MacBook Won’t Turn On? Easy Macbook Troubleshooting Steps

In the previous lesson, we covered the tools and resources you need to fix common MacBook issues. These tools help you diagnose problems, clean your system, and repair software errors. Now, we'll dive into a common issue many MacBook users face: a MacBook that won't turn on. This problem can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can often fix it yourself.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate troubleshooting steps, we are not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device by following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk, and if unsure, consult a professional technician.

In the previous lesson, we covered the tools and resources you need to fix common MacBook issues. These tools help you diagnose problems, clean your system, and repair software errors. Now, we’ll dive into a common issue many MacBook users face: a MacBook that won’t turn on. This problem can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can often fix it yourself.

I’ve faced this issue myself when my MacBook Pro suddenly refused to power on. At first, I thought it was a hardware failure, but after checking a few things, I realized it was a simple power issue. This experience taught me how important it is to troubleshoot systematically. Let’s explore the reasons why your MacBook won’t start and how to fix it.

Why My MacBook Won’t Turn On

There are several reasons why a MacBook won’t turn on. It could be due to a dead battery, a faulty power supply, or even a software glitch. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a drained battery that needs charging. Other times, it might require resetting system settings or booting into Recovery Mode.

For example, I once worked on a MacBook Air that wouldn’t power on. The owner thought it was broken, but after checking, I found the power adapter wasn’t working. Replacing the adapter solved the problem. This shows how small issues can cause big problems.

To identify the root cause, you need to check the power supply, battery, and system settings. Let’s go through the steps to troubleshoot and fix these issues.

Check Macbook Power Supply and Battery

The first thing to do is check if your MacBook is getting power. Start by plugging it into a power source using the original charger. Look for the charging light or icon on the MacBook. If there’s no sign of power, try a different outlet or charger.

If your MacBook has a removable battery, check if it’s properly connected. For newer models with built-in batteries, you can check the battery status by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If the battery is completely drained, let it charge for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again.

Here’s what to check

• Ensure the power adapter is plugged in properly.
• Try a different outlet or power strip.
• If using a removable battery (older models), reseat it.
• Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release and press again.
• If the charger has an indicator light, check if it turns on.

I’ve seen cases where a MacBook wouldn’t turn on because the battery was too low. After charging it for a while, it powered up without any issues. This step is simple but often overlooked.

Mac SMC and Mac PRAM/NVRAM Reset

If the power supply and battery are fine, the next step is to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and Parameter RAM (PRAM) or Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM). These components control hardware settings like power, battery, and display.

To reset the SMC on a MacBook with a T2 chip, shut down the MacBook, then press and hold Control + Option + Shift for 7 seconds. After that, press and hold the power button for another 7 seconds. Release all keys and wait a few seconds before turning on the MacBook.

For PRAM/NVRAM, shut down the MacBook, then turn it on while holding Option + Command + P + R. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release. This resets settings like display resolution and startup disk.

For Mac T2 chip (2018 and later)

• Press and hold Control + Option + Shift (left side) for 7 seconds.
• While holding, press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds.
• Release all keys and wait a few seconds.
• Press the power button to turn on the Mac.

For older MacBooks (non-T2 chip)

• Shut down the Mac.
• Press Shift + Control + Option (left side) and the Power button together for 10 seconds.
• Release all keys, then press the power button to start the Mac.

I’ve used this method to fix a MacBook that wouldn’t boot. Resetting the SMC and PRAM solved the issue, and the MacBook started normally.

Boot into Macos Recovery Mode

If the above steps don’t work, try booting into macOS Recovery Mode. This mode lets you repair the disk, reinstall macOS, or restore from a backup. To enter Recovery Mode, shut down the MacBook, then turn it on while holding Command + R.

Once in Recovery Mode, you can use Disk Utility to check for disk errors. If the disk is fine, you can reinstall macOS without losing your data. This step is useful for fixing software-related startup issues.

I once helped a friend whose MacBook wouldn’t turn on due to a corrupted system file. Booting into Recovery Mode and reinstalling macOS fixed the problem.

Conclusion

Fixing a MacBook that won’t turn on can be simple if you follow the right steps. Start by checking the power supply and battery, then reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM. If the issue persists, boot into Recovery Mode to repair or reinstall macOS.

These steps have helped me and many others resolve startup issues. If your MacBook still won’t turn on, it might be a hardware problem that requires professional help.

In the next lesson, we’ll cover how to fix a MacBook stuck on the Apple logo or a black screen. This is another common issue that can be resolved with the right tools and knowledge.