When your computer refuses to turn on and you only see a black screen, a strange symbol, or it freezes, it feels unpleasant, but there is a way. A Mac that won't boot usually has an identifiable cause. (power, software, disk, firmware, or peripherals) and, with the right steps, it's possible to recover it without paying. Your Mac won't boot: causes, solutions, and what to do.
Before dismantling anything or making an appointment, it's a good idea to go through it piece by piece. We propose a tour organized by signs, causes and real solutions. for Intel-based and Apple Silicon Macs, including what the startup icons mean, how to use Recovery Mode, Secure Boot, when it makes sense to reinstall macOS, and when it's a good idea to seek support.
Startup signs and what they mean
The initial screens and icons give many clues. If you see a blank/black screen, blue, a folder with a question mark or a prohibition symbol, each pointing to a different source (firmware, boot disk, incompatible software, or invalid build) and requiring specific actions.
On Macs with Intel, a Black screen, Apple logo with or without gear, or a flashing question mark This is usually related to pending firmware updates, unlocated system software, or problems with the selected boot disk.
La blue screen with multi-color wheel at startup It usually indicates startup items or incompatible software that are blocking the login process, especially after recent installations or extension changes.
If a flashing question mark, the Mac cannot find the system: it could be a damaged disk, an unmountable APFS volume, or a change in NVRAM that has “forgotten” the preferred disk.
On modern equipment you can also see a circle with a line (prohibition symbol): The system disk is not usable by that Mac (build or version not compatible with your hardware). gear icon In startup options it allows you to choose the correct volume after holding the power button for 10 seconds. And if you see the world globe with warning symbol, boot from Internet Recovery has failed: try again, preferably with Ethernet, and if you are using an access point, check how use the personal hotspot.
Before you panic: essential checks
Start with the basics: energy, cables and peripherals. It's the quickest thing to rule out and usually solves more than it seems, and if your Mac is locked, check What to do if your Mac is locked.
Check the power: cable properly connected to Mac and socket, try another socket and check the adapterFor laptops, plug in the charger, wait a few minutes, and see if there are any signs of charging. A damaged cable or a "rogue" power strip are more common than desired.
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force complete shutdown. Then, press once as normal. This action clears transient states and is often enough to bring you back to life.
Unplug everything. Remove printers, hubs, USB, adapters, disks and monitorsA faulty peripheral or a power surge on a port can block boot; try booting with power only.
If you recently installed hardware (RAM, SSD on older models), returns to the previous settings —If you have doubts about memory, consult How much RAM does a modern Mac need?An incompatible or improperly seated module can prevent POST. In current models, most components are soldered, so this point doesn't apply.
Black screen, is it the GPU or the display?
If the device appears to turn on but displays nothing, rule out video. Connect an external monitorIf there's an image, there could be a fault with the integrated display, cable, or backlight; if there's no image, it could point to the integrated graphics card/SoC or motherboard.
On iMac or desktop, work with a external monitor can be a temporary solution; for laptops, consider the cost of repairing a screen versus replacement options if you're on a tight budget.
Power cycle and key resets (SMC and NVRAM)
When it turns on but won't finish booting, a full power cycle helps. Force off and “unload” components to eliminate erratic states.
Laptops: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, wait another 10 minutes and turn it back on. Tabletop: unplug 20-30 seconds To drain capacitors, plug in and turn on.
On Intel-based Macs, the SMC (system management control) It governs power, fans, and other subsystems. Resetting it is useful when there are power or sleep abnormalities.
Intel Laptops (Modern Generic Method): With the computer powered off and plugged in, Press Shift + Control + Option (left) for 7 seconds; without releasing, press the power button for another 7 seconds; release, wait, and turn it on. On Intel desktop: turn off, unplug for 20-30 s, plug in, wait 5 seconds and turn on.
On Apple Silicon (M1/M2 and later), There is no SMC as such; a complete shutdown and holding the power button to access options covers most similar scenarios.
La NVRAM stores settings such as boot disk and video parameters. On Intel: power off, power on, and hold Option + Command + P + R ~20sOn Apple Silicon, these settings are managed automatically; a restart is usually sufficient.
Safe Mode Boot and Onboard Diagnostics
Safe Mode loads minimally and disables third-party extensions. It is used to isolate software conflicts, startup items and drivers..
On Intel: Power on or restart and hold Shift until you see the login window. On Apple Silicon: With your Mac off, hold the power button until you see boot options, select a volume, hold Shift and press “Continue in safe mode”.
If it works in Safe Mode, uninstall recent software, Update macOS and apps and check startup items. To exit, restart normally.
If Safe Mode doesn't activate, consider typical causes: releasing Shift too soon, faulty keyboard, FileVault or firmware password that block boots, low free space, file system errors or old versions with different methods.
To confirm if you are in Safe Mode, go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Software and check the Boot Mode (Normal or Safe).
Hardware Diagnostics (Apple Diagnostics)
If you suspect hardware, run the built-in tests. Apple Diagnostics checks memory, sensors and key components and gives you reference codes.
General steps: disconnect peripherals, turn off, turn on and hold D until the diagnostic screen appears. On Apple Silicon: Turn off, hold the power button for options, and press Command+D.
Write down any codes. With a memory, SSD or sensor errorYou probably need service; if there are no errors, you've at least ruled out obvious physical failures.
Disk Utility and macOS Recovery
When your system fails to boot, the recovery environment is your friend. From Recovery you can repair the disk, reinstall macOS, or restore backups..
How to enter: On Intel, reboot and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo; on Apple Silicon, hold the power button until you see “Options > Continue”.
In Disk Utility, select the startup volume (usually “Macintosh HD”) and run First AidIf it finds errors, it will attempt to fix them; then reboot and test.
If it persists, reinstall macOS from Recovery. How to install macOS Ventura. The standard reinstallation attempts to preserve your data., but there is always a risk: if you can, make sure you have a backup before proceeding.
Another option is to boot from external media. If the Mac boots correctly from USB and the internal one does not, it points to SSD/board or serious system corruption; it can serve as a temporary solution for working, especially on a desktop.
Interpretation of icons and what to do in each case
Prohibition (circle with slash): the disc has a macOS build incompatible with your Mac. Boot into recovery and reinstall a compatible version (or use a USB installer appropriate for your model).
Folder with question mark: the system cannot be located. It could be an undetected SSD or a corrupted volume.. Try First Aid; if no unit appears, there's likely a hardware failure and service is required.
Gear/Options icon: Hold the power button 10 s to view boot options and select the correct disk. Useful after NVRAM changes or if there are multiple volumes.
Globe with warning: Internet Recovery failed. Connect via Ethernet and try again. You can also use Option + Command + R to recover the latest compatible version or Command + R for the local.
Security, encryption, and firmware passwords
Some protections may interfere with certain starts. FileVault (disk encryption) and the firmware password (EFI) They may ask for credentials or prevent booting from external media.
For advanced testing, it is sometimes a good idea to temporarily disable FileVault from System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault. Only do it if you understand the implications. and remember to reactivate it afterwards.
If a firmware password exists and you need to change boot options, boot into Recovery, enter the password and manage “Boot Security”. Without that key you will not be able to modify external drive options.
Reinstall macOS? When, how, and what to expect
When the system is corrupted and First Aid is not enough, reinstallation is reasonable. Go to Recovery, choose Reinstall macOS and follow the wizard.; you will need an Internet connection.
Reinstalling overwrites the system and attempts to preserve data; a pre-format erases everything and is a "clean install." Consider first recovering files or securing copies (Time Machine or other solution) before deleting.
If after reinstalling your Mac it always shuts down at the same point (for example, when you load Finder), it could be your user folder. Try another admin account and if it works, migrate your data with Migration Assistant and delete the corrupted profile.
What if it's the file system or APFS?
With APFS, a damaged volume or snapshot can block boot. Disk Utility on the container and each volume increases repair options. If it fails, reinstalling over the volume usually rebuilds what's needed.
Remember that sudden shutdowns during firmware or system updates can leave your computer "half-baked." Patience and stable energy during updates are key to avoiding these scares in the future.
When to go to the service center and what to bring
If there is no sign of life, Apple Diagnostics marks a hardware error, the SSD does not appear or there are random reboots without a pattern, you have to go to an authorized service. On newer models, many repairs involve the entire board.
Prepare the serial number (on chassis, box, invoice or iCloud), annotated error messages and describe what you tried. You can schedule an appointment via the support website, the support app, or visit a nearby authorized provider.
If your equipment is covered by warranty or AppleCareAn eligible hardware failure won't cost you anything (except for accidental damage deductibles, if applicable). For software, support will guide you through recovery steps.
Economic solutions: refurbished and working from outside
If repairing a motherboard or screen isn't within your budget, consider alternatives. Boot from an external SSD can “save” a desktop with a damaged internal SSD while you decide, with varying performance impact.
Another way is a Refurbished Mac With the guarantee of a reliable seller: it's a sustainable option, with significant savings and a prior technical inspection that can get you out of trouble without paying a new price.
Useful extras: antivirus, Safe Mode and free space
Malware rarely prevents you from turning on, but it can break login or load problematic extensionsAfter you're back on track, consider running a scan with a trusted solution and keep your system up to date.
Always leave sufficient free space on disk (ideally 15-20%) for temporary files, caches, and updates. Over-limit disks cause crashes and boot failures in update chains.
If you want to avoid surprises, keep a second administrator account Clean: In case of corruption of your main user, it will allow you to access, create a new one and migrate data without reinstalling everything.
Finally, if you notice that your Mac turns on but It shuts down or restarts randomly during boot, think RAM/board (hardware) when there is no pattern, or software/account when it always happens at the same point.
Using a step-by-step approach—power and peripherals, power cycle, SMC/NVRAM on Intel, Safe Mode, Diagnostics, Disk Utility, and, if necessary, reinstallation— Most Macs are “resurrected” without going to a workshopAnd if not, going to an authorized service center with accurate information and copies will save you time and money.
