We’ve all been there: you’re ready to tackle your day, and your trusty MacBook suddenly refuses to turn on. It’s frustrating, especially when you have important tasks to complete.
But don’t worry; we’re here to help you diagnose and fix the problem. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of a MacBook not turning on and how to resolve them.
Common Causes of a MacBook Not Turning On
There are several reasons why your MacBook may not turn on, ranging from battery issues to software glitches. Understanding the potential causes can help you narrow down the problem and find a solution more quickly.
- Battery-related issues: A depleted battery or a faulty battery connection can prevent your MacBook from turning on.
- Power adapter problems: Issues with the power adapter or the power source can also cause your MacBook not to turn on.
- Hardware malfunctions: Faulty hardware components or loose connections inside your MacBook can lead to power issues.
- Software glitches: Sometimes, software-related problems can prevent your MacBook from booting up.
Six Tips to Fix a MacBook Air Won’t Turn On (Macbook Not Turning On)
These tips will definitely help the user reach a particular solution and fix the same in the process. The list of tips goes as below:
1. Turning On and Starting Up a MacBook
Turning on and starting up are two very unusual things. Though they sound quite similar, they denote a completely different meaning to the user concerned. If the device is not turning on, there won’t be any problems related to the power connection.
In such a case, no images would be displayed, and neither would the user hear any startup sound or the fan noise which comes when the device is put to use.

Both things can be easily mistaken and considered the same thing, but they are not similar in the true sense of the word. Trying a different cable or charging the battery seems to be the possible solution when MacBook Air doesn’t turn on.
2. Solution in the Form of a Power Cycle
The next solution comes in the form of the power cycle, where Mac is forced to restart by putting off the power for a time. This is the best way to bring things to normalcy; otherwise, other encompassing solutions must be looked upon.

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3. Disk Check and Repair
Next in line is performing a safe boot on the MacBook not turning on. First, shut down the MacBook and restart the same by pressing the desired keys. This way, it will restart normally.

After you log in to the system, make the space of 10 GB for the files on the hard drive by either deleting some or moving them to another place.
4. Fixing the Drive in Recovery Mode
The user must check for a corrupted drive if the MacBook is booting up but cannot load the operating system. The very first step is to run Disk Utility.
However, all this should be done only after turning off the MacBook. Some simple steps must be followed to complete the process.

- 1: Boot up the MacBook by pressing the specified keys.
- 2: Disk Utility must be clicked, and the disk must be verified by clicking on the required icon.
- 3: Any kind of errors in the system must be repaired using the “Repair Disk” option.
5. Checking the File System
The next best option is to check the File System and fix the issue.

- Launch the Single User Mode by rebooting the system and pressing the Command and “S” keys.
- Release the keys when the black screen appears, along with the white text on the screen.
- Type fsck-fy when the command prompt appears and hit Return.
- Now, wait a few minutes until any of the below messages are displayed.
The Volume MacBook appears to be OK. In this case, the user is supposed to type reboot and press enter.
The File System was modified. Here, type fsck-fy and hit the return key.
6. Resetting the Special Memory Sections on the MacBook
PRAM or NVRAM is the unique memory section on the MacBook, which must be reset. This should be done to store data that will stay active even when the MacBook is turned on.
These generally include settings relating to the volume, screen resolution, etc. It is not a valuable solution when the MacBook is not turning on, but it works in many cases.

- Step 1: Hold the Command, Option, P, and R keys. Now, turn on the Mac.
- Step 2: Press the above keys until the system reboot. Once it is up, release the keys.
Once the following procedure has been completed, MacBook should not create any problems.
It should restart normally, or the progress bar will be displayed while starting the MacBook. This way, the MacBook will restart and be ready to operate by the user.
MacBook Air won’t turn on if none of the above steps work. Then it is time to take it to the specialists and take their expert help. Since they are the ones dealing with such issues regularly, they would be able to identify the problem more easily and correctly.
In case the warranty of the MacBook is still valid, then the user must take the device to the Apple Store and show it to the customer service staff or the desired personnel.
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FAQs
It could be due to a faulty power adapter, a depleted battery, hardware issues, or software glitches. Try the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article to resolve the issue.
The process to reset the SMC depends on your MacBook model. Check Apple’s support website for specific instructions for your device.
Replace the damaged adapter with a new, genuine Apple power adapter to ensure your MacBook receives the appropriate power supply
Unless you have experience with electronics repair, it’s best to consult an authorized Apple service center or Apple Support for hardware-related issues.
Unusual noises during startup could indicate hardware problems. If you hear clicking or beeping sounds, seek professional help to diagnose and fix the issue.
Conclusion
Experiencing a MacBook that won’t turn on can be incredibly frustrating, but with patience and the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to check the battery, power adapter, hardware, and software when diagnosing the problem.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. And by following preventive measures, you can help ensure your MacBook stays in good working condition for years to come.