By David Support · November 12, 2026 · 2 min read
A black screen on a MacBook is alarming, but the cause is often simple. Work through these checks in order before assuming the worst.
Key takeaways
- Check the power first: outlet, adapter, cable and the charging port.
- A force restart (holding the power button for about 10 seconds) fixes many 'dead' Macs.
- If there has been a spill, stop and do not keep trying to power it on.
- If these steps fail, free diagnostics will tell you whether it is the battery, charger, logic board or something else.
1. Check the basics
- Try a different wall outlet and a different power strip
- Check the charging cable and adapter for fraying, bent pins or damage
- Look for dust or lint inside the charging port
- If you can, try a known-good charger of the right wattage
- Make sure the adapter's connection to the cable is firm
2. Leave it charging
A battery that has drained completely can need to charge for 15 to 30 minutes before the Mac will show any sign of life. Plug it in and wait before concluding it is dead.
3. Unplug everything else
Disconnect external drives, hubs, displays and other accessories. A faulty accessory occasionally stops a Mac from starting.
4. Force a restart
Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, release it, then press it once to start. On Apple silicon MacBooks, holding the power button also lets you enter startup options. For Intel Macs there is also a power controller (SMC) reset, whose steps vary by model, so follow Apple's instructions for your exact one.
5. Check for signs of life
Is there a sound, a fan spin, a keyboard backlight or a charging light? A Mac that powers on but shows no picture is a different problem (display or graphics) from one that does nothing at all (power, battery or logic board).
6. Rule out liquid
If anything was ever spilled on it, even weeks ago, mention it and stop trying to power it on repeatedly. Read our guide to spilled liquid on a laptop.
When it is a repair
If none of this works, the cause is likely a battery, charging port, power circuit or logic board. These need a proper diagnosis. David Support diagnoses MacBooks for free, tells you honestly what it will cost, and charges nothing if we cannot fix it. See Mac and MacBook repair. If the Mac was working and just slow, try these fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my MacBook not charging even though it is plugged in?
It can be the cable, adapter, outlet, a dirty port, a worn battery or an internal fault. Testing with a known-good charger and cleaning the port are the quickest checks.
Can data be recovered from a MacBook that will not turn on?
Often, yes, depending on the fault. Do not keep trying to force it on; call for a free diagnosis.
Is it worth repairing an older MacBook?
Often, yes, if the repair is modest compared with a replacement. We will give you an honest answer after the diagnosis.
Free diagnostics
We find the problem at no cost and explain it in plain English.
$39–$75 per hour
Straightforward hourly rates. You approve the cost before work starts.
No fix, no charge
If we cannot fix it, you pay nothing. Repairs carry a 30-day warranty.
