Intel-Based Apple Portables: Troubleshooting a computer that will not power on
Products Affected
Symptoms
There are some simple troubleshooting steps you should try if your MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro won't turn on. Use these steps if:
- Your Apple notebook's display has no picture after you turn it on.
- You don't hear any fan or hard disk activity sounds after you turn the computer on, and the sleep light doesn't turn on.
- The computer doesn't seem to have any power when you try to turn it on.
Resolution
1. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer including printers, hubs, and third-party keyboards or mice, and test the computer again by trying to turn it on.
2. Find out whether the battery on your Apple portable has power.
- For a MacBook or MacBook Pro:
- Press the small button on the side or bottom of the computer, depending on the model. Lights should indicate the battery's level of charge. A single blinking light means the battery needs to be recharged. Connect the adapter to recharge the battery.
Note: Some MacBook and MacBook Pro computers provide more information from the battery indicator light than whether the battery needs to be recharged. Find out more about the battery indicator lights for more information about those computers.
- Press the small button on the side or bottom of the computer, depending on the model. Lights should indicate the battery's level of charge. A single blinking light means the battery needs to be recharged. Connect the adapter to recharge the battery.
- For a MacBook Air:
- The MacBook Air does not have a battery indicator light. Proceed to step three to confirm the MagSafe adapter is functioning properly.
3. Unplug the power adapter from the electrical outlet and from the MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro. Wait one minute. Plug it back into the wall first, then to the computer. Make sure the electrical outlet is working by plugging in another device (such as a lamp). When you plug the adapter back into the computer, the power adapter LED should light up green or amber. If the light does not come on or the computer continues to not power on, proceed to step four.
4. Inspect your MagSafe power adapter. See Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters for instructions on cleaning the adapter and more details for these steps:
- Check the MagSafe connector on the adapter for any bent or damaged pins, debris, or alignment issues with the connector.
- Check the MagSafe connector on the computer for any debris, damaged pins, or alignment issues.
- Check the MagSafe adapters cabling for any wear or cable issues.
5. Make sure you are using the adapter that was designed for your computer. If you aren't sure or if you need a different adapter, learn which adapter is appropriate for your computer.
6. Review the steps for resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Apple portable computer.
7. If you recently installed additional memory or a hard drive not made by Apple, make sure it is installed correctly and is compatible with your computer. If possible, install the original memory or hard drive into the computer to find out if the behavior persists.
8. If you are still unable to start up your computer after trying each of these steps, schedule a service appointment with an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).
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