What do you do if your Mac won’t boot up?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

If your Mac is stuck on a particular screen and won’t boot up, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.

1. Restart your Mac: The first thing you should do is restart your Mac. Sometimes a simple restart can fix minor software glitches that may be causing the problem.

2. Reset the SMC: The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for managing various hardware functions on your Mac. Resetting the SMC can help resolve issues related to power, fans, and other hardware components. The process to reset the SMC varies depending on the model of your Mac. You can find detailed instructions on Apple’s support website.

3. Disconnect accessories: Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. Sometimes a faulty or incompatible accessory can prevent your Mac from booting up properly.

4. Check power and connections: Ensure that your Mac is properly connected to a power source and that the power adapter is functioning correctly. Try connecting your Mac to a different power outlet or using a different power adapter if available. Additionally, check all cables and connections to ensure they are secure.

5. Boot into Safe Mode: If your Mac is still not booting up, you can try booting into Safe Mode. This mode disables third-party extensions and performs a basic check of your startup disk. To enter Safe Mode, shut down your Mac, then press the power button and immediately hold down the Shift key until you see the Apple logo. If your Mac successfully boots up in Safe Mode, it indicates that there may be an issue with a third-party software or extension.

6. Run Disk Utility: Boot your Mac into Recovery Mode by restarting and holding down Command + R until the Apple logo appears. In Recovery Mode, open Disk Utility and run a First Aid scan on your startup disk. This will help identify and fix any disk-related issues that may be preventing your Mac from booting up.

7. Reinstall macOS: If all else fails, you can try reinstalling macOS. In Recovery Mode, select the “Reinstall macOS” option and follow the on-screen instructions. This will reinstall the operating system while preserving your data, but it’s always recommended to have a backup of your important files before proceeding with this step.

These steps should help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue of your Mac not booting up. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.