Seeing a black screen (or sometimes blue or gray) when booting your MacBook Pro can be concerning. However, don’t panic just yet! Before rushing to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, try these troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, you’ll find 12 effective solutions to fix a MacBook Pro booting to a black screen. These fixes also apply to other Mac devices, including the Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Air. Follow these steps to regain access to your Mac without costly repairs!
Why Is My MacBook Pro Booting to a Black Screen?
Encountering a black screen during startup can be alarming, but understanding the possible causes can help you troubleshoot effectively. Here are some common reasons why your MacBook Pro boots to a black screen:
- ✅ Software or Hardware Incompatibility – If you recently upgraded macOS or updated hardware/firmware, the update may contain bugs, compatibility issues, or excessive disk space usage, leading to boot failures.
- ✅ Power Issues – Insufficient or unstable power supply can cause a black screen during boot.
- ✅ Loose or Dusty Hardware Connections – Poor contact between hardware and firmware can prevent proper startup.
- ✅ Unconnected or Faulty Cables – Internal or external cables not properly connected can result in a black screen.
- ✅ Third-Party Apps Expanding the Screen – Some apps that alter the display settings can interfere with startup.
- ✅ Motherboard Issues – In some cases, a motherboard failure may lead to a black, blank, gray, or blue screen depending on your Mac model (MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac mini).
Fortunately, multiple troubleshooting solutions can help fix a MacBook Pro booting to a black screen without costly repairs!
How to Fix a MacBook Pro Black Screen Issue
If your MacBook Pro is stuck on a black screen, try these troubleshooting steps to get it working again:
- 1️⃣ Check if the Power is On – Ensure your MacBook has enough charge or is plugged into a working power outlet.
- 2️⃣ Disconnect All Peripherals – Unplug external devices like monitors, USB drives, and accessories to rule out conflicts.
- 3️⃣ Adjust Display Brightness – Your screen might be dimmed due to low brightness settings. Increase it using F2 (brightness up).
- 4️⃣ Restart Your MacBook Pro – A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
- 5️⃣ Force Reboot Your MacBook Pro – Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force shut down, then turn it back on.
- 6️⃣ Start MacBook Pro in Recovery Mode – Boot into macOS Recovery by holding Command (⌘) + R during startup.
- 7️⃣ Reset NVRAM Settings – Hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds during reboot to reset non-volatile RAM (NVRAM).
- 8️⃣ Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) – Helps fix power-related issues; process varies by Mac model.
- 9️⃣ Use a Keypress (Keyboard) Sequence – Try closing and opening the lid or pressing the Power button once, then any key.
- 🔟 Reset PRAM – Similar to NVRAM reset, helps fix screen-related issues.
- 1️⃣1️⃣ Boot MacBook in Safe Mode – Hold Shift during startup to check if third-party software is causing the issue.
- 1️⃣2️⃣ Enter Password & Hit Return – Some users have reported seeing a black screen but can still log in blindly. Try typing your password and pressing Return.
- 1️⃣3️⃣ Turn Off Automatic Graphics Switching – Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver and disable automatic GPU switching.
- 1️⃣4️⃣ Reinstall macOS – If none of the above works, boot into macOS Recovery Mode and reinstall macOS.
Try these solutions step by step to troubleshoot the MacBook Pro black screen issue before considering professional repair!
How to Fix MacBook Pro Booting to a Black Screen
If your MacBook Pro is stuck on a black screen during startup, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. These fixes also apply to MacBook Air models.
1️⃣ Check if the Power is On
- ✔ Ensure your Mac is charging and the charger cable is intact.
- ✔ Look for the green light on the MagSafe adapter (if applicable).
- ✔ Listen for fan or drive noises to check if your Mac is turning on.
- 🔋 Tip: If your Mac was completely drained, charge it for at least 10 minutes before powering it on.
2️⃣ Disconnect All Peripherals
- 🚫 Unplug all external devices like printers, USB drives, and accessories.
- 🔌 Only keep the charging cable and adapter connected.
- 💡 Some peripherals might interfere with your Mac’s display settings and cause boot issues.
3️⃣ Adjust Your Display Brightness
- 🌗 Use the F1 (dim) and F2 (bright) keys to adjust brightness.
- 🐱 Did a pet or accidental key press dim your screen? Try increasing it.
4️⃣ Restart Your MacBook Pro
🔄 Reboot your Mac to clear temporary glitches.
- ➡️ Shortcut Method: Press Control + Command + Power/Eject/Touch ID (depending on your model) to force a restart.
- ➡️ Manual Restart:
- 1️⃣ Hold the power button for 5 seconds to shut down.
- 2️⃣ Wait 15 seconds.
- 3️⃣ Press the power button again to turn it back on.
🔹 If the black screen persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
5️⃣ Force Reboot Your MacBook Pro
⚡ Quick Fix for Display Issues & Bugs
If your MacBook Pro boots to a black screen, a force restart can help resolve underlying errors.
🔹 Steps to Force Restart:
- 1️⃣ Press and hold the Power button for 6 seconds.
- 2️⃣ Wait for the Mac to shut down completely.
- 3️⃣ Press the Power button again to restart.
🚀 If the black screen persists, try the next troubleshooting step!
6️⃣ Start Up from macOS Recovery
🔄 Restore Your Mac & Fix Boot Issues
If your MacBook Pro is stuck on a black screen, booting into macOS Recovery Mode can help troubleshoot and repair system errors.
For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, etc.):
- 1️⃣ Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
- 2️⃣ When the Startup Options window appears, select Options → Continue.
- 3️⃣ If no options appear, release the Power button and hold it again for another 10 seconds.
For Intel Macs:
- 1️⃣ Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
- 2️⃣ Press and release the Power button, then immediately hold Command (⌘) + R.
- 3️⃣ Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or macOS Utilities window.
🚀 Pro Tip: Run Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to check and repair disk errors before restarting your Mac!
7️⃣ Reset Mac’s NVRAM Settings
🛠 Fix Boot & Display Issues
NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) stores key settings like display preferences, startup disk, sound volume, and time zone. Resetting it can help fix MacBook Pro black screen issues.
How to Reset NVRAM on Intel Macs:
- 1️⃣ Turn off your MacBook Pro.
- 2️⃣ Press the Power button to turn it back on.
- 3️⃣ Immediately hold Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + P + R.
- 4️⃣ Keep holding until you hear the second startup chime (or for about 20 seconds).
- 5️⃣ Release the keys and let your Mac reboot.
🚀 Note: For M1/M2 Macs, NVRAM resets automatically during startup, so this step isn’t necessary!
8️⃣ Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
🛠 Fix Power & Display Issues
The SMC (System Management Controller) controls power management, battery, fans, and display settings. Resetting it can resolve MacBook Pro black screen and other system issues.
How to Reset SMC on MacBook Pro/Air (Non-Removable Battery)
- 1️⃣ Shut down your Mac.
- 2️⃣ Connect it to power using your MagSafe adapter.
- 3️⃣ Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power simultaneously.
- 4️⃣ Release all keys at the same time.
- 5️⃣ Turn on your Mac and check if the black screen issue is resolved.
🚀 For Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs, simply restart your device—SMC functions are managed automatically.
9️⃣ Use a Keypress Sequence to Fix the Black Screen
🎹 Bypass the MacBook Pro Black Screen with a Keyboard Trick
If your Mac powers on but the screen stays black, a keypress sequence can help. This method triggers sleep mode and forces a restart to refresh the display.
How to Use the Keypress Sequence:
- 1️⃣ Press the power button once (this brings up an invisible dialog box).
- 2️⃣ Press ‘S’ (this puts your Mac to sleep mode).
- 3️⃣ Hold the power button for 4 seconds to force shutdown.
- 4️⃣ Wait 16 seconds before turning it back on.
- 5️⃣ Press the power button again to restart.
✅ This method isn’t widely known but has helped many Mac users!
🔟 Reset the PRAM to Resolve the Black Screen
If the previous solutions didn’t work, resetting the PRAM can often fix the MacBook Pro booting black screen issue.
PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores essential settings for your Mac, and if it’s corrupted, it can cause issues like a black screen during startup. Resetting the PRAM restores default settings and may resolve the issue.
Steps to Reset the PRAM:
- 1️⃣ Reboot your Mac.
- 2️⃣ As soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down Command + Option + P + R.
- 3️⃣ When you hear the boot sound again, release the keys — this confirms the PRAM reset.
- 4️⃣ Allow your Mac to boot normally.
✅ PRAM reset should help you get rid of the black screen and boot your Mac properly!
Solution #11: Boot into Safe Mode
If the MacBook Pro booting black screen issue is caused by corrupt information on the startup disk, you can boot into Safe Mode to run diagnostics and resolve the problem.
Steps to Start in Safe Mode:
- 1️⃣ Power up or restart your Mac.
- 2️⃣ Hold the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- 3️⃣ Release the Shift key and allow the system to start up.
- 4️⃣ The boot will take longer than usual since diagnostics are being run.
- 5️⃣ Once the safe mode boot is complete, restart your Mac again to exit safe mode and check if the black screen issue is fixed.
Solution #12: Enter Password and Hit Return
This unexpected trick can help if the black screen persists. Sometimes, simply entering your login password and hitting Enter/Return will bypass the black screen and let the system load.
Steps:
- 1️⃣ When the Mac boots into the black screen, enter your usual login password.
- 2️⃣ Press Enter/Return.
- 3️⃣ If successful, the black screen will disappear, and you’ll be able to use your Mac normally.
Give it a try! It might just be the quick fix you need.
Solution #13: Turn Off Automatic Graphics Switching
This solution applies to MacBook Pro models with dual graphics cards. Sometimes, automatic GPU switching can cause a black screen during boot.
Steps to Disable Automatic Graphics Switching:
- 1️⃣ Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- 2️⃣ Go to the Energy Saver settings.
- 3️⃣ Toggle the switch next to Automatic Graphics Switching to turn it off.
- 4️⃣ Restart your Mac normally.
Disabling this setting can help resolve the black screen issue on dual-GPU MacBook Pro models.
Solution #14: Re-install macOS
If all else fails, re-installing macOS could be your last resort. This can help solve underlying problems that software solutions haven’t addressed.
Steps to Re-install macOS:
- 1️⃣ You can choose to reinstall the same version of macOS or install a new macOS version.
- 2️⃣ This process will replace any corrupted files and potentially fix the black screen issue.
Reinstalling macOS will erase and reinstall the operating system, so make sure to back up important data first!
Watch: MacBook Pro 14 & 16 (2023) – 20 Things You NEED to KNOW!
Wrapping Up
Did any of these solutions help you fix the MacBook booting black screen issue? We hope one or more of them worked for you! 😊
If you’re facing this unusual problem with your Mac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Mini, we hope these solutions helped you sort it out.
Need any Mac products? You can get all the Mac products you may need here, including Office for Mac and Windows for Mac!
Thank you for reading through this article, and feel free to reach out if you need more assistance! 😊
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