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All Mac users dread this moment — you press the power button but your Mac doesn't turn on!If your MacBook isn't turning on theres no need to panic. There are a few easy things you can try to troubleshoot. Hopefully we can bring your Mac back to life together, so let's go through them all now.

Turn that frown upside down. Hopefully we can bring your Mac back to life together!

First, check your power source

It might sound obvious. The first thing to check is whether your MacBook is connected to a power source and actually getting power. Plug your MacBook into its original wall charger and give it a few mins beforing trying to turn it on again. If your MacBook still doesn't turn on you should check for visible signs of damage to your power adapter and cable. Sometimes a faulty cable is the culprit and an easy fix (just get a new one from Apple or Amazon)! Next you should try plugging your charger into a different wall outlet to see if the one you're using isn't working.

Next, disconnect every accessory

If your MacBook is connected to external devices like a monitor, printer, or anything Firewire, USB etc they might be interfering with the startup process. Let's systematically rule them out.

1. Unplug all accessories and peripherals from your MacBook.
   • Remove any connected devices, such as USB drives, external hard drives, SD cards, printers, or external monitors.
2. Try turning on your MacBook again.
   • With all peripherals disconnected, press the power button to see if your MacBook starts up normally. If it does, one of the connected devices might have been causing the issue.
3. Reconnect things one at a time.
   • If your MacBook turns on then reconnect your devices one at a time to see which accessory is causing problems and get it repaired or replace it.

Now we should perform a power cycle

If your MacBook won't turn on, a power cycle can sometimes fix it. This process involves completely draining the MacBook of any remaining power and then trying to restart it. Here's how to perform a power cycle:

1. Disconnect your MacBook from its power adapter.
   • Unplugging your MacBook ensures that no power is coming into the system.
2. Hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, then release it.
   • Holding down the power button for an extended period forces the MacBook to cut any lingering power in the system, effectively performing a hard reset.
3. Reconnect the power adapter and try turning on your MacBook again.
   • After reconnecting the power, press the power button to see if it turns on. Sometimes, this method can resolve startup issues that are caused by power glitches.

Reset the System Management Controller

If your MacBook is still unresponsive resetting the SMC might help. The SMC controls various power-related functions, including battery management, sleep functions, and power button response. By resetting it, you can potentially resolve issues related to power and startup. The process differs slightly depending on your MacBook model:

For MacBooks with the T2 Security Chip (2018 or later):

1. Press and hold the control + option + shift keys (on the left side) for 7 seconds.
   • These keys, along with the power button, help reset the SMC on newer MacBook models with the T2 chip.
2. While still holding these keys, press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds.
   • Continuing to hold the power button forces the SMC to reset completely.
3. Release all keys, then wait a few seconds before turning on your Mac.
   • After releasing, try pressing the power button to see if the issue is resolved.

For older MacBooks (without the T2 chip):

1. Press and hold the shift + control + option keys and the Power button at the same time for 10 seconds.
   
   • This key combination resets the SMC on older MacBooks, where the SMC helps manage power functions more directly.
2. Release all keys, then try turning on your MacBook.
   • After the reset, press the power button to see if your MacBook responds.

Reset Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory

The NVRAM stores small amounts of data, such as sound volume, display resolution, time zone, and startup disk preferences. If these settings are causing issues, a reset might help fix them. Here's how you reset your NVRAM:

1. Turn off your MacBook.
   • If it's on or in an unresponsive state, hold the power button until it shuts down completely.
2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold option + command + P + R.
   • These keys work together to reset the NVRAM. Make sure to press them right after you turn on the MacBook.
3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
   • During this time, your MacBook may restart, and you might hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo flash a second time. This is normal and indicates the NVRAM reset is complete.
4. Check and adjust your settings if needed.
   • After the reset, you may need to reconfigure some preferences, such as sound volume or display resolution, as the NVRAM reset clears these settings.

Try 'Safe Mode'

If your MacBook turns on but doesn't start up properly, you can try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only essential system files, which can help you identify whether an app or setting is causing the problem:

1. Turn on your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen.
3. If your Mac starts up in Safe Mode, restart it to see if it boots normally.

Check for hardware issues

If you've tried all the steps and your MacBook still won't turn on it could be a hardware issue.Inspect your Mac for any visible signs of damage or liquids (water, coffee, cat p..). If you find damage you might need to visit an Apple Store to get assistance from an Apple 'Genius™'.

Having a MacBook that won't turn on is stressful but quite often it's just a simple fix to get you back on track! If these steps don't solve you problem it's a good idea to reach out to Apple or a certified technician for help.

I hope this guide helped you get your MacBook up and running again!

See you next time,
❤️ Maria