What should I do if I have a completely dead MacBook Pro that won’t turn on?

What should I do if I have a completely dead MacBook Pro that won’t turn on?
I have a completely dead MacBook Pro that simply won’t turn on, and I’m at a loss for what to do. When I press the power button, there’s no sign of life—no sound, no lights, nothing. The screen remains blank as if the laptop is completely unresponsive. I’ve tried plugging in the charger, hoping it was just a battery issue, but there’s no change in its status. The charge indicator on the MagSafe connector doesn’t light up either. It feels like my MacBook Pro is completely dead, and I’m really worried because I rely on it for my daily tasks. Is there something I might be overlooking, or is my laptop permanently damaged?
5 Answers

In my experience, here are practical steps:
1. Double-check the charger’s integrity and try different power outlets.
2. Inspect for physical obstructions like dirt in the ports or keyboard.
3. Conduct an SMC reset by holding Shift + Control + Option along with the Power button for 10 seconds. If those fail, reach out to Apple Support for further diagnostics. It’s always good to get a professional’s eye when simple troubleshooting doesn’t succeed.

Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience:
1. Ensure the power adapter and cable are not damaged, possibly testing with another charger.
2. Reset the SMC. For T2 chip models, shut down your Mac, press and hold the right Shift, left Option, and left Control keys for 7 seconds, then add the power button, holding all four keys for 10 more seconds.
3. Reset the NVRAM/PRAM by shutting down the Mac, then turning it on while holding Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
4. If still unresponsive, the battery may be dead. On applicable models, try using the adapter without the battery. If none of these steps help, consider visiting an Apple Store or authorized provider.

If your MacBook Pro is completely unresponsive, here’s a quick checklist:
1. Verify the charger and power cable are securely connected and functional, even testing with a known working charger.
2. Perform a hard reset by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Attempt an SMC reset by following the model-specific key combination processes like holding Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
4. If no solution works, it might be necessary to consult Apple Support or visit a service center to diagnose potential hardware issues.

I had the same problem. To start, I checked my power connections and ensured everything was plugged in securely. Then, I inspected my charger for signs of damage and tested it on another device. After confirming it was working, I tried doing a power reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds while unplugged, but still saw no response. A friend recommended resetting the SMC, which involved holding a combination of keys (Shift + Control + Option + Power) for 10 seconds before reconnecting the power. Finally, I cleaned out any potential debris from around my ports. This fixed my issue, so it’s worth trying.

First, ensure your power adapter is working correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
1. Securely connect the power adapter to the MacBook and the outlet, trying different outlets if necessary.
2. Inspect the charger for any visible damage or dirt and clean if needed. Test with a different charger if available.
3. Perform a power cycle by disconnecting the power adapter and holding the power button for 10 seconds, then releasing and attempting to power on again.
4. Reset the SMC by powering down your MacBook, holding Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard along with the power button for 10 seconds, then reconnect the power adapter and press the power button.
5. Remove any magnets or objects near the MacBook that could be interrupting its functions.