Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Power and Startup Issues

Troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power

Troubleshooting sleep and wake issues

Troubleshooting intermittent shutdown or system instability

Troubleshooting startup issues

Troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power

Identify issues

Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:

  • Battery menu displays messages such as Service Battery, Replace Now, or Replace Soon

  • Battery doesn’t charge

  • Battery runs out of power very quickly or without any warning

  • No lightning bolt icon in battery status menu or power connection feedback when power adapter is connected

  • “X” in battery status menu

  • The computer doesn’t start up from shutdown when the power adapter is attached

  • The computer doesn’t turn on when the display is opened

  • The computer doesn’t turn on when you press the power button

  • The computer doesn’t turn on when the power adapter is connected

  • The computer doesn’t turn on when any keyboard key is pressed while the display is open

  • The computer doesn’t turn on when the trackpad is pressed while the display is open

  • No image appears on the built-in display

Identify your MacBook model

Identify your MacBook Air model

Identify your MacBook Pro model

Identify your Mac power adapter

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

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

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

Try quick troubleshooting steps

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

  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. 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 charge cables, USB-C will receive priority over MagSafe for charging power.

  3. Inspect all USB-C and MagSafe 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, non-metallic, 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: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t spray liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use compressed air.

  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. 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 port to verify USB-C and MagSafe 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 power adapter indicator light behavior: When you first connect a MagSafe 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 3 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.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual 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.

Open and inspect the computer

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 components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.

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

  4. Disconnect the audio board and attempt to turn on the computer. If the computer turns on 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 with the battery disconnected, battery or top case replacement is recommended (depending on the model).

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.

Replace the part

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, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.

  • If you find damage in the charging ports, replace the affected I/O 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.

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.

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Troubleshooting sleep and wake issues

Identify issues

  • The computer doesn’t wake when the display lid is opened

  • The computer doesn’t sleep when the display lid is closed

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. 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.

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

  3. The computer may be in safe sleep. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. If the battery is drained, 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 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.

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

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

Run manual and diagnostic tests

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

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

Open and inspect the computer

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. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Closely inspect the components in this area to verify all components 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.

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.

Replace the part

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, repeat the troubleshooting steps 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).

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.

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Troubleshooting intermittent shutdown or system instability

Identify issues

Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:

  • Unexpected shutdown during startup

  • Unexpected shutdown during use

  • Unexpected restart with an alert message

  • Unresponsiveness after startup

  • Unresponsiveness after waking from sleep

  • Slow performance

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

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

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. 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

  2. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause fans to stop working.

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

Run manual and diagnostic tests

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

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

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

    • 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.

Open and inspect the computer

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 components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.

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

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.

Replace the part

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, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.

  • 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.

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.

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Troubleshooting startup issues

Identify issues

Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:

  • The computer doesn’t start up completely when it’s turned on

  • The computer displays an icon of an exclamation point inside a circle

  • The computer initially appears to be turned off but shows signs of power, such as the trackpad clicking when pressed

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

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

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

Try quick troubleshooting steps

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

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

Run manual and diagnostic tests

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

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

    1. A fan spins (some models only)

    2. The trackpad clicks when pressed

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

    4. The built-in display functions

    5. 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. 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.

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

  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. Attempt to start up the computer to macOS Recovery. Verify that the computer starts up to macOS Recovery. Run the Full System Diagnostic suite on the computer. Check diagnostic results for any failures.

  7. While started up to macOS Recovery, 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.

  8. 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.

  9. If the computer can’t start up to macOS and can’t start up to macOS Recovery, 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.

Open and inspect the computer

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 components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.

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

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.

Replace the part

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the logic board.

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.

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