How to Repair Basic MacBook Video Issues

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Repairing Basic Video Issues on MacBooks

Encountering video problems on your MacBook can be frustrating, but many issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide will help you identify and repair common video-related problems on your MacBook, ensuring a smooth and glitch-free visual experience.

1. Understanding Common Video Issues:

Learn about common video problems like a blank screen, flickering display, distorted graphics, or screen artifacts.

2. Check Display and Cable Connections:

Ensure all display cables and connections are secure, both for built-in and external displays.

3. Restart Your MacBook:

A simple restart can resolve some video issues.

Click the Apple menu and select "Restart."

4. Adjust Display Brightness and Resolution:

Go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" and adjust brightness and resolution settings to your preference.

5. Update macOS and Graphics Drivers:

Keeping macOS and graphics drivers up to date often resolves video problems.

Check for software updates in "System Preferences."

6. Reset NVRAM/PRAM:

Shut down your MacBook.

Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys.

Release the keys after hearing the startup chime twice.

7. Check for Software Conflicts:

Some applications or third-party software may cause video issues.

Disable or uninstall recently installed or problematic apps.

8. Verify External Display Settings:

If using an external display, ensure it's properly recognized and configured in "System Preferences" > "Displays."

Last Steps:

Examine the MacBook's screen and connectors for physical damage.

Damaged hardware may require professional repair.

If issues persist, consider resetting your MacBook's SMC (System Management Controller) or reinstalling macOS.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Mac Video Issues

This guide will walk you through common issues with your Mac's display.

2. macOS: Display Menu Resolution

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
   

1. Choose Displays.
   

1. Place a dot next to Default for display, or choose a different resolution under Scaled.
   

3. MacOS: Reset NVRAM

NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a cache of settings specific to your Mac. Resetting NVRAM is safe, however you will need to reset some of your minor customizations, such as volume, time zone, or screen resolution.

1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Shut Down... (2).
   

1. Wait for your computer to shut down, and turn off.
2. Turn your Mac back on by pushing the Power button.
   

1. Immediately push and hold the option, command , P, and R keys on your keyboard.
   

1. If your Mac plays a startup sound, release the keys after the second time it plays.
2. If there is no startup sound, release the keys after the second time the Apple logo disappears.

4. What's next?

5. macOS: Night Shift

Night Shift is a utility designed to dim your screen at certain times of night to decrease the amount of blue light coming from the screen. This is done to help provide a healthier sleep schedule.

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
   

1. Select Displays.
   

1. Click Night Shift at the top.
   

1. Here, you can turn off Night Shift under Schedule, or adjust it to your tastes.

6. MacOS: Power Cycle

1. Select the Apple menu, then Shut Down...
   

1. Wait for your computer to shut down, and turn off.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Turn your Mac back on by pushing the Power button on the keyboard.
   

7. macOS: Energy Saver

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
   

1. Choose Energy Saver.
   

1. Drag the slider bar at the top all the way to the right to disable turning off the display.
   

8. Mac: Check Power

1. Connect one end of the power adapter to your wall.
2. Connect the other end to your MacBook Pro.
   

9. MacOS: Reset NVRAM

NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a cache of settings specific to your Mac. Resetting NVRAM is safe, however you will need to reset some of your minor customizations, such as volume, time zone, or screen resolution.

1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Shut Down... (2).
   

1. Wait for your computer to shut down, and turn off.
2. Turn your Mac back on by pushing the Power button.
   

1. Immediately push and hold the option, command, P, and R keys on your keyboard.
   

1. If your Mac plays a startup sound, release the keys after the second time it plays.
2. If there is no startup sound, release the keys after the second time the Apple logo disappears.