If you have a Mac laptop, you can usually just press the power button in the top right corner of the keyboard to turn on the device. On a Mac desktop computer, press the power button on the computer. Even though it sounds easy, what if the computer still won't turn on? This wikiHow teaches you the proper way to turn on your Mac computer/laptop, as well as steps to deal with some of the most common problems that occur when you start up your computer.
Step
Method 1 of 5: On MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
Step 1. Charge the laptop first
If the battery hasn't been charged, plug the laptop into a power source and make sure the other end of the power cable fits snugly into the MacBook's power port. Some MacBooks will turn on automatically when connected to a power source.
Step 2. Open your laptop screen
Some newer Mac laptop models automatically turn on when the screen is opened. If the laptop does not turn on, move on to the next step.
Step 3. Find the power button or “Power”
The placement of these buttons differs by model, but here are some of the areas that buttons are commonly occupied:
- If there is a row of physical function keys (F1-F12) on the keyboard at the top, you can find the power button at the far right of that row of keys. This button is indicated by a power icon or “Power” which looks like an open circle and a vertical line in the middle.
- If you have a MacBook with Touch Bar and/or Touch ID (e.g. some 2018 or newer MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs), the power button displays as a solid black touch button on the top right side of the keyboard.
Step 4. Press the power button
You may need to press and hold it for a few moments. Once you see activity on the screen, lift your finger from the button. A bell will sound when the laptop is running successfully.
- Depending on the model, you can start the laptop by pressing any key on the keyboard.
- If your laptop still won't turn on, read the troubleshooting method or segment on a Mac computer/laptop that won't turn on.
Method 2 of 5: On iMac and iMac Pro
Step 1. Connect your iMac to a power source
Your iMac must be plugged into a working power outlet before it can turn on.
Step 2. Find the power button
This circular button is indicated by a power icon or “Power” which looks like an open circle and a vertical line. You'll find this button in the lower-right corner of the back of your computer.
Step 3. Press the power button
The button may need to be held down for a few seconds. A bell will sound when the computer starts up successfully.
If your computer still won't turn on, read the troubleshooting method or segment on a Mac computer/laptop that won't turn on
Method 3 of 5: On Mac Pro Desktop
Step 1. Connect your Mac Pro to a power source
Your Mac must be plugged into a working power outlet for it to turn on. Also make sure the other end of the power cable is securely attached to the computer.
Step 2. Find the power button
This circular button is indicated by a power icon or “Power” which looks like an open circle and a vertical line. If you have a 2019 model year Mac Pro, the power button is at the top of the CPU. For earlier Mac Pro models, you can find the power button on the back side of the CPU.
Step 3. Press the power button
After that, the computer will be started or "wake up" from sleep mode (sleep mode). You can tell that the computer has started successfully when the light next to the power button comes on. A bell will also sound when the computer is turned on.
If your computer still won't turn on, read the troubleshooting method or segment on a Mac computer/laptop that won't turn on
Method 4 of 5: On Mac Mini
Step 1. Connect your Mac Mini to a power source
Make sure the power cord is plugged into a working power outlet, and the other end of the power cord is plugged into the Mac Mini.
Step 2. Find the power button
This circular button is indicated by a power icon or “Power” which looks like an open circle and a vertical line. This button can be found on the far right of the back of your Mac Mini.
Step 3. Press the power button
After that, the computer will be started or “wake up” from sleep mode (sleep mode) and the small LED light on the front of the unit will light up.
If your computer still won't turn on, read the troubleshooting method or segment on a Mac computer/laptop that won't turn on
Method 5 of 5: Troubleshooting a Mac Computer/Laptop That Won't Turn On
Step 1. Charge the device temporarily (if you are using a laptop)
If your laptop battery runs out when it's not plugged into a power source, you'll usually need to charge it for a few minutes for the laptop to turn on. Close the monitor and allow the laptop to charge for 5-10 minutes before you try to restart the laptop.
Step 2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, release it, then press it again
If your computer or laptop is stuck in sleep mode (and shouldn't have entered that mode), this procedure will shut down the computer or laptop and run it again. Sometimes, you just need to follow this procedure to fix a Mac computer or laptop that won't turn on.
If you are connecting peripheral devices to your computer (eg hubs and USB drives), disconnect them first
Step 3. Make sure the computer or laptop is plugged into a working power outlet
Try moving your ear close to your computer or laptop to hear the cooling fan or loud drive turning. If you hear the sound, but don't see anything on the screen, skip to step four. If the computer or laptop has no power, test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or other electronic device. You can also try connecting your computer or laptop to a different outlet.
- Make sure that the end of the power cable that must be connected to the computer is firmly and firmly attached. The end of the cable must not be shaken or torn (open).
- If you previously used a power strip, plug the power cord into a wall outlet directly. Sometimes, the terminal has a worn (or completely damaged) outlet.
- Sometimes, the outlet is controlled or connected with a light switch. This means that if you turn off the switch, the outlet also turns off. Try turning on the switch in the room to see if it needs to be turned to the on position for the outlet to work.
Step 4. Check the screen brightness level
If your computer or laptop has power, but you don't see anything on the screen, try increasing the screen brightness level via the keyboard. The brightness up button is usually on the top row of the keyboard and looks like the sun, depending on the keyboard. However, if the laptop has a Touch Bar, the buttons are on the far right of the control strip.
- Most Mac keyboards have two buttons with a sun icon-one to lower the brightness level, and one to increase it. The button with a larger sun icon increases the screen brightness level. If your keyboard has the "F" keys on the top row, usually the key to increase the screen brightness level is the " F2 ”.
- Some keyboards do not have a screen brightness control button.
Step 5. Make sure the monitor is connected to the computer and turned on
You can skip this step if you're using a Mac laptop with a built-in monitor. If you're using a Mac desktop computer, make sure the monitor is plugged into the correct port and turned on.
If you are using the television as a computer monitor, make sure that the television is set to the appropriate input source. For example, if the computer is connected to the television's HDMI-2 port, you will usually need to use the television controller to switch to the HDMI-2 input channel/source
Step 6. Reset the computer system management controller (SMC)
If there is a problem with the SMC, the computer's power, battery, display, and general hardware settings may be affected. The steps to follow will depend on the computer/laptop you are using:
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2018 MacBook Air and Pro:
- Press and hold the button " Control ”, “ Options ", and " Shift " simultaneously.
- Within 7 seconds, keep holding all three buttons and also press the power button.
- Release all buttons after the next 7 seconds.
- Wait about 10 seconds, then restart the laptop.
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All Mac desktop models:
- Disconnect the computer's power cord.
- After 15 seconds, reconnect the cable.
- Wait for 5 seconds and turn on the computer.
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All other Mac laptop models with non-removable batteries:
- Press and hold the button " Control ”, “ Options ", and " Shift " simultaneously.
- Press and hold down the power button too.
- Keep holding all buttons for 10 seconds, then release them at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on the laptop.
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All other Mac laptop models with removable batteries:
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to make sure the laptop is turned off.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Remove the battery from the laptop.
- When the battery is removed, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Reinstall the battery and turn on the laptop.
Step 7. Contact Apple support services
If the troubleshooting tips above don't solve the problem, your computer or laptop may have a hardware problem. The only way to know for sure what the problem is is to ask a certified Apple technician to find out what's wrong with the device. Visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232 for the phone number for Apple support services in your city or country.
