Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Power and Startup Issues

• Identify your MacBook model

• Identify your MacBook Air model

• Identify your MacBook Pro model

• Identify your Mac power adapter

• About Power Modes on your Mac

• Using Apple power adapters, cables, and duckheads with Apple products

• Fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

• If your Mac doesn’t turn on

• If your Mac doesn’t start up all the way

• If your MagSafe cable or power adapter isn’t working

• If your USB-C power adapter isn’t charging your Mac laptop

• If you see Service Recommended on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

• About your Mac laptop’s power adapter

• If your Mac battery runs out of charge quickly

• If your Mac battery status is “Not Charging”

• If your Mac battery won’t charge

• Determine battery cycle count for Mac laptops

• Use safe mode on your Mac

• If your Mac starts up to an exclamation point in a circle

• If your Mac starts up to Options with a gear icon

• If you can’t start up from macOS Recovery

• Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon

1. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause the computer to malfunction.

2. Verify that the power adapter and charge cable are the correct types for the computer. Different power adapters and charge cables may appear similar but may not provide sufficient power to turn on or charge the computer. Some models only charge with USB-C, while other models can also charge with MagSafe 3. Note that only some power adapters and some charge cables provide fast charging ability. Refer to the support articles above for more information about how to identify Mac power adapters and fast charging.

   • Note: When using both USB-C and MagSafe 3 charge cables, USB-C will receive priority over MagSafe 3 for charging power.

3. Inspect all USB-C and MagSafe 3 ports and top case openings on the computer for any signs of deformation, damage, or debris that may be blocking the connection. Gently clean each connector using a small, nonmetallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the connector. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the connector to avoid brushing debris into the connector.

   • Caution: Before cleaning ports, disconnect all cables and turn off the computer. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don’t spray liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use compressed air in port openings as it may drive debris further inside the port.

4. If the battery is drained on the computer, connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable and charge it for up to 10 minutes to verify that the computer’s battery can charge. If the computer doesn’t turn on with a power adapter after charging, continue to the next step. If the computer turns on but doesn’t complete the startup process, refer to troubleshooting startup issues.

5. The computer may have power but may only appear to be off. Battery or power adapter issues can sometimes cause unexpected power states. Verify that the computer is turned off. If you aren’t sure if the computer is on or off, press and hold the power button to turn off the computer. Wait a few seconds. Then press the power button again to turn the computer back on.

6. Connect a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable to each USB-C or MagSafe 3 port to verify USB-C and MagSafe 3 charging port basic functionality. Verify that the computer recognizes the connection. Test the functionality of both orientations of the connector by flipping it over and reconnecting it.

7. Connect the computer’s power adapter and charge cable to the computer. Verify that the computer’s power adapter and charge cable are charging the computer. A faulty power adapter or charge cable (or both) may cause short battery runtimes.

8. About MagSafe 3 power adapter indicator light behavior: When you first connect a MagSafe 3 power adapter to a compatible computer, the adapter light glows green for about a second to indicate that power is available. After that, the adapter light glows green or amber. A steady green light indicates that the battery is fully charged or is on charging hold. A steady amber light indicates that the battery is being charged. If the indicator light on the MagSafe 3 connector flashes amber three times then stops, there might be a hardware issue. If the indicator light on the MagSafe 3 connector flashes amber repeatedly, try these steps:

   1. Disconnect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable from the Mac and from the power adapter.

   2. Disconnect the USB-C power adapter from the wall outlet.

   3. Use a dry cloth to wipe the MagSafe 3 port and MagSafe 3 connector. Verify that the port and connector are dry and clear of any debris. Refer to the previous steps in this section for cleaning instructions.

   4. Verify that the USB-C port on the power adapter and the USB-C connector are clear of any debris. Refer to the previous steps in this section for cleaning instructions.

   5. Restart the Mac.

   6. Connect the USB-C power adapter to the wall outlet. Connect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable to the power adapter and to the Mac. Then try charging again.

   7. If the issue persists with a known-good power adapter, continue troubleshooting to run diagnostics on the power adapter and the computer.

9. Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

1. Determine if the computer has power by confirming any of the following:

   • A fan spins (some models only)

   • The trackpad clicks when pressed

   • The computer indicates when a charge cable is connected (for example, with a sound)

   • The built-in display functions

   • A connected external display functions

   • Note: If the computer shows any indications of power, refer to troubleshooting startup issues.

2. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable, if possible.

   • Note: This test will gather diagnostic information about the battery and verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check MRI results for any battery, power, fan, or thermal warnings or failures.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running manuals and diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts for each relevant issue:

• If diagnostic results report any power adapter or charge cable errors or failures, replace the power adapter or charge cable.

• If you find damage in the charging ports, replace the affected input/output board, USB-C board, or MagSafe 3 board (depending on the model).

• If diagnostic results report any battery errors or failures, replace the battery in models with replaceable batteries. Replace the top case assembly in models without separately replaceable batteries.

• If the computer turns on with the audio board disconnected, replace the audio board.

• If the computer turns on with the battery disconnected, replace the battery in models with replaceable batteries. Replace the top case assembly in models without separately replaceable batteries.

• Replace the logic board.

Repair completion

Depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.

Post-repair verification

Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:

• Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)

After the repair is completed, turn on the computer and verify that the issue has been resolved.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

• About Power Modes on your Mac

• Put your Mac to sleep or wake it

• Set sleep and wake settings for your Mac

• If your Mac sleeps or wakes unexpectedly

• What is Safe Sleep on Mac?

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.

1. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause the computer to malfunction.

2. Open the display on the laptop, press any key on the keyboard, or click the trackpad or a connected mouse to wake the computer. Close the display to confirm the computer goes to sleep.

3. Check the computer’s display brightness as it may be turned down.

4. The computer may be in safe sleep, which can be mistaken for a sleep or power issue. To wake from safe sleep, connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable that is connected to an electrical outlet. Then press the power button.

5. Sleep or wake issues can sometimes cause unexpected power states. Verify that the computer is in sleep mode and isn't turned off. If you aren’t sure if the computer is on or off, press and hold the power button. Wait a few seconds. Then press the power button again to turn the computer back on.

6. If the battery is drained on the computer, connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable and charge it for at least 10 minutes to verify that the computer’s battery can charge. If the computer doesn’t turn on with a power adapter after charging, continue to the next section. If the computer turns on but doesn’t complete the startup process, refer to Troubleshooting Startup Issues.

7. Follow steps in If your Mac doesn’t turn on.

8. Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.

If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

1. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

1. Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.

2. Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas. Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.

3. Visually inspect the lid angle sensor, lid angle sensor flex cable, and connectors. Closely inspect the parts in this area to ensure that all parts are present and aligned properly. Ensure that all parts are installed correctly and aren’t damaged.

4. Disconnect the lid angle sensor flex cable. Visually inspect the flex cable and its connector for any damage. Inspect the display hinge cover to ensure that the lid angle sensor magnet is in place and not missing or misaligned. Press the end of the lid angle sensor flex cable to its connector until it clicks to ensure that it’s secure.

5. Closely inspect the parts in this area to verify all parts are present, installed correctly, and not damaged. Disconnect the open/close (AMR) sensor flex cable (only in some laptop models). Inspect the logic board flex cable and connectors for any damage. Reconnect the sensor flex cable, verifying that all connectors are seated properly.

6. If the issue is resolved or inspection reveals no issues, complete the reassembly. If diagnostic results or inspection identified a faulty part, continue to the next section. If the issue persists without identifying a specific part, continue to the next section for logic board replacement.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, run the post-repair diagnostics and perform functional testing to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.

• Replace the lid angle sensor.

• Replace the top case assembly (in models with the open/close (AMR) sensor).

• If the issue persists after sensor replacement, replace the logic board.

Repair completion

Depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.

Post-repair verification

Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:

• Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)

After the repair is completed, turn on the computer and verify that the computer sleeps and wakes when expected.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

• If your Mac doesn’t turn on

• If your Mac doesn’t start up all the way

• If your Mac restarted because of a problem

• Use safe mode on your Mac

1. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause the computer to malfunction.

2. Collect the following information:

   • When the computer shuts down (for example, on battery power or after running for a while)

   • How frequently the computer shuts down

   • Which applications are running at the time

   • How easy it is to cause the computer to shut down

3. If the battery is drained on the computer, connect it to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable and charge the computer for up to 10 minutes to verify that the computer’s battery can charge. If the computer doesn’t turn on with a power adapter after charging, refer to troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power. If the computer turns on but doesn’t complete the startup process, refer to troubleshooting startup issues.

4. Follow instructions in If your Mac restarted because of a problem.

5. Attempt to start up in safe mode to verify that the computer can start up completely without any issues.

6. Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

1. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable, if possible.

   • Note: This test will gather diagnostic information about the battery and verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check diagnostic test results for any battery, power, or thermal warnings or failures.

2. MRI may report a consumed or defective battery, or other significant failure. Any of these failures can cause intermittent shutdowns.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

1. Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.

2. Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas. Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.

3. Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan (for models with fans) for dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and isn't obstructed.

4. If the issue is resolved or inspection reveals no issues, complete the reassembly. If diagnostic results or inspection identified a faulty part, continue to the next section. If the issue persists without identifying a specific part, continue to the next section for logic board replacement.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts for each relevant issue:

• If diagnostic results report any battery errors or failures, replace the battery in models with replaceable batteries. Replace the top case assembly in models without separately replaceable batteries.

• Replace the logic board.

Repair completion

Depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.

Post-repair verification

Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:

• Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)

After the repair is completed, turn on the computer and verify that the issue has been resolved.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

• If your Mac doesn’t start up all the way

• Use safe mode on your Mac

• Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon

• If your Mac starts up to an exclamation point in a circle

• If your Mac starts up to Options with a gear icon

• If you can’t start up from macOS Recovery

• How to identify the DFU port on Mac

1. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause the computer to malfunction.

2. If the battery is drained on the computer, connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable and charge it for up to 10 minutes to verify that the computer’s battery can charge. If the computer doesn’t turn on with a power adapter after charging, refer to troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power.

3. Attempt to start up in safe mode to verify that the computer can start up completely without any issues.

4. Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

1. Determine if the computer has power by confirming any of the following:

   • A fan spins (some models only)

   • The trackpad clicks when pressed

   • The computer indicates when a charge cable is connected (for example, with a sound)

   • The built-in display functions

   • A connected external display functions

2. If the computer shows no indications of power, refer to troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power.

3. Attempt to start up the computer in diagnostics mode, if possible.

4. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable, if possible.

   • Note: This test will gather diagnostic information about the battery and verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check MRI results for any battery, power, fan, or thermal warnings or failures.

5. Connect a compatible external display to the computer. Connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable. The computer should turn on automatically if it’s off when the power adapter is connected. Check for an image on the built-in display. Then check for an image on the connected external display. If an image is not clearly visible on the built-in display while an image is clearly visible on the connected external display, there may be an issue with the built-in display. Refer to troubleshooting display or image issues.

6. While started up in diagnostics mode, use Disk Utility to verify the computer’s internal startup volume. If you notice errors, use Disk Utility to repair the computer’s internal startup volume.

7. Restart the computer and verify that it completes the startup process. If the computer still doesn’t start up completely, select the Install macOS option in macOS Recovery to update or reinstall macOS.

8. If the computer can’t start up to macOS and can’t start up in diagnostics mode, an icon with an exclamation point inside a circle appears. If you see this icon when attempting to start up the computer, follow the recommended steps in If your Mac starts up to an exclamation point in a circle.

   • Important: Always attempt to revive or restore the computer by following steps in How to revive or restore Mac firmware before attempting any hardware service.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

1. Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.

2. Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas. Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.

3. Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan (for models with fans) for dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and isn't obstructed.

4. Disconnect the audio board and attempt to turn on the computer. If the computer turns on and starts up with the audio board disconnected, audio board replacement is recommended.

5. Disconnect the battery and attempt to turn on the computer with the charge cable connected. If the computer turns on and starts up with the battery disconnected, battery or top case replacement is recommended (depending on the model).

6. If the issue is resolved or inspection reveals no issues, complete the reassembly. If diagnostic results or inspection identified a faulty part, continue to the next section. If the issue persists without identifying a specific part, continue to the next section for logic board replacement.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts for each relevant issue:

• If the computer turns on with the audio board disconnected, replace the audio board.

• If the computer turns on and starts up with the battery disconnected, replace the battery in models with replaceable batteries. Replace the top case assembly in models without separately replaceable batteries.

• If no specific faulty part was identified above, replace the logic board.

Repair completion

Depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.

Post-repair verification

Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:

• Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)

After the repair is completed, turn on the computer and verify that the computer can now complete the startup process over multiple trials.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.