Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Quick Checks

Troubleshooting quick checks for all issues

Try these steps before continuing to issue-specific troubleshooting.

1. Connect the computer to a functioning power outlet using a functioning Apple power adapter and charge cable to charge the battery for at least 15 minutes.

   • Note: Use the appropriate wattage power adapter.

2. Shut down or restart your Mac.

3. Start up the Mac in safe mode.

4. Check for macOS software updates. Then install macOS software and firmware updates.

   • Note: MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air must have the power adapter plugged in to automatically download updates.

5. Determine whether the computer is in device firmware update (DFU) mode. In this mode, the computer may be unresponsive and can appear to have an issue. For laptops with MagSafe, a connected MagSafe power adapter light will turn off to indicate that the computer is in DFU mode. To exit DFU mode, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to attempt to shut down the computer. Then press the power button again to attempt to turn on the computer. If the computer turns on, it was in DFU mode and has power.

6. Find the appropriate section below and read the linked articles to help resolve your issue.

More resources

Read these support articles before continuing to issue-specific troubleshooting.

General

• Identify your MacBook model

• Identify your MacBook Air model

• Identify your MacBook Pro model

Input/output

• Identify the ports on your Mac

• About the video ports on Mac

• About the Thunderbolt ports on Mac

• Use the SD and SDXC card slot on your Mac

• Adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port on your Mac

• About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable

• If you can't connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your Mac

Power and startup

• If your Mac doesn’t turn on

• If your Mac doesn't start up all the way

• If your Mac restarted because of a problem

• If you can't start up from macOS Recovery

• Identify your Mac power adapter

• If your MagSafe cable or power adapter isn't working

• Using Apple power adapters, cables, and duckheads with Apple products

• If your USB-C power adapter isn’t charging your Mac laptop

• About battery health management in Mac laptops

• Fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Sound

• About the audio ports on Mac

• If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference