Welcome to the topic “How to Fix a Mac that won’t turn on.”
Hello, we’re going to cover how to fix a mac that won’t turn on. It can be frustrating and confusing when your computer just doesn’t work, but don’t worry! You can take some simple steps to troubleshoot the problem before calling Apple Support or taking it in for repairs.
So, let’s see how to fix a mac that won’t turn on.
Ensure It Has Power
The first thing to do is to make sure your Mac is plugged into a working power source. You can also try changing the charger or power cable or use another power outlet. Similarly, ensure that the charger is not faulty. If you have a MacBook and its battery is drained out, wait for a few minutes after plugging it in and turning it on. In this case, your Mac won’t boot immediately after you connect it with a power outlet.
Check the Hardware
If you’re using a Mac desktop, make sure that all of its cables are securely placed and connected. For example, if you are using a Mac Mini, check the video-out cable and connect it correctly to Mac Mini and the display. Reset all the cables again to ensure they’re properly seated.
Furthermore, if you’ve recently opened up your Mac to change any component, that can cause this issue. For example, if you have recently installed RAM or changed a hard drive, you can try swapping back the old components into the PC. Besides, also make sure all components are firmly seated in your Mac.
Perform a Power-Cycle
Cutting the power to your Mac and forcing a restart is always an option when you’re having trouble with it.
Keep holding Mac’s power button for at least ten seconds if you have a MacBook without a detachable battery. If your machine is running, this will cut off the power, and it will restart.
With Mac desktop PCs such as iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro, disconnect the power cable, leave it unplugged for at least ten seconds, and connect it again.
Finally, if you are using an older Mac that comes with a removable battery, switch it off, unplug it, remove its battery, wait for at least ten seconds, and check it.
Ensure there isn’t a display issue
If you are using an external display with your Mac, ensure that the display has sufficient power. Try to notice whether your Mac gives any beep or sounds when turned on? If so, then there might be problems with the display.
Here again, check the cables or unplug and plug them again. If you are using any type of input switches or other peripherals between your computer and display, bypass them and directly connect your display to the PC.
By doing so, you can rule out the peripherals if there is an issue with them. If possible, try to use another display and other cables.
Boot in Safe Mode
You can rule out software or driver problems that are causing problems by restarting or booting the Mac into Safe Mode.
If you have an Intel-based Mac, you can do this by powering your PC and then pressing and holding the Shift key till you see the login screen. Then you can release the keys.
If you have an M1 Mac, Safe Mode can be used by holding the power button until you see the screen’s startup options. After that, you need to select a startup disk, hold down the Shift key, and click on the Continue in Safe Mode.
To log out of Safe Mode, just reboot your Mac normally and don’t hold or press any keys while it is restarting.
Check external devices
If your Mac senses that the attached devices and accessories have short circuits or they are drawing an unusual amount of power from the computer, the SMC will cut the power. This is a handy feature that ensures the safety of your Mac. So, now you have to find the faulty device or component attached you’re your Mac. And it is simple.
First, disconnect all the connected accessories such as printer cable, USB hub, external hard drive, HDMI cable, Mini display cable, even Magsafe or USB-C charger. In simple words, use your Mac alone without any device. Mostly this is the reason why Mac is not turning on.
Check for a flat battery.
If you have not used your PC for a while or have an old battery, it can cause this issue, and your Mac will not turn on.
The MacBook 2012 has a battery check button along with a status indicator. If you have this model, just push this small button. If there is no light, it means you have a flat battery.
You will have to ensure that your devices receive power from the MagSafe or USB-C charger. Check the power cable and unplug and plug it again into the Mac. Similarly, ensure that the power outlet is working.
Then check that whether you are using the correct power adapter as per your Mac’s model. If possible, try using the original power adapter.
If your Mac is not turning on due to the flat battery, most of them will turn on automatically when you connect a working charger. However, some Macs require a minimum battery power before running. So you need to wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
When you notice a green or orange light on the MagSafe connector, it means that the charger and the SMC in your Mac are running. However, if you don’t see the green or orange light, it means the problem is in battery or charges. So, you can use another charger for your Mac and then check.
Let the Experts Handle the Case
Hopefully, now you know how to fix a Mac that won’t turn on. However, if none of these hacks works for you and your Mac is still down, take it to Apple for professional assistance. You can seek the expert’s help by visiting Apple’s website and let them handle the rest.
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Also read: 15 top tips to help you Master your Mac