Why wont my macbook turn on? There are several reasons why your MacBook may not be turning on, and it can be stressful to figure out what the problem is.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you troubleshoot and solve the issue.
One of the most common reasons why a MacBook won’t turn on is due to a dead battery.
If your MacBook is not plugged in and the battery is drained, it won’t turn on until it’s charged. Another possible reason is a faulty power cable.
If the cable is damaged or not plugged in correctly, your MacBook won’t receive power and won’t turn on.
Additionally, a software issue can also cause your MacBook to not turn on, such as a corrupted operating system or a problematic application.
Whatever the reason may be, we’ll guide you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem so you can get your MacBook up and running again.
Why Wont My Macbook Turn On
If your MacBook won’t turn on, it could be due to hardware issues. Here are some common hardware issues that could be causing the problem:
Battery Issues
If your MacBook’s battery is dead, it won’t turn on. Check to see if the battery is charged by plugging in the power adapter and looking for the charging light.
If the light is on, let your MacBook charge for a few minutes before trying to turn it on. If the light is not on, you may need to replace the battery.

Charging Issues
If your MacBook won’t turn on even when it’s plugged in, there could be an issue with the charging port. Check to see if the charging port is clean and free of debris.
If it’s dirty, use a soft, dry toothbrush to clean it. If the port is damaged or broken, you may need to replace it.
Power Adapter Issues
If your MacBook won’t turn on and the charging light is not on, the issue could be with the power adapter.
Check to see if the adapter is properly plugged into the wall outlet and your MacBook. If it’s plugged in correctly, try using a different power adapter to see if that solves the problem.
Logic Board Issues
If none of the above solutions work, the issue could be with the logic board. The logic board is the main circuit board in your MacBook, and it controls all of its functions.
If the logic board is damaged or malfunctioning, your MacBook won’t turn on. In this case, you may need to take your MacBook to an authorized Apple repair center to have it fixed.
Remember, if you’re not comfortable working with your MacBook’s hardware, it’s always best to take it to a professional for repairs.
Software Issues
If your MacBook won’t turn on, it could be due to software issues. These issues can arise from system crashes, system update problems, incorrect installations of new applications, or viruses.
Here are some of the software issues that could be causing your MacBook to not turn on:
Operating System Issues
If your MacBook’s operating system is not functioning properly, it can cause your MacBook to not turn on.
Some of the common operating system issues that can cause this problem include:
- Corrupted system files
- Incompatible software updates
- Incorrectly installed software updates
- Malware or virus infections
To fix these issues, you can try booting your MacBook in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that starts your MacBook with only the essential software and drivers.
This can help you identify and fix any issues that are preventing your MacBook from turning on.
Applications Issues
If you recently installed a new application or updated an existing one, it could be causing your MacBook to not turn on.
Some of the common application issues that can cause this problem include:
- Incompatible applications
- Incorrectly installed applications
- Malware or virus infections
To fix these issues, you can try booting your MacBook in Safe Mode and uninstalling any recently installed applications.
You can also try running a malware or virus scan to identify and remove any infections.
In conclusion, software issues can cause your MacBook to not turn on. By identifying and fixing these issues, you can get your MacBook up and running again.
Peripheral Device Issues
If your MacBook won’t turn on, it could be due to issues with peripheral devices. Here are some common peripheral device issues that could be causing the problem.
External Display Issues
If your MacBook has no built-in display and you have an external display connected, make sure that it is connected to power, connected to your MacBook, and turned on.

If the display is not turned on, your MacBook may not turn on either.
If the external display is connected and turned on, but your MacBook still won’t turn on, try disconnecting the display and then turning on your MacBook.
If your MacBook turns on without the external display connected, the issue may be with the display or its connection to your MacBook.
Keyboard and Mouse Issues
If you’re using a wired keyboard or mouse, make sure that it is properly connected to your MacBook.
If it is connected properly but your MacBook still won’t turn on, try disconnecting the keyboard and mouse and then turning on your MacBook.
If your MacBook turns on without the keyboard and mouse connected, the issue may be with one of these devices or their connection to your MacBook.
If you’re using a wireless keyboard or mouse, make sure that the batteries are charged and that the devices are properly paired with your MacBook.
If the batteries are low or the devices are not properly paired, your MacBook may not turn on.
In some cases, a peripheral device issue may prevent your MacBook from turning on. By troubleshooting these issues, you may be able to identify and fix the problem.
Key Points
If your MacBook won’t turn on, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Check your power source: Make sure your MacBook is properly connected to a power source and that the power adapter is working correctly. If you’re using a MagSafe power adapter, check the LED light on the connector to see if it’s lit up. If it’s not, it could indicate a problem with the adapter or the power source.
- Try a different power source: If you’re using a power strip or surge protector, try plugging your MacBook directly into a wall outlet to see if that solves the problem. You can also try using a different power adapter to see if that makes a difference.
- Reset the SMC: If your MacBook still won’t turn on, you can try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). The process for resetting the SMC varies depending on the model of MacBook you have, so be sure to check Apple’s support website for instructions specific to your device.
- Check for software issues: Sometimes software issues can prevent your MacBook from turning on. If you recently installed a new app or made changes to your system settings, try booting your MacBook in Safe Mode to see if that resolves the issue. You can also try resetting the PRAM/NVRAM to clear any system settings that may be causing problems.
- Contact Apple Support: If none of these troubleshooting steps work, it may be time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to get your MacBook up and running again.
By following these key points, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most issues that prevent your MacBook from turning on.
Remember to always check your power source and try resetting the SMC before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting steps. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for help.