How to Solve MacBook Pro/Air/iMac Not Turning On with a Black Screen [6 Solutions]

MacBook won't turn on, black screen is an issue that many Mac users face. This problem can be frustrating and may occur either during normal usage or when attempting to power on the Mac. In most cases, the causes of this issue are more related to software activities rather than hardware components.

Data loss can occur due to the MacBook Pro won't turn on black screen issue. Thankfully, there are several remedies for addressing the black screen problem on MacBook Pro.

4 Reasons: MacBook Pro Won't Boot with Black Screen Issues

You might encounter a MacBook's black screen issue due to various reasons. It could be a result of a corrupted flash driver, or it could be something as straightforward as issues with third-party software. Several primary causes can lead to a black screen on a MacBook, which include:

Reason 1: Power-related issue

Although it might appear quite evident, the most common reason for a blank screen on a Mac is a power issue. Be it a faulty battery or a malfunctioning charging cable that lures you into the realm of a black screen, an insufficient or incorrect power supply can cause the MacBook to boot with a blank display.

Reason 2: Insufficient Contact

A computer is made up of numerous hardware and firmware components. However, if the connections between them are loose, dirty, or damaged, the computer won't start up properly.

Reason 3: Malware Issues

There are issues with several third-party applications. Your MacBook Air/Pro/iMac might encounter difficulties because of these bugs, one of which could lead to a "black screen of death" upon startup.

Reason 4: Hardware Incompatibility

This issue can occur if you have recently performed the latest macOS update or made changes to your hardware. The new updates might introduce compatibility issues, unresolved bugs, or impose severe constraints on your disk space.

[First-Aid]: Recover Data from Mac That Won't Turn On with Black Screen

Before attempting any solution to fix your MacBook that won't turn on with a black screen, regardless of the cause, it's crucial to prioritize your data security first.

This is because there's a risk of potential data loss when your MacBook encounters issues and fails to turn on normally. Forcing a restart might inadvertently delete files and data. Before attempting to reboot your MacBook, it's advisable to first try recovering deleted Mac files.

Here, we recommend using Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to assist in recovering lost data when your MacBook fails to turn on and displays a black screen issue.

Here are the steps to use the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac in Mac Recovery Mode to retrieve deleted files: 1. **Boot into Recovery Mode**: First, restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the `Command` + `R` keys together until you see the Apple logo. This will initiate the boot process into Recovery Mode. 2. **Select Disk Utility**: Once your Mac has booted into Recovery Mode, you'll see a utilities menu. Click on "Disk Utility" to open it. 3. **Choose the Drive**: In Disk Utility, under the "View" menu, select "Show All Devices" to view all available drives. Identify the drive that contained the deleted files (usually named "Macintosh HD"). 4. **Repair Disk Permissions (Optional)**: Before attempting data recovery, you may want to click on the drive and then click the "First Aid" tab. If there are any issues, click "Run" to repair disk permissions. This step is optional but can help ensure the best chance of recovery. 5. **Exit Disk Utility**: After repairing or skipping this step, click the Disk Utility menu and choose "Quit Disk Utility". 6. **Launch Data Recovery Wizard**: From the Utilities menu, select "Data Recovery Wizard" or "tools Data Recovery Wizard" (depending on the software you have installed). 7. **Scan the Drive**: In the Data Recovery Wizard, choose the drive you identified earlier and click "Scan" to start the scanning process. There may be multiple scan options like Quick Scan and Deep Scan; choose the one suitable for your case. 8. **Preview and Recover Files**: After the scan completes, the software will display a list of recoverable files. You can preview the files to ensure they are the ones you need. Select the deleted files you wish to recover and click "Recover" to save them to a safe location on your Mac or an external drive. Remember, it's crucial not to save the recovered files back onto the same drive from which they were deleted, as this could overwrite other lost data. Choose a different folder or drive to avoid potential data loss.

Step 1. Launch the Tools Software in Recovery Mode

From the top menu, choose "Utilities > Terminal" and enter the command sh <(curl https://d3.tools.com/mac/boot.sh). Press "Return". Wait for the application to launch, which may take a few minutes.

Note: If the Terminal shows "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," double-check that you've typed the command correctly, make sure your Mac has a stable internet connection, and confirm that your macOS version is not older than macOS 10.15.

Step 2. Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive

Select the volume where your lost data is stored, and click "Search for lost files". The tool software will promptly locate all recoverable data on the selected volume.

Step 3. Select the Lost Data You Want

The tools software categorizes the scanned recoverable data by file type and storage path. To locate the data you wish to recover, click on "Type" or "Path" in the left panel. Subsequently, select the checkboxes in front of the data you intend to restore.

Step 4. Recover and Save Data on an External Disk This step involves retrieving your lost or damaged data and saving it onto an external hard drive. Here's how to do it: 1. **Connect the External Drive**: Plug in your external hard drive into your computer using a USB cable or any compatible connection method. 2. **Open Data Recovery Software**: Launch the data recovery software you installed in Step 2. Make sure the software recognizes the connected external drive. 3. **Scan for Lost Data**: In the software, select the external drive as the scanning location. Start the scan process to search for lost or deleted files. 4. **Preview and Select Files**: Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Preview the files to ensure they are the ones you need, then select those you wish to recover. 5. **Recover and Save**: Click on the 'Recover' or 'Save' button to initiate the recovery process. Choose the external drive as the save location to avoid overwriting any original data on your computer. 6. **Monitor the Progress**: The software will begin recovering and saving the selected files to the external disk. This process may take some time depending on the size of the files. 7. **Verify Data Integrity**: After the process completes, check the recovered files on your external drive to confirm that they are intact and usable. Remember, it's crucial to have a reliable data recovery tool and a functional external drive to ensure the safe retrieval and storage of your important data.

Click the "Recover" button, and a pop-up window will appear, asking you to "Please select a target location to save." Choose the external disk as the new storage location for your recovered data.

6 Solutions: Fix MacBook Won't Turn On with Black Screen Issue

We're not going to argue that a black screen on a MacBook Pro/Air/iMac is occasionally a terrible sign, but most of the time, it's not actually that big of a deal and can be fixed very easily.

Here are the steps you can follow to resolve the black screen issue on your MacBook: 1. **Watch a Video Tutorial**: Start by watching a video tutorial that specifically addresses the MacBook black screen problem. Many tech experts and YouTubers provide detailed guides on troubleshooting this issue. Ensure the tutorial is from a reliable source and matches your MacBook model. 2. **Force Restart**: Press and hold down the power button for about 10 seconds until your MacBook turns off. Then, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo appear. This method often helps to reset the system and resolve any temporary software glitches. 3. **Safe Boot**: If a simple restart doesn't work, try safe booting. Press and hold the Shift key while your MacBook is starting up. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo. Safe mode will perform a thorough check of your system and load only the necessary files, which might help identify the issue. 4. **Check External Devices**: Disconnect all external devices, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and USB drives. Sometimes, these peripherals can interfere with the MacBook's startup process. 5. **NVRAM/PRAM Reset**: Resetting the Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) can also be helpful. Shut down your MacBook, then press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys simultaneously while turning it back on. Keep holding until you hear the startup sound a second time. 6. **Boot into Recovery Mode**: If none of the above works, boot into Recovery Mode by restarting your MacBook and immediately pressing and holding the Command + R keys. From here, you can use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk or reinstall macOS. 7. **Contact Apple Support**: If the problem persists, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance. There could be hardware issues that require a technician's expertise. Remember to backup your data before attempting any of these steps, just in case something goes wrong during the process.

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:24 - Check Brightness
• 00:36 - Restart the MacBook
• 00:54 - Perform a PRAM Reset
• 01:25 - Reset the SMC
• 02:09 - Conclusion

The solutions we commonly employ when encountering a black screen on a MacBook Pro are as follows:

Method 1: Disconnect all attached peripherals

Disconnect all peripherals connected to your Mac, including USB devices, printers, Mini Display cables, and so forth. Your MacBook might be having difficulty turning on due to one of these accessories.

Method 2: Perform a forced restart on the MacBook/iMac

If you wish to perform a fast restart on your MacBook Pro with a black or unresponsive screen, forcing a restart can be effective. For the latest MacBook Pro models equipped with Touch ID, this process is particularly convenient.

Step 1. Press the Touch ID button on the right side, near the top.

Step 2. Hold it until you hear a clicking sound.

Step 3. Let go when the MacBook restarts.

However, if your MacBook is an earlier model than the "Retina" version, you have the option to:

1. You can opt to press and hold the power button to shut down your Mac, and then press it again to power it back on.

2. To force restart your MacBook Pro, press the Control + Command + Power buttons at the same time.

Method 3: Boot into Safe Mode

Occasionally, corrupted data on the startup disk can lead to a black screen issue. By restarting your Mac in Safe Mode, you enable it to conduct disk checks.

Step 1. Shut down the MacBook first, and then restart it.

Step 2. Quickly press and hold the Shift key.

Step 3. Hold down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Method 4: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for low-level functions such as temperature control and battery management. Hence, resetting the SMC might be effective if your Mac fails to turn on and displays a black screen.

Step 1. Press and hold the "Shift + Control + Option" keys along with the power button at the same time.

Step 2. Let go of all the keys after ten seconds.

Step 3. Turn on the MacBook to check if the black screen issue has been resolved.

Method 5: Reset the PRAM/NVRAM

PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) are two tiny memory caches on your Mac. They store settings related to the startup disk selection and system volume. To reset PRAM/NVRAM, first turn on your MacBook and then press and hold the keys "Command + Option + P + R" until you hear the startup chime.

Method 6: Reinstall macOS

If your MacBook frequently fails to turn on and is experiencing a black screen issue, you may consider reinstalling macOS in Recovery Mode. If you've attempted all other solutions and still cannot get the MacBook to power on normally, you could try this final option.

Step 1. Boot your MacBook into macOS Recovery Mode.

Step 2. Once in Recovery Mode, select the option to install the latest version of macOS 13, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Final Thoughts

If your Mac fails to turn on and displays a black screen, first attempt to restart it. If the problem persists, try the recommended solutions. Before proceeding with the fixes, it's crucial to remember that you should safeguard your data and files using reliable data recovery software. Never neglect the security of your data!

FAQs: MacBook Air Won't Turn On - Black Screen Issues

Here are some additional queries regarding a MacBook not turning on with a black screen: 1. "Why is my MacBook Pro not turning on, and I only see a black screen?" 2. "I have an MacBook Air, and it won't boot up; all I get is a black screen. What could be the issue?" 3. "My MacBook's screen remains black even when I press the power button. Any solutions?" 4. "There's no response when I try to start my MacBook; it just stays dark with a black screen. Help!" 5. "I've tried charging my MacBook, but it still doesn't turn on, showing only a blank screen. What do I do?" 6. "I hear the startup sound, but the MacBook display remains black. How can I fix this?" 7. "After updating macOS, my MacBook won't turn on, and I'm stuck with a black screen. What went wrong?" 8. "Is it possible that my MacBook's graphics card is faulty, causing a persistent black screen on startup?" 9. "I accidentally spilt water on my MacBook, and now it won't turn on, only a black screen. Can it be repaired?" 10. "My MacBook got stuck in recovery mode, and now it only shows a black screen. How do I exit this state?"

1. How to resolve the issue of MacBook Air screen going black but the system still running?

You can opt for and implement these measures:

• Disconnect all peripherals
• Check your display/screen's brightness
• Force Reboot your MacBook Pro
• Reset the System Management Controller
• Reset Mac's NVRAM settings
• Re-install macOS

2. What should I do if my MacBook Air screen is black and won't turn on?

Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. When you see an Apple logo or any other image, tap the power button, and then promptly press and hold the Command + R keys.

3. How do I restart my Mac when the screen is black? If your Mac's screen is black and you're unable to see anything, here's how to restart it: 1. **Force Restart using Keyboard Shortcuts:** - Press and hold the `Control` + `Command` + `Power` buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. If your Mac has a Touch ID button, it's the button with the Apple logo. - Release all buttons when you hear the startup sound or feel a vibration (if your Mac has that feature). 2. **If the above doesn't work, try Safe Boot:** - Connect your Mac to a power source if it's a laptop. - Press and hold the `Shift` key while your Mac is turned off. - Now press the `Power` button to turn on your Mac while keeping the `Shift` key pressed. - Release the `Shift` key when you see the Apple logo and the progress bar beneath it. - This will start your Mac in Safe Mode, which performs a thorough check on your system and might resolve the issue. 3. **If Safe Boot doesn't help:** - Unplug any external devices connected to your Mac, except the keyboard and mouse (or trackpad). - Perform a force restart as mentioned in step 1. - If the problem persists, you might need professional assistance, as it could be a hardware issue. Remember to always save your work before restarting, but since you can't see the screen, it's assumed that your Mac was already in an unresponsive state.

Step 1. Hold down the power button for 6-10 seconds. Step 2. Wait for 10 seconds after your Mac turns off. Step 3. Restart the device by pressing the power button again.

4. What does black screening mean? "Black screening" typically refers to a situation where a device's display, such as a computer or television screen, goes completely black. This can happen for various reasons, including hardware issues, software glitches, or incorrect settings. When a screen goes black, it usually indicates that the device is still functioning but is unable to display any image or video properly. Troubleshooting steps may involve checking connections, restarting the device, or updating drivers or software.

A black screen upon turning on the MacBook indicates an issue with the computer's display, which can stem from broken disk permissions, software errors, or other issues affecting your MacBook.