There could be numerous reasons why your MacBook not turning on but charging, Mac won't turn on, or your MacBook won't start up. However, your primary concern is likely getting it operational again. Let's navigate the essential checks and adjustments to revive your iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro.
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Explore these straightforward tips, ranging from verifying the power connection to executing a power cycle, initiating Recovery mode, and examining the file system. Moreover, if your Mac remains unresponsive, we'll guide you on the next steps.
Most of the solutions in this guide apply to recent macOS versions. Although menu layouts may differ depending on your OS, their core functions remain consistent. Additionally, if you own an M1 or M2 Mac, certain functionalities, like accessing Safe Mode or Recovery, have specific variations, which we'll outline below.
Check Power Connections
Check Power Connections To troubleshoot your MacBook not turning on, verify the remaining battery life (or iMac cable connection). Unplug and reconnect your Mac. The MagSafe cable's green light indicates a charged state, and amber for older MacBooks for charging. Prioritize Apple-made cables to ensure safety and reduce battery strain despite the higher cost. Test the outlet; a faulty one could be the culprit.
Retry Using an Alternative Power Cable/Adapter
If your MacBook not turning on or experiencing charging issues, the culprit might be the power cable. Test a friend's Mac power cable that fits your machine to see if it resolves the problem. Avoid third-party wires, as they can be faulty and pose safety risks. After a power cut, your power adapter might be damaged, requiring a replacement. Check for loose connections, but a simple plug/unplug might only sometimes suffice.
Explore Apple's official power adaptors for a wide range of Apple power cables for Mac charging.
Perform a Power Cycle
A MacBook operates in three primary states: Off, Sleep, and On. Conducting a power cycle involves forcing the MacBook to return to the Off state.
For pre-2013 MacBook Pro models, a sleep indicator on the front edge signals sleep mode. Newer models lack this indicator, making it challenging to determine the MacBook's current state if the screen is blank. If stuck in Sleep mode, your MacBook won't react to standard wake-up signals. Force a return to the Off state by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
Listen for any sounds from the hard drive (if applicable) indicating the power cut. Press the power button again to attempt turning on your Mac.
Consider additional troubleshooting steps if the MacBook not turning on but charging. Verify that the charging cable is attached correctly and functioning. Attempt a different power outlet and ensure no physical damage to the power cable. If these steps don't resolve the issue, it may be prudent to consult Apple.
Check for a Faulty Screen / Black / Blank Screen
If your MacBook Pro won't turn on or if the screen remains black, it's essential to troubleshoot the issue. Before delving into complex solutions, confirm that you have yet to accidentally set the brightness to zero using the keys with sun icons on the keyboard. While most laptops won't go completely black due to brightness settings, it's a crucial initial check.
If adjusting brightness doesn't resolve the black screen, turn off the laptop, disconnect all peripherals, and power it on while listening for sounds. Whirring, beeps, or fan noises suggest potential screen issues. If there's no sound, further troubleshooting is necessary.
If your MacBook not turning on despite charging, focus on ruling out screen-related problems.
Reset the SMC or T2 Chip if the MacBook not Turning on
The SMC plays a crucial role in initiating and managing the power-on process when you press the power button. Think of it as a tiny computer with a small operating system that can occasionally encounter software glitches. If your MacBook is not turning on despite being charged, resetting the SMC might be a solution.
For MacBook Pro with a non-removable battery:
- Pressing the Start Button for 10 seconds should ensure your Mac has been shut off properly.
- Connect the MagSafe charger and simultaneously hold Shift-Control-Option on the left-hand side keyboard and the power button. Hold for 10 seconds before continuing.
- Release all keys before pressing the power button to restart your Mac.
For newer MacBook Pros with integrated SMC and T2 chips:
- Power down your MacBook completely.
- Hold down the Control, Option, and Shift keys for seven seconds to quickly switch between control, option and shift modes.
- While holding these three keys, hold the Power key for 7 seconds and then release all keys.
- Click the Power key once more to restart your MacBook.
If your MacBook not turning on but charging, resetting the SMC may help.
If Your MacBook Overheats, then it will not turn on
Apple computers include safeguards against overheating. If internal thermostats detect unsafe temperatures, the device may shut down. The MacBook's ideal temperature range is 62º to 72º F. Any ambient temperature exceeding 95º F (35º C) is too hot for your Mac.
If your MacBook feels unusually hot, relocate it to a more relaxed area, away from direct sunlight. For laptops, avoid placing them on soft surfaces like a couch or bed that retain heat. Provide clearance below the MacBook for air circulation, promoting passive cooling.
Ensure your MacBook is on a hard surface with the hinge open for optimal heat dissipation. If your MacBook not turning on but charging, excessive heat could be a contributing factor.
Check for a Faulty Battery Flex Cable
If attempts to charge your MacBook yield no response, a failed battery might be the issue. Physical damage, electrical shocks, or water exposure could render the battery unchangeable, turning your MacBook into a lithium-ion paperweight.
For Macs with user-replaceable batteries (pre-2012), swapping it with a functional unit can help diagnose potential laptop-wide issues. However, post-2012, when Apple ceased using removable batteries, professional assistance from Apple was necessary. Addressing battery-related concerns is crucial if your MacBook not turning on despite charging.
Repair Your Mac in Recovery Mode
To access Recovery Mode on Intel Macs, ensure your Mac is powered off. Hold the power button if unresponsive with a grey, blue, or white screen until it shuts off. Press and hold Command + R while restarting until the Apple logo appears.
For M1/M2 Macs, power off and press the Power button. When startup options appear, click Options > Continue. Select your user, enter the admin password, and choose Disk Utility > Continue. Click First Aid, and after completion, restart your Mac.
Consider leveraging Recovery Mode to address potential software issues if your MacBook not turning on despite charging. This method can help resolve corrupted system files or startup conflicts.
Reset Your Mac's NVRAM
Even when your Mac is turned off, non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) keeps track, occasionally leading to booting issues. If previous troubleshooting steps haven't worked, resetting NVRAM might help.
- Hold down Command + Option + P + R and turn on your Mac.
- Release the keys upon hearing the second startup chime.
- On M1 Macs, NVRAM resets automatically. While there are Terminal methods, they're complex and not recommended.
If your MacBook not turning on despite charging, consider resetting NVRAM to address potential memory-related issues.
Unplug Your Accessories
If your MacBook encounters startup issues, disconnecting all accessories is an unconventional but effective step. Unplug other connections before attempting to reboot your MacBook by holding down the power button.
If your MacBook Pro persists in not turning on, and you've exhausted troubleshooting options, it's advisable to seek may risk voiding the warranty or exacerbating the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting a MacBook not turning on but charging requires systematic steps. Each step plays a crucial role, from performing a power cycle to checking for a faulty screen, resetting the SMC or T2 chip, examining overheating concerns, and addressing battery or accessory issues. Utilizing Recovery Mode and resetting NVRAM are additional measures to tackle potential software or memory-related issues. If all else fails, seeking professional assistance at an Apple Store becomes essential to avoid warranty complications. Remember, meticulous attention to each aspect ensures a comprehensive approach to resolving the challenging scenario of a MacBook not powering on despite being charged.
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FAQs
Why is my MacBook not turning on but charging?
Regarding your query, a potential reason for your Mac not turning on despite charging could be a malfunctioning power button or a deeper hardware issue.
How do I boot my Mac into reset mode?
To initiate reset mode on your Mac, start by shutting it down. Then, power it on while holding Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo appears. This grants access to macOS Utilities for various reset options.
What do I do if my Mac screen is black and won't turn on?
Your question is straightforward. If your Mac screen is black and won't turn on, ensure the power cable is connected and attempt a forced restart by holding down the power button. If the issue persists, seek Apple support or authorized service centre assistance.
What keys do you hold down to reboot a Mac?
To reboot a Mac, simultaneously hold down the Control (Ctrl) + Command (⌘) + Power keys. This initiates a restart.
How do you fix a MacBook that won't turn on?
First, to troubleshoot a MacBook that won't turn on, ensure the power cable is connected. If the issue persists, attempt a forced restart by holding down the power button. If these steps fail, consider professional assistance or visit an Apple store.
How do I reset my Mac to start?
To reset your Mac to startup settings, begin by shutting down your device. Then, power it on while holding down Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo appears. You'll access the macOS Utilities menu from there, allowing various startup reset options.
