How to fix startup problems on your MacBook

Sometimes, when you try to turn on your MacBook, it may not boot up as it should. This type of failure is more common than it seems, especially after macOS updates or prolonged periods without use. But don't worry: most startup problems can be solved without needing to go immediately to a technical service. At iRepairs we explain what steps to follow if your MacBook does not turn on or gets stuck on the startup screen.

1. Check if the MacBook is receiving power

The first step is to make sure that your MacBook is receiving power correctly. Many times, the startup failure is due to a completely drained battery or a damaged charger.

• Connect the charger and check if the charging icon or an indicator light appears.
• If you do not see any signal, try with another compatible cable or adapter to rule out a charger problem.
• On models with the M1 or M2 chip, leave the device connected for at least 10 minutes before trying to turn it on again.

What to do if it does not react

If after connecting it your MacBook still does not turn on, hold down the power button for about 10 seconds. This forced restart can solve temporary system freezes. If it does not work, disconnect it from the charger, wait a couple of minutes and try again. If it still does not respond, there may be an internal failure (logic board, battery or SMC controller) that requires technical review.

2. Boot in safe mode

The macOS safe mode allows you to start the system with only the essential components, ideal for diagnosing if an application or extension is preventing normal startup.

How to start safe mode

• Completely turn off your MacBook.
• Turn it on and hold down the “Shift” key while the Apple logo appears.
• Release the key when you see the login screen.

If your MacBook boots up correctly in this mode, the problem is probably related to some software, extension or recently installed application. Remove those elements and restart normally.

3. Reset the NVRAM and the SMC

If the device still does not respond, resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) or the SMC (system management controller) can solve many startup and power errors.

How to reset the NVRAM

On computers with Intel processors:

1. Turn off the MacBook.
2. Turn it on while holding down the Command + Option + P + R keys.
3. Keep pressing for about 20 seconds and then release.

On models with the Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2 or M3), the NVRAM is reset automatically on restart, so it is enough to turn the device off and on.

How to reset the SMC

On Intel MacBook:

1. Turn off your MacBook.
2. Hold down the Shift + Control + Option keys together with the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Release all the keys and turn on the device normally.

4. Use Disk Utility in recovery mode

Errors on the internal disk can also prevent the system from booting correctly. To check this, access recovery mode and use Disk Utility.

How to access recovery mode

• Turn off your MacBook.
• Turn it on and hold down the “Command + R” keys until you see the Apple logo.
• In the menu, select “Disk Utility”.

In Disk Utility, select your main drive (usually “Macintosh HD”) and click on “First Aid”. If errors are detected, the system will try to repair them automatically. This process can take several minutes, depending on the size of the disk.

5. Reinstall macOS

If after everything your MacBook still does not start correctly, reinstalling macOS is usually the last resort before going to a technical service. This reinstallation does not erase your personal files, although it is always advisable to have a backup.

How to reinstall macOS

• Boot in recovery mode (Command + R).
• Select “Reinstall macOS” in the menu.
• Follow the instructions and make sure you have a stable Internet connection.

Your Mac will download the most recent version of macOS compatible with your model. This process can take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the network speed.

Startup problems on your MacBook may seem alarming, but most are solved with the previous steps. Checking the power, using safe mode, resetting NVRAM or SMC and repairing the disk are effective methods before resorting to a technician. If your Mac still does not work, at iRepairs we have specialised diagnosis for Intel and Apple Silicon models, with official Apple tools.

Don't panic: with a little patience, the vast majority of MacBooks turn back on without data loss.