Check the basics first
Before assuming your MacBook Pro has completely died, it’s important to check some basic troubleshooting steps first. The most obvious thing to check is whether the MacBook is actually plugged in and charging. Make sure the MagSafe or USB-C power cable is fully connected to both the AC adapter and the MacBook itself. If the cable is loose or damaged, it could prevent power from getting to the machine.
Let the MacBook charge for at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on, as the battery may be completely depleted. While charging, check for indicator lights on the MagSafe connector or USB-C ports that show charging status.
If the MacBook still won’t turn on after charging, try holding down the power button for at least 10 seconds to force a hard reset.[1] This can help restart processes that may have gotten stuck.
You can also try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) and PRAM (Parameter RAM), which control power and startup operations. The steps to reset these controllers vary by MacBook model but generally involve holding down combinations of keys on the keyboard during restart.[2] Resetting these controllers will clear any potential issues stalling the startup process.
Test the charger
If your MacBook Pro won’t turn on, the first thing to check is the charger. Try using a different charger if you have access to one to see if the issue persists. Inspect the MagSafe tip for any dirt or damage that could prevent a solid connection. Check that the charger cable is firmly plugged into both the adapter brick and the MacBook itself. Clean the MagSafe pins gently with a soft cloth if dirty. Check for any frays or cuts in the charger cable that could be interrupting power delivery. If the charger shows signs of physical damage, you may need to replace it. Occasionally unplugging the charger and plugging it back in can also help reset the connection.
References:
[How to fix a broken MacBook charger](https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-to-fix-broken-macbook-charger/)
Check for signs of life
When attempting to power on your unresponsive MacBook Pro, check for any signs that components are still functioning. Listen for fan or hard drive noise on startup. Check the display for any image when powering on, even just a folder icon or flashing question mark which indicates the Mac attempted to boot. Look for keyboard backlighting as well, as this is controlled by power delivery and signals some components still have juice.
If you observe the fan spinning, hear the hard drive click, see an image on the display, or notice the keyboard lights up, this points to some power making it through the machine. The issues may be isolated to software or certain failed components, but a complete lack of signs of life likely indicates a deeper hardware problem like motherboard failure.
Sources:
https://www.lifewire.com/fix-mac-wont-turn-on-4584026
Remove or reset components
If your MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, the next step is to remove any connected devices and reset key components to see if that helps get it to start up properly.
First, disconnect all external devices like USB drives, printers, monitors, and other accessories. Then, try booting the Mac without the hard drive connected. On some models, you can remove the hard drive by simply sliding it out of its bay. Refer to Apple’s support guides for your specific model. Removing peripheral devices and booting without the hard drive can isolate potential hardware issues.
You should also reset the SMC and PRAM again, even if you already tried it. Resetting these controller chips can resolve underlying problems. Follow Apple’s instructions carefully:
- Shut down your Mac
- For SMC reset: Press left shift-control-option and the power button at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds.
- For PRAM reset: Press command-option-P-R and hold during restart until you hear the startup chime a second time.
After resetting components, try starting up your Mac again while disconnected from other devices. If it still doesn’t work, your last resort may be erasing the hard drive entirely and reinstalling the operating system.
Check display connections
If your MacBook Pro screen goes black but you can still hear it running, the issue may be with the display cable connections. Here are some steps to troubleshoot the display connections:
First, remove and reseat the display cable connections. The display cable connects the logic board to the LCD panel inside the display housing. Disconnect the cable from the logic board and LCD panel, then reconnect it securely at both ends (source). Make sure the cables are fully inserted straight into the connectors.
Next, test your MacBook Pro with an external display like a monitor or TV connected via HDMI or Thunderbolt. If the external display works fine, then the issue is likely with the built-in display or display cable. You may need a replacement display cable or LCD panel.
If the external display also doesn’t work, then the graphics issue lies with the components on the logic board like the GPU. You may need logic board repair or replacement in that case.
Checking the display cable connections and testing with an external display can help isolate whether the issue stems from a loose/damaged cable, the display itself, or deeper internal components before deciding on further repair steps.
Consider hardware issues
One of the most common causes of a MacBook Pro not starting up is a hardware failure of some kind. Here are a few key hardware components to inspect and test:
Faulty RAM – One stick of RAM may have gone bad and could be preventing startup. Try removing the RAM sticks one at a time and test booting with only one installed to isolate the faulty stick. See this guide for removing and reseating the RAM.
Damaged MLB – Carefully inspect the main logic board (MLB) for any damaged ports or components. Cracked solder joints or corroded connections can cause startup issues. Look for signs of liquid damage or physical damage to the board. Replacement may be required if the damage is significant.
Faulty logic board – Logic board failure is a common issue, especially with older MacBook Pros. The CPU or GPU could be damaged, or the board itself can fail. Confirm the issue by testing with known good parts, or seek professional MLB diagnosis and repair.
Attempt recovery mode
If your Mac is unresponsive, recovery mode allows you to reinstall macOS and restore from a backup. To enter recovery mode, restart your Mac and hold down Command + R immediately after you hear the startup chime. Keep holding the keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe appear.[1]
If Command + R does not work, try using a wired keyboard instead of a wireless keyboard. You can also attempt to reset the SMC which controls system functions like start up.[2]
As a last resort, connect your Mac to another functional Mac to recover data and files. Then fully erase the drive and attempt a clean install of macOS.[3] This should force the recovery partition to become available again.
Erase and reinstall OS
If the MacBook Pro will not start up normally, try booting into recovery mode to erase the disk and reinstall the Mac operating system. Recovery mode allows you to erase the disk and install a fresh copy of the OS without needing to start up the computer normally.
To enter recovery mode on an Intel-based MacBook Pro, turn off the computer then turn it back on and immediately press and hold Command+R until you see the recovery mode utilities screen. From there, use Disk Utility to fully erase the disk, then proceed with reinstalling macOS. This may resolve any software issues preventing normal startup.
If the MacBook is unresponsive and won’t boot even to recovery mode, you may need an external boot disk to start up the computer. Create a macOS bootable installer on an external drive, connect it to the Mac, and boot from the external drive to enter recovery mode and erase/reinstall the OS. This allows you to access recovery utilities without the internal drive starting up properly.
Logic board replacement
Replacing the logic board of a MacBook Pro should be considered as a last resort if you have determined there is a hardware issue preventing the device from powering on. The logic board contains the processors, memory, connections for peripherals, and is essentially the brains of the computer.
According to Rossmann Group, a reputable MacBook repair shop, the cost to replace the logic board can be $500 or more depending on the model and year of your MacBook. For newer models like the M1 MacBook Pro, the repair cost is likely on the higher end. The replacement cost directly from Apple is typically even more expensive.
Therefore, before committing to a logic board replacement, weigh the cost versus the value and remaining usable life of your machine. Also consider that you may be able to source a used logic board for less. If you decide to move forward, be sure to use a reputable repair shop with experience performing MacBook logic board replacements.
Consider a new Mac
At a certain point, the cost of repairs can exceed the cost of simply replacing your MacBook Pro with a new one. According to When You Shouldn’t Repair Your Mac, if the repair costs are more than 60% of the value of a new MacBook Pro, it’s often better to put that money toward a new laptop instead.
Before replacing your MacBook Pro, be sure to transfer any important files or data to another device. Services like Time Machine can help migrate your data to a new Mac. You’ll also want to make sure anything important is backed up to iCloud or an external hard drive.
Once you’ve secured your files, you can trade in or recycle your old MacBook Pro responsibly. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs to help give devices new life. Recycling properly disposes of any toxic components and allows materials to be reused.