Your MacBook Won’t Start? What You Can Do

Did you modify the operating system and your MacBook won’t boot? Do not panic, we are here to help you. The easiest thing will be to take it to an expert in an Apple Store, especially if it is still under warranty. if not, surely you want to save some money and, incidentally, know what you can do for your computer. Keep reading, that below we give you 6 basic steps that you must follow to verify that your Apple laptop is working in the correct way.

Make sure it is not a screen problem

Revisando por qué una MacBook no arranca

Does your MacBook make noise when you turn it on? I mean, can you hear the usual system boot or fan start sounds? Are the keyboard lights on? These are all signs that your Mac is booting up as expected, but there is something wrong with your screen.

The good news is that a screen problem probably won’t affect your data. The bad news, however, is that you won’t be able to fix a MacBook screen on your own.

You can try connecting your Mac to an external display if you desperately need to use it, but in the meantime, you should call an Apple Store and make an appointment to see if the display can be repaired or replaced.

Check electrical problems

Adaptador de una Mac para revisar porque una MacBook no arranca

If there is a problem with the power to your MacBook, it may not have enough charge to turn on when the battery runs out. These problems are relatively easy to diagnose. First, try switching to other electrical outlets on different walls to see if the one you are using is faulty.

Second, examine the power cord and adapter for signs of damage. Even if it looks good, try to find a compatible MacBook charger to discard. If that fixes the problem, your charging cable is damaged and you will need to replace it.

Check to see if other hardware connections are causing problems. Peripheral devices (particularly those not made by Apple) can sometimes cause power problems that prevent a MacBook from fully starting.

Remove all third-party mice, external drives, and accessories. Then, connect your MacBook to the charging cable and check if it turns on properly. If it works, one of your accessories is probably not compatible with the current version of macOS.

Restart your Mac with a power cycle

MacBook Won't Start

Turn your Mac off and on to try to eliminate any internal inconsistencies that may be preventing a proper boot. This works if your Mac at least tries to turn on, but it may not be effective on a totally dead MacBook.

Before you begin, disconnect all peripherals and devices from your MacBook. Then, just press and hold the power button on your MacBook and count for ten seconds.

Then release and press the power button as you normally would to turn on your Mac. This may fix your problem, or at least allow you to explore the additional options below.

Start in Safe Mode

Pantalla de una Mac para revisar porque una MacBook no arranca

If your MacBook can begin to start before shutting down, then there is a chance you can run at the start in Safe Mode . This will start up your Mac with only basic functionality, which can often make it work and allow you to perform simple tasks. To initiate Secure Boot, turn on your Mac and hold down the Shift key as it turns on.

If this works, try shutting down and starting your Mac normally – a safe boot can sometimes reset things enough to get everything working properly again.

If Secure Boot doesn’t work, try this alternative: press the D key at power up, which will run a diagnostic test that can provide you with valuable information on exactly what is happening on your MacBook.

Reset SMC and PRAM / NVRAM

Manos de una persona sobre una laptop escribiendo en el teclado para revisar por qué una MacBook no arranca

The SMC (System Management Controller) manages many important hardware settings on your Mac, and the PRAM / NVRAM (Parameter Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) stores data from settings for many Mac startup procedures.

Resetting both can often help troubleshoot a bad MacBook boot. We have a guide that explains the process step by step, but don’t worry, the process is quite easy and will only take a few minutes to complete.

Restore macOS in recovery mode

Utilerías de MacOS para revisar por qué una MacBook no arranca

You can also choose to reinstall your macOS with a new version while keeping your data, essentially erasing and starting over. This can often help fix issues that are preventing macOS from fully loading.

Our guide to resetting macOS can help you, including options for a restore. Briefly: you will have to restart your Mac and hold down the Command and R keys until a menu appears. Then, you choose to Reinstall MacOS to get started.