How do I start my Mac with a dead battery?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

To start your Mac with a dead battery, you can follow these steps:

1. Plug in the power cable: Connect your Mac to a power source using the power cable. Make sure the power source is working and providing electricity.

2. Reset the SMC: Next, you’ll need to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac. This can help in situations where the Mac won’t turn on or is behaving unexpectedly. To reset the SMC, follow these steps:

A. Shut down your Mac completely.
B. Press and hold the Shift + Ctrl + Option/Alt keys on the left side of the keyboard.
C. While holding these keys, press and hold the power button as well.
D. Keep holding all the keys for at least 10-12 seconds.
E. Release all the keys.
F. Press the power button to try and restart your MacBook.

3. Check for signs of power: After performing the SMC reset, look for any signs of power on your Mac. Check if the power indicator light turns on, or if the screen shows any signs of activity. If there are no signs of power, proceed to the next step.

4. Leave it plugged in: In some cases, a completely drained battery may take a while to regain enough charge to power on the Mac. Leave your Mac plugged in for at least 30 minutes or longer to allow the battery to charge.

5. Attempt to power on: After giving your Mac some time to charge, press the power button again to see if it turns on. If it still doesn’t respond, proceed to the next step.

6. Check the power adapter: Ensure that the power adapter you are using is functioning properly. Try using a different power cable or adapter if possible to rule out any issues with the power source.

7. Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider: If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to take your Mac to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. They will be able to diagnose and fix any hardware issues that may be preventing your Mac from starting.

Remember, these steps are for starting a Mac with a dead battery. If your Mac is experiencing other issues, it may require further troubleshooting or professional assistance.