Having trouble getting your MacBook to turn on? Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Ensure Proper Power Connection and Accessories Check
Ensure Proper Power Connection: First, check the MagSafe or USB connection to your MacBook. Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into both the laptop and the power source. If using a USB hub, try connecting the power cable directly to the laptop to rule out any issues with the hub.
Accessories Check: Check the AC adapter and power supply for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure the AC power plugs and sockets are clean and free of debris. If you suspect an issue with the adapter, try using a different one to see if that resolves the problem.
Reset the SMC: If your MacBook still won’t turn on, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). To do this, shut down the laptop, press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button. Hold all four keys for 10 seconds, then release and press the power button to turn the laptop back on.
Check for Amber Light: When you plug in the power cable, look for an amber light on the MagSafe connector. If the light is on, it indicates that the MacBook is receiving power. If the light is off or blinking, there may be an issue with the power connection or the laptop’s battery.
Perform a Power Cycle and Safe Mode Start
- Power Cycle:
- Unplug the power adapter from your MacBook.
- Remove the battery if possible.
- Hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to drain any remaining power.
- Reinsert the battery and plug in the power adapter.
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
- Safe Mode Start:
- Turn off your MacBook completely.
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
- Immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.
- Your MacBook will boot into Safe Mode, indicated by the words “Safe Boot” in the login window.
- If your MacBook turns on in Safe Mode, restart it normally to exit Safe Mode and see if the issue is resolved.
Reset SMC and NVRAM/PRAM
- Reset SMC:
- Shut down the MacBook.
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button.
- Press the power button to turn on the MacBook.
- Reset NVRAM/PRAM:
- Shut down the MacBook.
- Press the power button and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys.
- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
- Press the power button to turn on the MacBook.
Boot in Recovery Mode and Reinstall macOS
If your MacBook won’t turn on, one solution to try is booting in Recovery Mode and reinstalling macOS. First, make sure your MacBook is connected to a power source using the AC adapter. Then follow these steps to boot in Recovery Mode:
1. Shut down your MacBook completely by holding down the power button until it turns off.
2. Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook, and immediately hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
3. Once in Recovery Mode, select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu and click on your startup disk.
4. Click on the Erase tab, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as the format, and click Erase. This will erase your disk, so make sure to back up any important data beforehand.
5. Exit Disk Utility and select Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS on your MacBook.
7. Once the reinstallation is complete, your MacBook should restart and hopefully turn on as normal.
If your MacBook still won’t turn on after trying these steps, it may be a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support for further assistance.
F.A.Q.
How do I force my MacBook to turn on?
To force your MacBook to turn on, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, then press and release the power button normally.
What do I do if my MacBook Air screen is black and won’t turn on?
If your MacBook Air screen is black and won’t turn on, you can try unplugging all devices except the power adapter, then hold down Command and Control keys while pressing the power button to restart. Make sure the battery is charged to at least 10 percent before reconnecting external devices.
How do I start my Mac if it wont start?
To start your Mac if it won’t start, unplug it from the charger and peripherals. Hold down Shift + Control + Option and the power button for ten seconds. Release all keys, reconnect the charger, and press the power button to boot your laptop.
