01
of 10Introduction
Turning on your MacBook Pro might seem straightforward, but sometimes the power button or system can act up. Whether you’re a new Mac user or switching from a MacBook Air, knowing the right way to press the power button, troubleshoot startup problems, and restart your Mac computer can save you time and frustration.
This guide will show you how to turn on a MacBook Pro, what to do if it won’t turn on, and how to reset the system management controller (SMC) to fix common issues.
Plus, you’ll learn tips for both MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models to keep your Mac running smoothly.
02
of 10Understanding the MacBook Pro Power Button
The power button on your MacBook Pro is your gateway to turning on and waking your device. On newer MacBook Pro models, the power button doubles as the Touch ID sensor and is located at the top-right corner of the keyboard.
Older models have a dedicated power key or button. Knowing where to find this button and how to use it is essential for turning on your Mac.
When you press the power button, your Mac should start up and display the Apple logo or progress bar. If your MacBook Pro is connected to a power source via the charger or power cable, it should power on without issues.
However, if you have a MacBook Pro without a functioning power button, there are alternative ways to power on your device, which we will cover later.
03
of 10How to Turn On Mac Pro Step-by-Step
Locate the Power Button: On most MacBook Pro models, the power button is the Touch ID button at the top-right corner of the keyboard.
Press the Power Button: Simply press the power button once. Your Mac should start turning on immediately.
Hold the Power Button if Needed: If your Mac doesn’t respond, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown or power cycle. Then press it again to turn it on.
Check Power Source: Make sure your MacBook Pro is connected to a charger or power adapter if the battery is low or completely drained.
Wait for the Apple Logo: Once the Mac starts, you should see the Apple logo or a progress bar indicating the system is loading.
If your MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, it might be time to troubleshoot or reset the system management controller.
04
of 10What to Do If Your MacBook Pro Won’t Turn On
A MacBook Pro that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can try:
Check the Power Supply: Ensure the power adapter and cable are properly connected and the outlet is working.
Perform a Power Cycle: Hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, release it, then press it again to turn on.
Reset the SMC: The system management controller controls power functions and resetting it can fix power-related issues (see next section).
Inspect for Black Screen: If the screen stays black but the Mac is on, try adjusting the brightness or connecting an external display.
Try Recovery Mode: If your Mac starts but doesn’t boot properly, boot into recovery mode by holding Command + R during startup.
If these steps don’t work, your Mac might have a hardware issue requiring professional support.
05
of 10Resetting Your MacBook Pro: SMC and Other Methods
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve many power and hardware-related problems on your MacBook Pro. Here’s how to reset the SMC on different Mac models:
06
of 10For MacBook Pro with T2 Chip (2018 and later):
Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release.
Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on.
If that doesn’t work, shut down again, then press and hold Control + Option (Alt) + Shift (right side) for 7 seconds. While holding these keys, press and hold the power button for another 7 seconds. Release all keys, wait a few seconds, then turn on your Mac.
07
of 10For Older MacBook Pro Models:
Shut down your Mac.
Disconnect the power adapter.
Hold Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side and press the power button at the same time for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and reconnect the power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Resetting the SMC often fixes issues like MacBook Pro not turning on, battery charging problems, or fans running loudly.
08
of 10Restarting Your MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
Restarting your Mac is a simple yet effective way to fix minor glitches and refresh the system. Here’s how to restart your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air:
- Click the Apple menu on the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “Restart…” from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm by clicking “Restart” in the pop-up window.
- Your Mac will close all apps and reboot.
If your Mac is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then press it again to turn it back on.
09
of 10Troubleshooting Common Power Issues
If your MacBook Pro won’t turn on or shows a black screen, try these tips:
Ensure the Mac is Charged: Connect your Mac to a power source using the original charger and power cable.
Check for External Devices: Disconnect all peripherals like USB drives or external displays that might interfere with startup.
Use Safe Mode: Start your Mac in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key during startup to diagnose software issues.
Update macOS: Keeping your Mac updated can prevent software-related startup problems.
Contact Apple Support: For persistent hardware issues, professional repair may be necessary.
10
of 10Tips for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Users
Whether you use a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the basics of turning on, restarting, and troubleshooting remain similar. Remember:
- The power button is usually at the top-right corner of the keyboard or integrated with Touch ID.
- Holding the power button for about 10 seconds can force a shutdown or reset.
- Resetting the SMC is a powerful fix for power and hardware issues.
- Always ensure your Mac is connected to a reliable power source before attempting to turn it on.
- Familiarize yourself with recovery mode and safe mode for advanced troubleshooting.
When I first picked up a MacBook Pro, the power button’s sleek integration with the Touch ID sensor caught my eye—it’s not just a button, it’s a gateway to your Mac experience.
In my field test, pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds effectively reset the system when the Mac wouldn’t start, saving me a trip to the repair shop.
This simple yet powerful feature ensures that even if your MacBook Pro faces startup issues, you have a reliable way to troubleshoot and get back to work quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I turn on a MacBook Pro?
To turn on a MacBook Pro, locate the power button, which is typically found on the top right corner of the keyboard or on the Touch Bar. Press the power button, and your MacBook Pro should start up. If it doesn’t power on, make sure the device is charged or connected to a power cord.
What should I do if my MacBook won’t turn on?
If your MacBook won’t turn on, try charging your Mac with the power cord for at least 10 minutes. If it still doesn’t respond, try holding down the power button for 10 seconds, then press it again to see if it powers on. If the issue persists, it may be a hardware or software problem.
How can I fix a Mac that won’t boot?
To fix a Mac that won’t boot, first, ensure that it is charged or connected to a power source. You can try restarting your Mac by holding down the power button until it turns off, then pressing it again to start. If the problem continues, you may need to reset the NVRAM or perform a safe boot.
Where is the power button located on a Mac desktop?
The power button on a Mac desktop, like the Mac mini, is usually located on the back of the device. You can find it near the power cord connection. Press the button to power on your Mac desktop.
Can I turn on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro using the Touch ID?
Yes, if your MacBook Pro or Air is equipped with a Touch ID sensor, you can use it to turn on your Mac. Simply press the Touch ID button located at the top of the keyboard, and it will power on and load your system.
What is the best way to turn on a MacBook?
The best way to turn on a MacBook is to ensure it is plugged into a power source, then press the power button located on the keyboard or Touch Bar. If your MacBook does not respond, you may need to check the power cord or try restarting the device.
How do I find the power button on newer Macs?
On newer Macs, the power button is often integrated into the Touch ID sensor, located at the top right corner of the keyboard. If you have a Mac without this feature, the power button may be a physical button located on the keyboard itself.
What should I do if my Mac still won’t turn on after pressing the power button?
If your Mac still won’t turn on after pressing the power button, try charging it for at least 10 minutes. If it remains unresponsive, you can try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
