What do you do if your Mac isn’t starting up?

Answered by Robert Flynn

If your Mac isn’t starting up, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check power connections: Ensure that your Mac is properly connected to a power source. Check that the power cable is securely plugged in and that the power outlet is working.

2. Press and hold the power button: Sometimes, your Mac may not respond immediately when you press the power button. Try holding down the power button for at least 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Then, press the power button again to start it up.

3. Unplug accessories: Disconnect any external devices, such as printers, hard drives, or USB devices, from your Mac. Sometimes, a faulty accessory can prevent your Mac from starting up properly.

4. If you see something on your screen: If your Mac turns on but you see a blank screen or a folder with a question mark icon, it indicates a potential issue with your startup disk. In this case, you can try restarting your Mac while holding down the Option key to access the Startup Manager. From there, you can select your startup disk or run Disk Utility to repair any disk errors.

5. If you see nothing on your screen: If your Mac doesn’t display anything on the screen and you don’t hear any startup chimes or fan noises, it could indicate a hardware problem. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance or contact Apple Support for further troubleshooting steps.

6. Reset the SMC (Intel-based Mac only): The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for managing various hardware functions on Intel-based Macs. Resetting the SMC may help resolve issues related to power management and startup. The process varies depending on the Mac model, so refer to Apple’s support documentation or contact Apple Support for specific instructions.

7. Contact us: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance. They can help diagnose the problem and provide solutions tailored to your specific Mac model.

Remember, troubleshooting steps may vary depending on your Mac model and operating system version. It’s always a good idea to consult official Apple resources or seek professional help if you’re unsure about any steps or if your Mac is still under warranty.