How to troubleshoot your Mac not powering on

Ian

If your Mac system doesn't seem to boot up or power on, try these possible solutions. It is very possible one of these quick fixes can get you back up and running and avoid a further repair.

Depending on your Mac's symptoms, here is what to try:

1.   Check for power related issues:
Press the power button, then look for signs of power such as:
1. Hard drive sounds
2. Fan noises
3. Backlit keyboard, Caps Lock LED, or sleep indicator light

2.   If your Mac has no signs of power:
1. Make sure that you are plugged into a working outlet.
2. Check your power cable for damage and it is securely plugged into your Mac. Make sure that it is the correct power cable for your Mac.
3. If you are using a Mac notebook, make sure that it is plugged in long enough for the battery to charge.
4. If you’re using an external display, make sure that it is turned on.

3.   Whether or not your Mac has power, try these steps:
1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then press it again.
2. Unplug all accessories from Mac, including printers, external drives, USB hubs, and mobile devices. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds, then press it again.

4.   Reset the System Management Controller (SMC):

a.   To reset the (SMC), follow these steps:
1. Press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard and press the power button at the same time. Hold these keys and the power button for 10 seconds.

                                         i.    Release all keys.

                                       ii.    Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

b.   To reset the (SMC) on Mac desktop computer, follow these steps:

                                         i.    Unplug the power cord.

                                       ii.    Wait 15 seconds.

                                      iii.    Plug the power cord back in.

                                      iv.    Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.