It’s a moment of pure panic: you open your trusty MacBook Air, press the power button… and nothing.
Just a dead, black screen staring back at you.
Whether you have a brand-new machine or an older Mac, this problem can happen to anyone.
The good news is that the fix is often surprisingly simple. Before you start thinking about a costly macbook repair, let’s walk through the steps to get your machine back up and running.
From a simple press of the power button to a more advanced reset of the System Management Controller (SMC), we’ve got the solutions.
This guide is designed for both the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
We’ll cover everything from how to turn on your mac when it seems completely dead, what to do if the power cable isn’t working, and how to hold down the power button for a forced restart.
You’ll learn to press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to perform a power cycle, a trick that often resolves the issue instantly.
Even if you’re using a Mac mini or Mac desktop, these principles will help you turn on a mac computer that refuses to cooperate.
01
of 07First Steps: Finding and Using the Power Button
Before we dive into the deep end of troubleshooting, let’s start with the absolute basics.
You need to know how to turn on a macbook air, and that begins with locating the power button.
It sounds simple, but Apple has moved it around over the years depending on the mac model, which can cause some confusion, especially if you’re using a new mac for the first time.
On most modern MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, especially the pro with the touch id, the power button is also the Touch ID button.
You’ll find it at the top-right corner of the keyboard, a blank space without a power icon.
For older mac models, the power button might be a dedicated key in the top-right of the keyboard with a clear power icon, or a small circular power button on the body of the laptop.
On a Mac mini, you’ll find a small circular power button on the back, to the left of the power wire.
To turn on the mac, you typically just need to press and release the power button.
02
of 07Is It Plugged In? Check the Power Source and Cables
This might seem painfully obvious, but you’d be surprised how often the root of the problem is a simple lack of power.
When your macbook won’t turn on, the very first thing you need to do is check the power.
A faulty power cable or a dead wall outlet can easily make you think your computer is broken.
Don’t assume anything; systematically check every component from the wall to your Mac.
First, check that the power is flowing.
Make sure your MacBook charger is securely plugged into a power outlet you know is working—test it with a lamp or your phone charger to be sure.
Then, inspect the entire length of your power cord and adapter for any signs of fraying or damage, which could cause your macbook to fail to charge.
Finally, ensure that the power is forcibly cut by unplugging and replugging every connection, from the wall to the adapter and from the adapter to your MacBook.
A loose connection is a common culprit when your mac is plugged in but still won’t turn on.
03
of 07The Dreaded Black Screen: What to Do Next
So, you’ve confirmed the power is working, but you’re still facing a black screen.
When a MacBook Air won’t turn on, this is the most common symptom.
This doesn’t necessarily mean hardware failure.
It could be a minor software glitch that’s preventing the display from activating, even if the computer itself has power.
Your first move is to try a simple restart.
Press the power button again to see if it was just a fluke.
If that doesn’t work, let’s force the issue.
Press and hold the power button for at least ten seconds.
You won’t see anything happen on the screen, but this action forces the Mac to shut down completely.
Wait about 15 seconds, then press and release the power button to turn on your mac again.
This simple step can often clear the temporary glitch causing the black screen.
04
of 07My Experience with the “10-Second Hold”
When I was first faced with a client’s stubbornly black-screened MacBook Air, this was the exact procedure I followed.
The first thing I did was plug your macbook into a known-good outlet to rule out a dead battery.
The MagSafe light came on, so I knew it was getting battery power.
The screen, however, remained lifeless.
In my field test of this common problem, I proceeded to hold down the power button.
I didn’t just tap it; I made sure to press and hold the power for a full 10-15 seconds.
This isn’t just a restart; it’s a way to cut all residual power to the logic board’s boot sequence and force it to start fresh.
After releasing the power button, I waited a moment and gave it a normal press.
The iconic startup chime echoed, and the Apple logo appeared.
This single step, holding the power button for at least ten seconds, is my go-to first fix and works a surprising amount of the time when a MacBook is not turning on.
05
of 07How to Perform a Power Cycle on Your MacBook
If a simple restart didn’t do the trick, the next step is to perform a power cycle.
This sounds technical, but it’s just a more thorough version of what you just tried.
A power cycle is designed to drain all residual electricity from the components, which can clear out stubborn glitches that survive a standard restart.
It’s a crucial step before assuming you need a macbook repair.
To perform a power cycle on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, first unplug it from its power source.
Disconnect the MacBook charger and any other peripherals like external monitors or hard drives.
Now, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
After you release it, wait another 30 seconds before you plug the power cable back in.
Once it’s reconnected, try to turn on a macbook like you normally would.
This process resolves many issues where the mac won’t turn on.
06
of 07The Last Resort Before the Repair Shop: Resetting the SMC
If your MacBook Pro is not turning on after trying everything else, it’s time to reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
The SMC is a chip inside your Mac that controls low-level functions like power management, battery charging, and thermal management.
Resetting it can resolve a host of issues, including the complete failure to turn on a Mac computer.
The process for resetting the SMC differs depending on your mac model.
For a modern MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with Apple’s T2 Security Chip or Apple silicon, the process is simpler.
You can often trigger a reset just by performing a proper shutdown and restart sequence.
For older Intel-based MacBooks without the T2 chip, the process involves a specific keyboard combination.
You’ll need to shut down your Mac, then press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of your keyboard, and then press and hold the power button at the same time for 10 seconds.
After releasing the keys, try turning on macbook pro or Air again.
07
of 07When It’s Time for a Professional MacBook Repair
You’ve checked the power source, you’ve tried to perform a power cycle, and you’ve even reset the SMC, but your MacBook still won’t turn on.
At this point, you’ve exhausted the most common and effective DIY fixes.
It’s likely that the problem lies deeper, possibly with the logic board, the battery itself, or the internal power supply.
Continuing to troubleshoot without the right tools could potentially cause more damage.
This is the moment to consider a professional macbook repair.
An expert can diagnose the precise cause of the failure and give you a clear path forward.
Whether it’s a simple component replacement or a more complex logic board issue, getting a professional opinion can save you time and prevent further headaches.
It’s better to get your fix your macbook professionally than to risk making the problem worse.
FAQ
How to Turn On a MacBook Air?
To turn on a MacBook Air, simply locate the power button, which is typically located on the top right of the keyboard. Press it, and your MacBook Air should power on. If it doesn’t respond, ensure that the battery isn’t drained or that the power cable is properly connected.
What to Do if My MacBook Air Won’t Turn On?
If your MacBook Air isn’t turning on, first check if it’s connected to a power source. Make sure the power cable is plugged in securely. If the device seems unresponsive, hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to force a restart.
How to Find the Power Button on Your MacBook Air?
The power button on your MacBook Air is usually located at the top right corner of the keyboard. On newer models, it may be integrated into the Touch ID sensor. If you are unsure, check the user manual for your specific MacBook model.
Can I Turn On a Mac Mini Without a Keyboard?
Yes, you can turn on a Mac Mini without a keyboard. Simply connect the Mac Mini to power using the power cable and press the power button on the device itself. It should power on automatically.
What Should I Check if My MacBook Pro is Not Turning On?
If your MacBook Pro is not turning on, first ensure that it is plugged in and check the power cord for any damage. If the power button is pressed and nothing happens, it could be a battery issue, or the device may need to be serviced.
How to Turn on a MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar?
To turn on a MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar, locate the power button, which is usually on the right side of the Touch Bar. Press it to turn on your MacBook Pro. If it doesn’t respond, ensure it is charged or connected to the power.
What to Do if My MacBook Air Powers On but Not Displaying Anything?
If your MacBook Air powers on but doesn’t display anything, try resetting the NVRAM/PRAM by holding down Command + Option + P + R keys while turning it on. If the screen remains blank, it may require further troubleshooting or professional assistance.
How to Check the Power Settings in Battery or Energy Saver on My Mac?
To check the power settings on your Mac, go to the Apple menu, select ‘System Preferences,’ and then click on ‘Battery’ or ‘Energy Saver.’ Here, you can adjust settings to optimize battery usage and see if any adjustments may help with turning your Mac on.
