It can be concerning when your Mac computer refuses to power on. If you’re experiencing this issue after pressing the power button, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to help you identify and potentially resolve the problem yourself before seeking professional help.
Check the Power Supply and Connections
The first and most basic step is to ensure your Mac is properly connected to a working power source. Inspect your power cable for any signs of damage. Make sure it’s securely plugged into both your Mac and a functioning wall outlet. If you have an extra compatible power cable or adapter, try using it to rule out a faulty power accessory.
For Mac desktops or MacBooks connected to an external display, ensure the external monitor is also powered on and correctly connected to your Mac. A display issue might be mistaken for a power issue.
Force Restart by Holding the Power Button
Sometimes, your Mac might seem unresponsive, but it’s actually in a frozen state. A simple force restart can often resolve this. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for about 10 seconds. For Mac laptops with Touch ID, press and hold the Touch ID button. After 10 seconds, release the button, and then press it again briefly to attempt a normal startup.
Disconnect All Accessories
External devices can sometimes interfere with the startup process. Unplug all accessories connected to your Mac, including printers, external hard drives, USB hubs, and even mobile phones. After disconnecting everything, try turning your Mac on again. This will help determine if a problematic accessory is preventing your Mac from booting up.
Observe the Screen for Startup Indicators
Pay close attention to your Mac’s screen when you attempt to power it on. If you see any image, even if it’s not the usual desktop, it indicates that your Mac is at least partially turning on.
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Flashing Question Mark or Circle with a Line: These symbols usually indicate that your Mac is turning on but is having trouble finding the operating system. This is a different issue from the computer not powering on at all, and you can find specific troubleshooting steps for “If your Mac turns on but doesn’t start up all the way“.
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Blank Screen: If your screen remains completely black, but you hear fan noises or see power lights, your Mac might be starting up but encountering a software or display-related issue. Apple provides guidance for “If your Mac starts up to a blank screen” which can offer further assistance.
Reset the SMC on Intel-based Macs
For older Macs that use Intel processors, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve certain power-related issues. This process is not applicable to newer Macs with Apple silicon chips. If you are unsure if your Mac is Intel-based, you can usually find this information in your Mac’s system information or by searching online with your Mac’s model number. Learn how to “Reset the SMC” for your specific Intel Mac model.
Seek Professional Support
If you have tried all the above steps and your Mac still refuses to turn on, it’s likely that there is a hardware problem requiring professional repair. It’s recommended to “Get service ” directly from Apple or an authorized service provider to diagnose and fix the issue.
