What should I do if my MacBook Pro is suddenly dead and does not turn on?

What should I do if my MacBook Pro is suddenly dead and does not turn on?
I was using my MacBook Pro for my usual daily tasks when, out of nowhere, it went completely dead. Now, no matter what I do, it simply won’t turn on. I tried pressing the power button multiple times, hoping it would respond, but nothing happened. The screen remains black, and there are no startup chimes or any signs of life. It’s as if the MacBook Pro is completely unresponsive. I didn’t notice any warning signs like unusual noises or screen flickering before this happened—one minute it was working fine, and the next, it was dead. This situation is quite frustrating, and I’m not sure what could be causing this issue. Has anyone experienced something similar with their MacBook Pro suddenly becoming dead and refusing to turn on?
7 Answers

- First, check the power connection and the power adapter. Make sure you are using the original Apple power adapter. Plug it securely into a known-good power outlet.
- Next, examine the power cable for any visible damage, such as cuts or fraying. A damaged power adapter can prevent your MacBook Pro from charging.
- If possible, try using another known-good power adapter or charging cable to rule out any issues with the adapter or cable itself.
- Perform an SMC (System Management Controller) reset. To do so:
a. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
b. Press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of the built-in keyboard, along with the power button, for 10 seconds.
c. Release all the keys and the power button, then press the power button again to turn on your MacBook Pro.

- Reconnect the Charger:
- First, disconnect the charger from the MacBook Pro.
- Check the charger cable for any signs of physical damage or wear.
- Reconnect the charger to the MacBook and plug it into a known-good power outlet.
- Inspect the Power Button:
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Release it and then press it again to attempt powering on the device.
- Reset the SMC (System Management Controller):
- If your MacBook Pro is from 2018 or later:
a. Press and hold the left Control (Ctrl) key, the left Option (Alt) key, and the right Shift key.
b. Keep these keys held down for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well.
c. Continue to hold all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release.
d. After a few seconds, press the power button again to turn on your MacBook. - Boot in Safe Mode:
- If the MacBook Pro is still non-responsive, try booting into Safe Mode:
a. Press the power button and hold the Shift key immediately.
b. Release the Shift key once the Apple logo appears. - NVRAM Reset:
- Resetting the NVRAM can resolve issues related to display and startup.
a. Turn off your MacBook Pro, then turn it on.
b. Immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
c. Hold for around 20 seconds until the second startup sound or the Apple logo appears and disappears.

In a similar situation with my MacBook Pro, I went through the following steps:
1. Perform a visual check to ensure there’s no physical damage to the laptop’s screen or body that might cause internal disruption.
2. Inspect the power cable and charger for visible wear and tear. Sometimes, using another MacBook Pro charger can help identify if the charger is faulty.
3. Hard reset the MacBook Pro by holding down the power button for around 15-20 seconds.
4. If the MacBook still doesn’t respond, pressing and holding Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds (SMC reset) might help reboot the system.
5. Plug it in and let it charge uninterrupted for at least an hour before attempting another start.

I was once in a similar predicament with my MacBook Pro, and here’s what I did:
1. Disconnect all external devices from the MacBook Pro, such as USB drives, external monitors, and peripherals. Sometimes, these devices can cause conflicts that prevent the MacBook from starting up.
2. Inspect the battery indicator light, if your model has one, to see if it is showing any charge. If the battery is completely drained, it might take a while to show signs of life after plugging in the charger.
3. Reset the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory). This can help if the problem is related to system settings. Here’s how:
– Turn off your MacBook Pro.
– Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys.
– Hold the keys down for about 20 seconds, then release them.

Your MacBook Pro might be experiencing software glitches or hardware faults. Before assuming the worst case, start by:
1. Holding down the power button for at least 10 seconds. Sometimes, this long press can force your MacBook to restart.
2. Connecting it to mains power and letting it charge for a while. Inspect both the charger and charging port for any dirt or damage.
3. If it still doesn’t respond, it might be worth trying to boot it in Safe Mode. To do this:
– Hold down the Shift key immediately after pressing the power button and keep holding it until you see the Apple logo.
This will force your Mac to check the system for any issues and hopefully get it booted up.

On a MacBook Pro that suddenly went dead and wouldn’t turn on, I pursued the following steps:
1. Eliminate External Factors:
– Remove all connected devices like USB sticks, external drives, headphones, etc., and try turning the MacBook back on.
– This helps to ensure that no external peripherals are causing the issue.
2. Inspect Display and Battery:
– If your MacBook supports it, check the power status or battery indicator lights.
– Connect to an external monitor, if possible, to rule out any display issues.
3. Hardware Check:
– Listen for any sounds or activity (like a fan starting) indicating the MacBook is powering up.
– Place the MacBook on a stable, appropriately ventilated surface and try to identify whether the temperature feels unusually high, which might indicate overheating issues.
4. Tech Support:
– Reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store/Genius Bar. They can run critical diagnostics that aren’t possible at home and can provide insight if there’s an underlying hardware fault.

Here’s a more comprehensive approach you can try, consisting of multiple angles to address the possible issues:
1. Power Connection:
– Ensure that the charger is connected firmly and that the outlet is working.
– Look for any signs of physical damage on the charger and the port.
2. Battery:
– If the battery is fully drained, let it charge for at least 15-30 minutes before trying to power it on.
3. SMC Reset for Newer Models:
– For your MacBook Pro (non-removable batteries), press Shift + Control + Option + Power button simultaneously for 10 seconds. Release and press the power button again.
4. Inspect and Clean:
– Check the ports and openings for dust and debris which might interrupt the power connection or short the system.
5. Safe Mode:
– If it still doesn’t turn on, hold the power button and Shift key together, which forces the MacBook Pro to run diagnostic checks and initialize with minimum drivers.