Every part of a MacBook is important, but the screen is even more important because it is the central axis of the device and what will allow you to see the content. If your MacBook has a problem with it, be it specific failures or something continuous, keep reading because in this article we will inquire about this issue, as well as propose possible solutions.
Common MacBook Screen Failures
There are many types of failures on the screen of a laptop like a MacBook, regardless of whether this is the ‘normal’ version, an ‘Air’ or a ‘Pro’. The most frequent and that you are possibly experiencing are the following.
Does weird things when turning off
There are times when when you turn off the MacBook or even when you open the lid , a kind of colored lines appear on the screen for a few seconds. Sometimes they are almost priceless. A priori this should not be a problem, since it is more related to an internal process of rest of the computer that manifests itself in this way. If this lasted longer, perhaps it would be a cause for alarm.
If it takes too long to turn on
This is a different case than the time it takes to load the operating system, which is not directly related to the screen. The fault in question is that once you turn on the computer or open its lid after being idle, it takes several seconds to see the screen. As in the previous case, it may not be a serious problem and it is normal. What is no longer normal is that this time until it turns on takes too long, which could already denote some kind of problem with the connection of the panel with the motherboard.
Other failures
- Blurred screen , either in a certain part or completely. Although it may seem strange, it could be due to a software glitch.
- Black lines on a part of the screen, which could be caused by a hit that caused the pixels in a part to be melted from a hit received.
- Black spots , which, unlike the previous point, appear scattered throughout the screen and could be related to a factory defect. In some MacBook Pro 2015 this problem was reported and Apple changes the screens totally free with a repair program that it opened at the time.
- Colored streaks anywhere or all over the screen, which is an obvious problem after the MacBook has been hit or dropped. While a factory fault can be reported in this way, it is often more rare and no batch of Apple computers are remembered with this fault.
It is rarely a matter of software
At some point in the above we can blame the software for the failure, although in the vast majority it is the hardware of the screen itself or the motherboard of the device. In any case, at this point you don’t lose anything by trying the following:
- Update macOS to the latest version available. You can do it from System Preferences> Software Update if you are already on a version that is Mojave or later. For previous you will have to go to the Mac App Store and go to the updates tab.
- Format the Mac and do it completely, also erasing the contents of the disk and reinstalling macOS in the empty space. In this way you make sure that no software failure remains registered and reappears on the computer.
If it doesn’t turn on directly
This point is also complex to solve if it is not with specialists, since it denotes that the screen has been completely broken or there is a problem with its power supply that is not in any case something simple or quick to fix on your own. Anyway, try connecting it to the power with its official charger (or a certified one for MacBook) and try turning it on. Also take a look at the article where we address issues with a Mac not turning on.
Don’t try to change the screen yourself
A collation of the previous point, we recommend under no circumstances that you be the one who repairs the screen by opening the equipment and manipulating internal components. First of all, if the equipment has a guarantee, you will lose it instantly. Apple has detection systems that, once you take it to an official technical support, will verify that it has been previously opened. If you also do not have enough knowledge or techniques to handle it, you could worsen the condition of the MacBook and make it completely useless.
Ask for a quote for the MacBook screen
As we said before, the most reliable thing is to go to the manufacturer’s own technical service. Unfortunately there is no public price list of how much it will cost to repair the screen, since in some cases it affects other components that must also be repaired and even in extreme cases you are offered replacement equipment. If the defect of your Mac is covered by the legal guarantee or you have contracted AppleCare + the service could have a lower cost and even be free. In any case, it is something that you should consult with the specialists, who will offer you a budget without compromise once they detect the problem.
And what contact channels do you have to request an appointment at Apple or a SAT? Well, through the Apple support website , with the iOS and iPadOS Support app, by phone (900 150 503 is free from Spain) or by visiting the establishment in person, although the above are much more convenient and recommended.
Are external services reliable?
Like almost everything in life, it depends. There are several things to keep in mind and that is that no matter how reliable the establishment where you go, in the end if it is not authorized by Apple you will lose the guarantee if you still have it. On the other hand, you would have to make sure what type of parts they use because no matter how good quality these are, it is most likely that they are not original screens . In an authorized service they are also trained at the end to more accurately detect the origin of the problem, so you will have to make sure that in the site you go to as well and that they offer you a guarantee after the repair in case any problems arise. First of all, it is always advisable to go to an authorized place, but if your MacBook no longer has a guarantee and you have made sure that they offer you good conditions, you should not because you have any problem in an external service.
