FixMac

Mac won't start: what to try

Your Mac stays black, shows a symbol or stops during startup. Check power, restart safely, repair the disk from Recovery, and learn when it needs service.

  • Updated
  • 20 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Mac

Rate this guide

If your Mac does not turn on, stays on a black screen, or stops partway through starting up, begin with power and cables. Then repair the disk from macOS Recovery, and know when the Mac needs a repair service.

Before you start

First work out which problem you have, because the fixes differ.

  • Nothing happens at all: no light, no sound, no fan, and the screen stays black. Start with "The Mac shows no sign of life".
  • It turns on but stops: you see a symbol, a logo that never finishes, or a blank screen. Go to "The Mac turns on but does not finish starting".

These steps do not erase anything. If your files matter, keep in mind that a Mac that cannot start cannot be backed up in the usual way. That is why a regular Time Machine backup is worth setting up while the Mac still works.

Mac will not start: fixes in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 9 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Mac will not start: fixes in orderNoNoNo1Check the power cable,outlet and display2Hold the power buttonabout 10 seconds, thenpress it once3Does it start?Yes: You are done4Unplug all accessoriesand try again5Does it start?Yes: You are done6Start macOS Recoveryand run First Aid7Does it start now?Yes: You are done8Reinstall macOS fromRecoveryStill not working? The Macmay need service.
Stop as soon as the Mac starts normally.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Check the power cable, outlet and display
  2. Step 2: Hold the power button about 10 seconds, then press it once
  3. Question 3: Does it start? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Step 4: Unplug all accessories and try again
  5. Question 5: Does it start? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  6. Step 6: Start macOS Recovery and run First Aid
  7. Question 7: Does it start now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  8. Step 8: Reinstall macOS from Recovery
  9. If nothing worked: Still not working? The Mac may need service.

The Mac shows no sign of life

Fix 1: Check power

  1. Check that the power cable is undamaged and pushed firmly into the Mac and into a working outlet. Try a different outlet.
  2. If you have a second compatible cable or power adapter, try it. On a laptop, leave it plugged in for a while so the battery can charge.
  3. On a Mac with no built-in screen, such as a Mac mini, check that the external display is plugged in, connected to the Mac and turned on.

Fix 2: Press and hold the power button

  1. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. On a laptop with Touch ID, hold the Touch ID button.
  2. Release it, wait a few seconds, then press and release the power button once.

You should hear the startup sound or see the screen light up.

Fix 3: Unplug your accessories

  1. Shut the Mac down, then disconnect everything except power: printers, drives, USB hubs, phones and tablets. A faulty device or cable can stop startup.
  2. Repeat the power button step above.
  3. If the Mac starts, plug the accessories back in one at a time to find the one at fault.

Intel Macs only: the SMC

On an older Intel-based Mac, Apple also describes resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) for power problems. Apple says this is not needed on a Mac with Apple silicon. The key steps differ between models, so use Apple's article "Reset the SMC of your Mac" at support.apple.com. See also Mac safe mode and resetting NVRAM or SMC.

The Mac turns on but does not finish starting

Note what is on the screen. Apple's startup help names these screens.

What the startup screens usually mean
What you seeWhat it means
Globe with a warning symbolThe Mac tried to start from macOS Recovery over the internet and could not. Check your network connection and try again.
Lock iconA firmware password is set. Enter it to continue. If you did not set one, do not guess.
Question mark folder, circle with a line, or Apple logo that never finishesThe Mac is on but is not starting up all the way. Use the Recovery steps below.
Blank gray, black or blue screenApple says the cause is likely software, but check the display connection first.
Options with a gear iconThis is the startup options screen on Apple silicon Macs. It is not a fault.

Fix 4: Restart once more

  1. Hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until the Mac turns off. On laptops with Touch ID, hold the Touch ID button.
  2. Wait a few seconds, then press and release the power button to start it again.
  3. If a progress bar is moving, let it finish rather than turning the Mac off.

Fix 5: Start macOS Recovery and run First Aid

macOS Recovery is a small repair system built into your Mac. It runs even if macOS itself will not start.

  1. Shut the Mac down. If it will not shut down, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds.
  2. Apple silicon: press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears. Click Options, then click Continue.
  3. Intel-based Mac: press the power button, then immediately hold Command + R until you see an Apple logo or a spinning globe. If asked, join a Wi-Fi network.
  4. If asked, choose a user whose password you know, click Next, and enter the password.
  5. In the Recovery window, choose Disk Utility and click Continue.
  6. Select your startup disk, usually Macintosh HD, then click First Aid and Run.
  7. When it finishes, choose Apple menu then Restart.

Not sure which kind of Mac you have? Apple silicon Macs use a chip named M1 or later. When the Mac works, Apple menu then About This Mac shows the chip or processor. Apple's page "Mac startup key combinations" also explains the difference.

Using macOS Recovery3 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Using macOS Recovery1Start RecoveryHold the power button (Applesilicon) or Command-R (Intel)2Open Disk UtilityChoose Disk Utility, thenselect Macintosh HD3Run First AidClick First Aid, then Run, thenrestart
Each step is covered in Fix 5.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Start Recovery: Hold the power button (Apple silicon) or Command-R (Intel)
  2. Open Disk Utility: Choose Disk Utility, then select Macintosh HD
  3. Run First Aid: Click First Aid, then Run, then restart

Fix 6: Reinstall macOS

If First Aid does not help, or the screen stays blank, Apple's next step is to reinstall macOS from Recovery. Apple says this does not remove your apps or personal data, but it still advises a backup where possible. Follow how to reinstall macOS from Recovery.

Back up if you can

If the Mac still starts at all, back it up before reinstalling. Never choose Erase in Disk Utility unless a guide such as the reinstall guide tells you to and you have a backup.

When the Mac needs service

If the Mac does not start from Recovery either, or still shows a blank screen after these fixes, it may need a repair.

  • Use "Get service" on Apple's support site at support.apple.com, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
  • Never follow a pop-up or a stranger who says your Mac is broken and offers to fix it by phone or remote control. See how to spot tech support scams.
  • If the Mac is a laptop that will not charge, see laptop battery will not charge.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my files?

None of the steps here erase your files. Apple says reinstalling macOS does not remove apps or personal data. Even so, a backup is the only reliable protection.

My Mac shows a folder with a question mark. What is wrong?

This usually means the Mac cannot find a usable startup disk. Try the restart steps, then Recovery and First Aid, then reinstall macOS.

Do I need to reset NVRAM?

Only on an Intel-based Mac, and only when settings such as startup disk or volume keep resetting. Apple silicon Macs do not need it. See the safe mode and NVRAM guide.

Can I fix it with a USB stick from the internet?

Use only Apple's own Recovery. Never run startup tools or installers from unknown websites or from someone who contacted you.

Was this guide helpful?

Choose from 1 star (not helpful) to 5 stars (very helpful)

Rating this guide needs JavaScript. You can send feedback on the contact page instead.

Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

Need more help?

If this guide did not solve your problem, send us a message and tell us what you tried.

Contact us

Beware of fake support

Real support never asks you to call an unfamiliar number, pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer.

Read how to stay safe online