How to Fix a Mac That Doesn't Turn on or Start Up

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

It can be an awful feeling to press the power button on your Mac and for it to not turn on. If you don't hear any beeps or a startup chime, you don't hear any fan or drive noise, you don't see any indicator lights turn on and the screen is blank, then your computer may not be getting power. Do not panic! This guide will provide some basic troubleshooting steps that may get your Mac up and running in no time.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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2. Check to See if the Outlet has Power

1. Make sure you are using a working power outlet. You can test another electric device, such as a lamp, with the same power outlet. Bypass any power strips for troubleshooting purposes.
   

1. Once you made sure the power outlet is working, firmly plug in your device into the working outlet.
   

1. 
   
2. If the device has buttons or a remote control, press the power button to turn the device on.
   

3. Ensure the Mac is Powered

There are multiple different Mac systems that have different ways to check for the proper power set up. Click the one that matches the model you have and follow the steps to make sure your Mac is properly powered up.

Macbook

1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure the power supply is firmly plugged into the power socket, the extension cord into the power supply or power connector into the computer.
   

iMac

1. An iMac is powered up by plugging it in directly into a power socket.
   

1. Examine the cable and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure one end is firmly plugged into the back panel of the iMac and the other end into a power socket.

mac Pro

1. A Mac Pro has an internal power supply included in the case.
2. The power cable looks like below. Examine the cable and connectors for visible damage. If you find any damage, the cable may need to be replaced.
   

1. Make sure one end of the cable is firmly plugged into a wall outlet.
2. Make sure the other end is firmly plugged into the power socket on the rear side of the case.
   

mac Mini

Mac Mini with internal power supply

1. Some Mac Mini computers have an internal power supply:
2. One connector (1) plugs into the computer
3. The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket

1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in.

Mac Mini with external power supply

1. Other Mac Mini computers have an external power supply and plugs in like below:
2. One connector (1) plugs into the computer
3. The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket
4. A third (3) connector plugs into the supply itself

1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in.

4. Check the Connections Between My Mac and Monitor

With a Mac that connects to an external monitor you'll need to check and make sure the monitor is properly connected and powered. A monitor that is disconnected can make it seem like your Mac is not turning on.

1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure one end of the power cable is firmly connected to the back panel of the monitor and the other end into a power socket.
   

1. Make sure one end of the video cable is firmly connected to the back panel of the monitor and the other end into video source device, such as a computer, gaming console, media player, etc.
2. If the monitor has an external power supply, make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in:
3. One connector (1) plugs into the monitor
4. The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket
5. And sometimes, a third (3) connector plugs into the supply itself

1. Monitors can be connected to video source devices through a variety of connection types. The most common ones are shown below:
   

1. Make sure the monitor is powered on and set to the video input source matching the connection type. This varies greatly by brand and model. If you're unsure how to do this please refer to the monitors documentation.

5. Unplug the Mac and Do the Power Button Trick

1. Unplug the computer from the power outlet.
   

1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds then release it.
   

1. Plug the computer back into the power outlet and press the power button to turn it on.

6. If It Still Doesn't Work