Troubleshooting: Mac mini won't turn on

If your Mac mini won't turn on, here's how to troubleshoot it.  Keep in mind that although your Mac mini may exhibit similar symptoms that prevent it from showing video, this article discusses what to do if the computer won't turn on, meaning that when you press the Mac mini power button:

• You don't hear a startup chime
• You don't hear any fan or drive noise
• The power button on the front doesn't light up at all

If your Mac mini doesn't display any video, it may exhibit one or more of these similar symptoms when you press the power button:

• You may hear a startup chime
• You may hear fan or drive noise
• You may see the power button light up

If any of these conditions occur, see the Troubleshooting: Mac mini has no video article instead.

If your Mac Mini won't turn on, try each of these steps:

1. Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet and that it's properly connected to the power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.)
2. Make sure that the power adapter is properly connected to the power port on the back of the computer.
3. Disconnect all accessories that are plugged into the computer, such as a printer, hub, or iPod.
4. Reset the PMU.
5. For an Intel-based Mac mini, reset the SMU.
6. Try plugging a different power cord into the computer (if you have a working one available). If the computer starts up, replace the old power cord.
7. Try connecting a different power adapter to the computer (if you have a working one available). If the computer starts up, replace the old power adapter.
8. If you tried all of the steps above and the computer still won't turn on, contact Apple technical support (1-800-APL-CARE in the U.S.) or take your computer to your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for diagnosis.  If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store please make a reservation at the Genius bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ .