Apple Silicon Mac Laptops: Power and Startup Issues
Troubleshooting sleep and wake issues
Troubleshooting intermittent shutdown or system instability
Troubleshooting startup issues
Troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power
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
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.
Check the computer’s display brightness as it may be turned down.
The computer may be in Safe Sleep. To wake from Safe Sleep, connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging cable that is connected to an electrical outlet. Then press the power button.
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.
If the battery is drained, connect it to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging cable and charge the computer for up to ten 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.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite if possible, to help isolate the cause of the issue.
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.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Visually inspect the lid angle sensor, lid angle sensor flex cable, and the 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.
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.
Closely inspect the components in this area to verify all components are present, installed correctly, and are not damaged. Disconnect the open/close (AMR) sensor flex cable (only in some laptop models). Inspect the cable and connectors on the logic board and flex cable for any damage. Reconnect the sensor flex cable, verifying that the connectors are all 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 open/close (AMR) sensor (in models with this sensor).
Replace the lid angle sensor.
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.
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 start up all the way
If your Mac restarted because of a problem
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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
Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause fans to stop working.
If the battery is drained on the computer, connect it to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging cable and charge the computer for up to ten 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.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Attempt to start up the computer in Safe Mode to verify that the computer can start up completely without any issues.
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
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 (in models without separately replaceable batteries).
Replace the logic board.
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.
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 clicks when pressed
If your Mac doesn't start up all the way
If your Mac restarted because of a problem
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.
Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause fans to stop working.
If the battery is drained on the computer, connect it to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging cable and charge the computer for up to ten 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.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
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 charging cable is connected (for example, with a sound)
The built-in display functions
A connected external display functions
If the computer shows no indications of power, refer to troubleshooting battery and power adapter issues or no power.
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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.
Attempt to start up in Safe Mode to verify that the computer can start up completely without any issues.
Connect a compatible external display to the computer. Connect the computer to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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.
Attempt to start up the computer to macOS Recovery. Verify that the computer starts up to macOS Recovery.
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.
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.
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.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
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.
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.
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 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 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
Get help with your Mac laptop battery
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
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
Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause fans to stop working.
Verify that the power adapter and charging cable are the correct types for the computer. Different power adapters and charging 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 charging 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 charging cables, USB-C will receive priority over MagSafe for charging power.
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. 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.
If the battery is drained on the computer, connect it to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging cable and charge the computer for up to ten 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.
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.
Connect a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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 functionality of both orientations of the connector by flipping it over and reconnecting it.
Connect the computer’s power adapter and charging cable to the computer. Verify that the computer’s power adapter and charging cable are charging the computer. A faulty power adapter or charging cable (or both) may cause short battery runtimes.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
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 charging cable is connected (for example, with a sound)
The built-in display functions
A connected external display functions
If the computer shows any indications of power, refer to troubleshooting startup issues.
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite while connected to a compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
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 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 (in models without separately replaceable batteries).
Replace the logic board.
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.