MacBook Pro Won’t Turn On (Why & 12 Possible Fixes)

If you’ve ever faced the frustrating situation where your MacBook Pro refuses to turn on, you know the importance of finding a solution. In this article, we will explore various troubleshooting steps to help you get your MacBook Pro up and running again.

When your MacBook Pro won’t turn on, it can be concerning, but there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Begin by checking the power status, ensuring the charger and outlet are functioning. Look for signs of power, like startup sounds or lights. If that doesn’t work, try performing a power cycle. If the issue persists, delve into more advanced troubleshooting steps, such as checking the display and hardware, resetting the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM, or booting into Safe Mode or Recovery Mode. If all else fails, consider consulting Apple Support for professional assistance.

Discover the comprehensive guide to resurrecting your unresponsive MacBook Pro, from basic power checks to advanced troubleshooting – because there’s nothing more frustrating than a MacBook that won’t turn on, but there’s always a solution.

Why Your MacBook Pro Won’t Turn On?

When your MacBook Pro won’t start, it’s easy to jump to the worst conclusions. However, before you consider it a lost cause, it’s crucial to understand the root of the problem. There are several reasons why your MacBook Pro won’t turn on, and they can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. Battery Issues: If your MacBook Pro is not adequately charged, it won’t turn on. Ensure that your charger is working and that the laptop is connected to a power source.
2. Display Problems: Sometimes, the issue isn’t that your MacBook won’t boot; it’s that you can’t see anything on the screen. MacBook display issues can often be mistaken for a non-responsive device.
3. Power-Related Issues: Electrical fluctuations or unstable power sources can affect your MacBook’s ability to turn on. Make sure you’re using a stable power outlet.
4. Broken Applications Affecting Startup: Corrupt files or applications can prevent your MacBook from starting up correctly.
5. Corrupted System Files: If essential system files are corrupted, your MacBook Pro may fail to start. This is where MacBook Recovery Mode can come in handy.

Understanding the root cause is the first step in troubleshooting. The following sections will delve into each of these issues and provide actionable solutions.

How To Fix MacBook Pro Won’t Turn On Issue

Solution 1: Check the Power Status

The first step in resolving the issue is to check the power status of your MacBook Pro. It may sound trivial, but ensuring that your device is properly charged can save you a lot of unnecessary stress. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Check the Charger: Inspect the charger for any visible damage. A faulty charger can be the reason your MacBook Pro is not starting.
2. Check the Power Outlet: Plug another device into the power outlet to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If the outlet is fine but your MacBook still won’t turn on, the issue might be with the laptop itself.
3. Check the Charging Cable: Sometimes, the charging cable can be the culprit. Make sure it’s properly connected to both the charger and the MacBook.
4. Check for Charging Indicators: Modern MacBook Pros have indicators that show whether the device is charging. If you don’t see any indicator, try using another charger to rule out the possibility of a battery issue.
5. Leave to Charge: If your MacBook has been dead for a while, leave it connected to a power source for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes, the battery needs a bit of time to revive.
6. Check Battery Health: If you can turn on your MacBook but it shuts down quickly, your battery might be the issue. You can check the battery’s health in the System Preferences.

By methodically checking the power status, you can either confirm or rule out power-related issues, allowing you to move on to more complex troubleshooting steps if needed.

Solution 2: Check the Signs of Power

After confirming that your MacBook Pro is properly charged, the next step is to look for signs of power. These indicators can help you determine whether your MacBook is receiving power but not fully booting up, or if it’s not powering on at all.

1. Listen for Sounds: When you press the power button, listen for the startup chime or the sound of the fan. These are good indicators that your MacBook is receiving power.
2. Check for Lights: Some MacBook Pros have sleep status indicators. If this light is on or blinking, your MacBook is receiving power.
3. Feel for Heat: Place your hand near the vent to feel for heat. If the MacBook is warm, it’s likely receiving power but may have display issues.
4. Look for Keyboard Backlight: If the keyboard backlight comes on when you press the power button, your MacBook is likely receiving power.
5. Check External Devices: Sometimes, external devices can interfere with the startup process. Disconnect all peripherals and try turning on the MacBook again.
6. Check the Caps Lock Key: Press the Caps Lock key. If the light turns on, your MacBook is receiving power but may not be fully booting up.

By checking for these signs, you can narrow down the list of potential issues. If your MacBook shows signs of receiving power but still won’t boot, the problem could be with the display or the internal hardware, which we’ll explore in the following sections.

Solution 3: Perform a Power Cycle

If you’ve confirmed that your MacBook Pro is receiving power but still won’t turn on, performing a power cycle could be the next logical step. A power cycle essentially means forcing your MacBook to restart, and it can resolve a variety of issues, including those related to startup.

1. Disconnect All Peripherals: Make sure no external devices are connected to your MacBook. Sometimes, these can interfere with the startup process.
2. Shut Down the MacBook: If your MacBook is on but not responsive, hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force it to shut down.
3. Unplug the Charger: Disconnect the charger from the MacBook and the power outlet.
4. Wait: Leave the MacBook alone for a few minutes. This allows any residual power to dissipate, effectively “resetting” the system.
5. Reconnect and Restart: Plug the charger back in and press the power button to restart the MacBook.
6. Check for Changes: Observe any changes in the behavior of your MacBook. Listen for the startup chime, look for display changes, or feel for heat to determine if the power cycle had any effect.

Performing a power cycle can often resolve MacBook display issues and other glitches that prevent your device from turning on. If this doesn’t work, more advanced troubleshooting may be required, which we’ll cover in subsequent sections.

Solution 4: Check the Mac Display

If your MacBook Pro shows signs of receiving power but still won’t fully boot up, the issue might be with the Mac display. Display issues can often be mistaken for a completely unresponsive device, so it’s crucial to rule this out.

1. Adjust Brightness: The first step is to check if the display brightness is set too low. Use the brightness keys to adjust it.
2. External Monitor: Connect your MacBook to an external monitor. If the external display works, the issue is likely with your MacBook’s screen.
3. Check for Flickering: Sometimes, the display may flicker or show distorted colors. This could indicate a hardware issue.
4. Safe Mode: Boot your MacBook in Safe Mode to see if the display works in this minimal state. If it does, a software issue might be causing the display problems.
5. Graphics Card: Issues with the graphics card can also lead to display problems. Running an Apple Hardware Test can help diagnose this.
6. Check Cables and Ports: Make sure that all cables and ports are in good condition. Damaged ports can cause display issues.
7. Reset NVRAM: Sometimes, resetting the NVRAM can resolve display issues. This is especially useful if you’ve recently changed display settings.

By methodically checking each of these factors, you can either confirm or rule out issues related to the display. If the display is fine, you’ll need to delve into more advanced troubleshooting methods, which we’ll explore in the following sections.

Solution 5: Check the Mac Hardware 

If you’ve ruled out display and power issues but your MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, it’s time to consider hardware-related problems. Running an Apple Hardware Test can help you identify any malfunctioning components.

1. Initiate Apple Hardware Test: To start the test, restart your MacBook and hold down the ‘D’ key until the Apple Hardware Test icon appears.
2. Run the Test: Follow the on-screen instructions to run the test. This will scan all hardware components for issues.
3. Review Results: Once the test is complete, you’ll receive a report. Note down any error codes for further investigation.
4. Consult Apple Support: If the test reveals hardware issues, your best course of action is to consult Apple Support for repairs or replacements.
5. Check for Recalls: Occasionally, Apple recalls certain MacBook models for hardware issues. Make sure your model isn’t one of them.

By running an Apple Hardware Test and consulting Apple Support if necessary, you can pinpoint hardware issues that may be preventing your MacBook Pro from turning on. If the test reveals any problems, it’s advisable to seek professional help for repairs or replacements. This step is crucial for ruling out hardware malfunctions and focusing on other potential issues.

Solution 6: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) (250 words)

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve a variety of issues, including those that prevent your MacBook Pro from turning on. The SMC is responsible for low-level system functions like battery management and thermal regulation.

1. Identify Your MacBook Type: The steps to reset the SMC differ depending on whether your MacBook has a removable battery or not.
2. Shut Down the MacBook: Turn off your MacBook and disconnect it from the power source.
3. Perform the Reset: For MacBooks with non-removable batteries, hold down the Shift, Control, Option, and power keys for 10 seconds. For those with removable batteries, remove the battery and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
4. Reconnect and Restart: Reconnect the power source and battery (if removable), and turn on your MacBook.
5. Observe Changes: Check for any improvements in your MacBook’s behavior to see if the SMC reset was successful.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue of your MacBook Pro not turning on.

Solution 7: Boot MacBook Pro in Safe Mode

Booting your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode can help you isolate issues related to startup items and software. Safe Mode performs a disk check and prevents startup items from loading, making it easier to troubleshoot problems.

1. Enter Safe Mode: To boot in Safe Mode, restart your MacBook and hold down the ‘Shift’ key until the Apple logo appears.
2. Observe Behavior: Once in Safe Mode, observe how your MacBook behaves. If it functions normally, the issue is likely related to software or startup items.
3. Check Startup Items: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items to see which applications start up with your MacBook. Disable any suspicious items.
4. Run Disk Utility: While in Safe Mode, use Disk Utility to check for disk errors and repair them if necessary.
5. Exit Safe Mode: To exit, simply restart your MacBook without holding down any keys.

Booting your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode can help you isolate and identify software-related issues that may be preventing it from turning on. If your MacBook functions normally in Safe Mode, you can be fairly certain that the problem lies with software or startup items. From here, you can take targeted actions to resolve these issues.

Solution 8: Reset the Mac PRAM / NVRAM 

Parameter RAM (PRAM) and Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) store settings related to display, audio, and other system preferences. Resetting them can resolve issues that prevent your MacBook Pro from turning on.

1. Shut Down MacBook: Turn off your MacBook Pro.
2. Initiate Reset: Turn it back on and immediately hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys together for about 20 seconds.
3. Release and Restart: Release the keys and allow your MacBook to restart.
4. Check for Changes: Observe any changes in behavior to determine if the PRAM/NVRAM reset was successful.
5. Reconfigure Settings: You may need to reconfigure some system settings that were reset, such as display resolution or time zone.

By following these advanced troubleshooting steps, you increase the likelihood of resolving the issue and getting your MacBook Pro to turn on.

Solution 9: Start Mac Using Another Account 

Sometimes, user account issues can prevent your MacBook Pro from turning on. Starting your Mac using another account can help you diagnose whether the problem is specific to your user account.

1. Create a New Account: If you don’t already have a second account, you’ll need to create one. This can be done from the System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Log In: Restart your MacBook and log in using the new account.
3. Observe Behavior: If your MacBook functions normally under the new account, the issue is likely related to your primary user account.
4. Check for Corrupt Files: Look for corrupt files or settings in your primary account that could be causing the issue.
5. Consult Apple Support: If you can’t identify the issue, consult Apple Support for further assistance.

Using another account can help you isolate issues related to your primary user account. If the MacBook functions normally under a different account, you can focus on resolving issues specific to your main account.

Solution 10: Reboot Mac into Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode offers advanced troubleshooting options and can be a last resort when your MacBook Pro won’t turn on.

1. Enter Recovery Mode: To boot into Recovery Mode, restart your MacBook and hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears.
2. Use Disk Utility: One of the options in Recovery Mode is Disk Utility, which can be used to repair disk errors.
3. Reinstall macOS: Another option is to reinstall macOS, but this should be a last resort as it will erase all data.
4. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup, you can restore your MacBook to a previous state.
5. Consult Apple Support: If none of these steps work, your last option is to consult Apple Support for professional assistance.

Recovery Mode provides a range of advanced troubleshooting options. If all else fails, this mode can be your last resort for resolving issues that prevent your MacBook Pro from turning on.

Solution 11: Check for Software Updates

Keeping your MacBook Pro updated is crucial for its optimal performance. Sometimes, outdated software can cause issues, including preventing your MacBook from turning on.

1. Access Update Settings: If you can boot your MacBook, go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for available updates.
2. Download and Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any available updates.
3. Restart: After the updates are installed, restart your MacBook to complete the process.x
4. Check for Changes: Observe any changes in your MacBook’s behavior to see if updating the software resolved the issue.

By keeping your MacBook Pro updated, you not only enhance its performance but also minimize the risk of running into issues that prevent it from turning on.

Solution 12: Consult Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and your MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, it’s time to consult Apple Support for professional assistance.

1. Gather Information: Before contacting Apple, gather all relevant information such as your MacBook’s model, serial number, and any error messages you’ve encountered.
2. Contact Support: Use the Apple Support website or app to initiate a support request.
3. Follow Instructions: Apple Support may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or recommend visiting an Apple Store for repair.
4. Consider Repair or Replacement: Depending on the diagnosis, you may need to consider repair or replacement options.

If all else fails, professional assistance is your best course of action for resolving the issue and getting your MacBook Pro to turn on.

Wrapping Up

In your quest to revive a non-responsive MacBook Pro, we’ve explored a range of solutions, from checking power status to advanced troubleshooting. Remember, when faced with the frustration of a MacBook Pro that won’t turn on, there’s always a pathway to a solution.