly reliable, but their owners sometimes run into trouble. Let's figure out what needs to be done in the event that the MacBook does not turn on. If you didn't manage to flood your laptop and drop it on the floor, the problem can most likely be solved without going to a service center.
First, you should perform an external check to ensure that your monitor and power adapter are working properly. The first applies more to the owners of Mac Mini and all-in-one iMacs. Laptop computers manufactured prior to 2016 use the MagSafe magnetic port for charging. Its power cord is equipped with an indicator light.
When properly connected, it should be solid orange or green. The L-shaped magnetic latch can work even if the contacts did not have time to connect. In this case, the power cord is externally connected, but power is not supplied due to a slight tilt. The latest generation T-latches do not have this disadvantage. Make sure MagSafe is connected properly.
All 12-inch models, and after 2016 also the MacBook Pro, use a USB-C power supply that does not have a light indicator. MagSafe only stayed in Air. The cord of the new adapters has two identical connectors at the ends and connects to the laptop and the power supply through the port.
Unplug it on both sides and plug it back in. The adapter may automatically cut off the power supply if there is a power disturbance. To reset a triggered protection, unplug it for one minute. After turning it back on, the computer should start charging normally.
Reset NVRAM / PRAM
When the adapter is working properly, the power is on and the apple is glowing on the lid, but the screen is still black, then you will need to reset the NVRAM / PRAM.
- Turn off the computer completely by using the power button. Turn it on and immediately press the combination shown in the screenshot.
- We hold all the keys until the laptop starts to start, emitting the boot sound again. After the power on has gone well and we are logged in, we need to check for updates. Click on the apple logo located in the left corner in the menu bar. We select the marked item.
- On the main page, press the indicated button to open the App Store.
The system will automatically check for updates. We install all available ones and, if necessary, update the OS to the latest version of High Sierra.
Resetting the SMC
The SMC is responsible for the power supply functions. These include battery management, response to opening and closing a lid, operation of some system sensors, and interaction with peripheral devices. In any case, if your Mac doesn't seem to be working properly, force restarting the controller might fix the problem.
For Aimak monoblocks and all Mini versions, it is enough to disconnect the power cord for 15 seconds. Wait at least another five seconds before switching on again. For laptops, which include all versions of "Air", "Pro" and 12 "Retina, follow these steps.
- Turn off the device completely using the shown menu item.
- Unplug the power cord. Press the three keys indicated in the screenshot in the left corner simultaneously with the power button and hold for ten seconds. We plug back the power adapter and turn on the laptop.
As in the previous case, we check and install available OS updates.
Consequences of the upgrade
Apple has made it nearly impossible to upgrade its models in recent years. In previously released MacBooks, the user could independently replace the memory sticks. The operation is, in principle, simple, but requires the correct selection of modules. If after the upgrade the laptop starts beeping during the startup process, this indicates a problem with the new memory.
Signals in this case are given with a pause of five seconds. Depending on the model, this can be one repeating beep or a series of three consecutive beeps. The only way out of this situation is to reinstall old modules or buy suitable ones.
Finally
If resetting NVRAM and SMC didn't work for you, then your Mac is in serious trouble. The best solution would be to contact a certified service for professional diagnostics. Keep in mind that your MacBook is backed by Apple's Limited Warranty for a year from activation, and some repairs are free of charge.
Video instruction
In the video below, you can see firsthand how the described operations are performed by a professional.
If suddenly, whatever you do, the MacBook does not turn on, you do not need to rush to the service center. It is quite possible to try to "reanimate" him at home - typical problems are known and it is quite easy to fix them. The only exceptions are mechanical damage and flooding with any liquid, be it simple water, chemical liquid, alcohol or sweet drink.
Another reason to immediately contact the service is the smell of burning and cotton.
Most often, the charger and the power connector, the controller, are affected, less often - a short circuit and a system error. The most rare but severe case is a crack in the motherboard or hard drive.
Avoiding Display Malfunction
First of all, you need to check the screen - perhaps the computer itself is in order, but there is a problem with the display.
How you can check it:
- fan and disk noise are heard when the power button is pressed;
- after pressing the power button, you can hear the OS boot melody;
- if there are on / sleep indicators, they are lit with the corresponding light;
- if you press Caps Lock, the corresponding indicator will light up.
In this case, you need to check the operation of the display in accordance with the instructions on the Apple website, or contact a service center.
Power problems
Much more often it happens that the MacBook has stopped turning on due to power problems.
If the computer does not turn on, then here is a simple check algorithm that you need to perform:
- Is the computer plugged into a power outlet? is the socket working properly? it's easy to check.
- Are the power cord and adapter connected? usual forgetfulness and loose connection can be the reason for the lack of charge;
- is everything ok with the power cord? if you have a spare or analog charger, it makes sense to try charging your mac with it;
- Are there any accessories (printer, storage device, phone) connected to the computer? turn them off and try pressing the power button again;
- after pressing the power button, hold it for 10 seconds and then press it again.
If these simple steps did not help, you will have to understand in more detail why the computer does not work.
No power supply
Most often, the problem is very simple and consists precisely in nutrition. Failure of the socket, uninterruptible power supply, "pilot" happens most often.
To check this, it is enough to connect a known working device to them, and it is best to simply restart the uninterruptible power supply. If you are using an extension cord, it makes sense to try plugging the power cord directly into an outlet.
It is also worth remembering that overuse of extension cords, tees, surge protectors and additional sockets increases the load on the home power grid and can provoke a short circuit.
Charging does not work
Sometimes the reason lies in the charger. Kinks and pinches caused by strong bending or crushing of the cord, for example by a door, render the power cord unusable. The most vulnerable spots: folds of the cord, connection to the adapter, at the plug.
If, upon visual inspection, everything is intact, it is worth trying to clean the connector from dust and at the same time check the integrity of the connector itself: bending or falling out of the plug means a complete malfunction of the power cord. It didn't help either - it's time to change the charger or to a service center, there is definitely an opportunity to diagnose the cause of the breakdown.
The battery is out of order
If the computer is several years old, it may not turn on because the battery is depleted. It usually has an indicator that should light up while charging - with a fully functional charge, it makes sense to check this.
By the way, there are prerequisites for a battery breakdown - lately too fast discharge, a discrepancy between the charge indicator data and the real operating time, and so on. In this case, the Mac can only be repaired by replacing the used battery.
Video: Apple MacBook does not work
Reset parameters
A special memory or controller error can also prevent the Mac from turning on. The fix is simple, just a keyboard shortcut and a reboot.
System Management Controller (SMC)
Sometimes the system control controller is to blame for the refusal to work; you can correct the situation by resetting its parameters. To do this, while the power cord is connected, you must simultaneously press the combination "Shift" + "Control" + "Option" and the "Power" button. Release all buttons at the same time.
In this case, the lamp on the adapter either stays on without blinking, or turns off - this is normal. After this restart, you can turn on the computer.
PRAM and NVRAM (whatevertheyare)
Dedicated PRAM / NVRAM memory can also create a power-on-incompatible error.
What to do then?
- press the "power" button;
- press and hold the "command" + "option" + "p" + "r" buttons until the gray screen turns on;
- hold the buttons for the entire reboot and until the mac again emits a boot melody;
- release the buttons.
Power Manager
If an error occurs during power up (not safe shutdown, emergency shutdown, short circuit), Power Manager, which prevents the Mac from turning on, can also be restarted.
- first take out the battery;
- press the "power" button;
- wait a couple of seconds, release;
- insert the battery back;
- press the "Power" button again. The computer should start downloading.
Other reasons
There are many reasons why the MacBook does not turn on. This can be damage to the power circuit, and soldering the board, or simply that it clogged with dust and overheated. Even an improper shutdown can make subsequent startup nearly impossible. But it's usually much easier.
Separately, it is necessary to say about the loading error after the update - in this case, the MacBook turns on, but only until the gray screen or the loading screen that does not end.
MacBook does not turn on after update
If the computer has not been updated for a long time, and then had to install fresh upgrades to the old version of the OS, the MacBook may not turn on or turn on, but not boot.
Photo: gray screen with "perpetual" loading
In this case, it is best to boot into Safe Mode - just turn on your Mac while holding down the Shift button. Did not work out? Then you will have to format the data using a special utility, instructions for using it can be found on the official Apple website.
MacBook overheated
If the computer is already several years old or it is hot outside, then there is nothing surprising in the fact that it refuses to turn on. Most likely, it has overheated.
If the computer is new, just let it cool down. In no case should you apply cold objects to it or put it in a cold room for this, this can provoke the appearance of microcracks in the boards due to temperature differences. After a couple of hours at room temperature, you can try restarting it.
If it is at least a year old, it makes sense to take care of cleaning it. You can do this yourself, if you have the necessary skills, or at a service center. But, while the computer is under warranty, it can only be disassembled in the warranty service, otherwise free service will be impossible. Routine cleaning to prevent such problems is carried out at least once a year.
There are connected devices
An abundance of connected devices can be powered by the Mac's battery, preventing it from turning on. These are smartphones, tablets, external hard drives, flash drives, external Bluetooth modules, webcam, printers and other accessories.
Also, errors in their work are possible, affecting the launch. It's easy to check - turn off all unnecessary and start the computer.
Making a forced reboot
If the computer shows at least some signs of life, you can try to forcibly restart it.
To do this, when connecting the Magsafe power supply, you need to:
- press shiftt + control + option / alt + power.
- if it is an old mac then use the combination "control" + "enter".
Video: MacBook Repair
Defective north or south bridge
If the MacBook overheats regularly, then it may not turn on due to damage to the bridge - this is the controller on the motherboard. There are two of them, they are connected to the board by buses, and the northern one is still directly connected to the processor. Damage to any of them requires a mandatory call to the service.
Only specialist diagnostics and replacement of the affected part will help here.
RAM module incorrectly installed
If there was an upgrade to the OP before the problem, then the module may have been installed incorrectly. To check this, just pull it out and insert it again, referring to the instructions. Did not help? Then return the old module as the new one may be faulty or incompatible. After such a replacement, the Mac should turn on.
The reason that the MacBook does not turn on can lie in many problems. It is best to find out what preceded the breakdown: unsafe shutdown, complete discharge, overheating, physical breakdown, or flooding.
Even if everything was outwardly normal, it is better to ask your family or colleagues if they have touched the computer, if there has been a blackout, or a strange smell. Depending on this, different methods of restoring work are used.
The only exception is mechanical damage and liquid ingress.
In this case, you should not try to solve the problem yourself, but it is best to remove the battery and take your Mac to a service center as soon as possible. Sometimes repairs may not be required - routine cleaning may well return the MacBook to working condition.
