Why does my Mac charge but won’t turn on?
Why does my Mac charge but won’t turn on?
I recently encountered a frustrating issue with my Mac. Even though the device charges perfectly, it just won’t turn on. The battery indicator lights up, showing that it’s receiving power, but there’s no response when I press the power button. It’s as if the Mac is completely unresponsive. I’ve tried basic troubleshooting steps like checking the power connections and ensuring the charger is working, but nothing seems to help. Does anyone know why my Mac charges but won’t turn on?
6 Answers
When this happened to me, it was actually a display issue. Even though my Mac seemed dead, connecting it to an external monitor via HDMI showed that the system was loading fine. The internal display was the real problem here. Connect your Mac to an external display and check if you get any output on that screen. If you do, the issue is with the internal display, and you’ll need a repair.
In my case, macOS was corrupted and that’s why my Mac wouldn’t turn on. Here’s what resolved it:
1. Boot into Recovery Mode by pressing Command + R while turning on your Mac.
2. Select ‘Reinstall macOS’ from the macOS Utilities menu. Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the reinstall process. This preserves your data but refreshes the operating system, potentially fixing any corruption preventing your Mac from starting.
Mine had a similar problem and it turned out to be the battery, despite it indicating that it was charging. I’ve had success with the following steps:
1. If possible, remove the battery and connect your Mac directly to the power adapter. Try turning it on. If it powers up, the battery needs replacing.
2. Check if the battery is swollen which could be affecting internal components.
3. Consult Apple Support for a battery diagnostic. They have reliable tools to determine battery health.
One trick that worked for me was unplugging the Mac entirely and leaving it for a few minutes. It clears any minor electrical issues. Once reconnected, it booted without a hitch. Additionally, try these steps:
– Boot into safe mode by holding the Shift key at startup to allow the system to perform checks and repairs.
– Test your Mac with a different power adapter, as there could be a power supply issue.
– Start in Verbose Mode (Command + V) to diagnose startup issues.
I faced a similar issue and found a straightforward solution. Try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). Here’s how: shut down your Mac, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option along with the power button for about 10 seconds. Release all keys and press the power button again. This reset solved my problem immediately.
It’s possible your issue stems from a faulty logic board, as I discovered with mine. I took it to a certified technician who diagnosed a fault in the logic board. Replacing it resolved the problem. If your Mac is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare, definitely seek professional help. Hardware diagnostics from certified technicians can identify issues that aren’t apparent through basic troubleshooting.