Why Won’t My Mac Turn On? – Updated for 2023

If you’re encountering issues with your Mac not powering on, it can be a perplexing situation. This problem could stem from various factors, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause on your own. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek assistance from an Apple specialist.

Identifying Common Signs of a Mac That Won’t Turn On:

1. Mac Doesn’t Turn On: The most evident sign is when your Mac simply refuses to power up.
2. Black Screen: Another scenario is when the Mac turns on, but the screen remains black, leaving you in the dark.
3. Unexpected Shutdown: Sometimes, your Mac might initiate the booting process but abruptly shut down halfway through.
4. Charging Issues: Your Mac may stop charging, indicating a potential problem.
5. Audible Activity, No Display: In some instances, you might hear components moving inside your Mac, yet the screen remains inactive.

Troubleshooting Steps for Macs That Won’t Power On:

For MacBookPro, MacBook Air, or MacBook:

1. Check Charger Indicator: First, disconnect your charger cable and inspect the charging indicator. If it shows green, yet the Mac doesn’t power on, it could be a charger issue. Test with another charger.
2. Multiple Power Adaptors: Try using another power adaptor and test with both adaptors to ensure that power is reaching your Mac.
3. Reset SMC and PRAM: Attempt to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and Parameter RAM (PRAM). You can find a helpful guide on how to perform these resets on your Mac on ZA Support’s YouTube channel.
4. Consider RAM Removal: If the issue persists, and you have a Mac with removable RAM, cautiously remove it and see if the Mac powers on. Please exercise caution, as mishandling RAM can damage your Mac if you’re not an Apple professional.

At this stage, various factors might be contributing to your Mac’s failure to power on. If the charger indicator is orange, and your Mac remains unresponsive, it could be a battery-related problem, necessitating professional assistance.

For iMac or Mac Pro:

1. Unplug from Power: If you’re dealing with an iMac or Mac Pro, unplug it from the main power source.
2. Wait for 5 Seconds: Leave your iMac or Mac Pro unplugged for about 5 seconds.
3. SMC Reset: Afterward, your iMac or Mac Pro should have reset its System Management Controller (SMC).

For resetting PRAM on your iMac or Mac Pro, follow the same steps as you would for a MacBook.

What to Do If Your Mac Still Refuses to Power On:

If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and your Mac is still unresponsive, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further diagnostics and repairs. Your Mac may require specialized attention to get it up and running again.

As you can see there are a lot of factors that can cause your Mac to not power on. If you have tried our Mac not powering on the expert guide it might be a consideration to bring the Mac in for a diagnostic. If you need to book your Mac for an Apple diagnostic click here.