Troubleshooting Mac Power Issues – Updated 2023

Power Problems with Your Mac

If your Mac is refusing to power up, several potential causes could be behind the issue.

Identifying the precise root cause can be challenging, so it’s advisable to seek assistance from an Apple specialist.

Common Indicators of Mac Power Problems

1. Mac fails to turn on.
2. Mac powers up but displays a black screen.
3. Mac initiates the boot-up process but shuts down midway.
4. Mac stops charging.
5. Audible noises inside the Mac, yet the screen remains dark.

Steps to Take When Your Mac Won’t Power On

If you own a MacBookPro, MacBook Air, or MacBook and encounter power issues, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the charger cable and observe the charging indicator’s color. If it’s green and the Mac still won’t turn on, the charger may be the problem. Try using another charger.

2. If the second charger doesn’t work, attempt using a different power adapter, and testing with both chargers to ensure power is reaching your Mac.

3. Consider resetting the SMC and PRAM. Check out ZA Support’s straightforward SMC and PRAM reset guide on YouTube to learn how to reset these on your Mac.

4. If the problem persists and your Mac allows for Apple RAM removal, cautiously try removing it to see if the Mac powers on. Note that improper RAM removal can harm your Mac, so it’s recommended for Apple professionals only.

At this stage, several factors could be preventing your Mac from powering on.

For Macs with an orange charging light that won’t turn on, it may indicate a battery issue, requiring professional attention.

If you own an iMac or Mac Pro, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the iMac or Mac Pro from the main power source.
2. Leave it unplugged for 5 seconds.
3. Afterward, your iMac or Mac Pro should have reset its SMC controller.
4. If you need to reset the PRAM on your iMac or Mac Pro, follow the same steps as you would for a MacBook.

If your Mac still refuses to power on after these troubleshooting steps, it’s time to consider further diagnostics and professional assistance.

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 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.