How to Fix a MacBook that Won’t Shut Down

If your MacBook Pro is struggling to shut down, you can try a few different methods to resolve the issue. Here are some steps you can follow:

Troubleshooting Steps for a MacBook with Shutdown Issues

1. Force Shutdown

One of the simplest ways to force a shutdown is by pressing and holding the power button for 5-10 seconds. This should cause the MacBook to turn off completely.

Using Terminal to Shutdown

2. Use Terminal Commands

If the force shutdown does not work, you can try using terminal commands to initiate a shutdown:

Open Terminal. Type sudo shutdown -h now and press Enter. Enter your administrator password to confirm.

Safe Mode for Troubleshooting

3. Try Safe Mode

For Intel processors, you can try restarting your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key while restarting. For M1 or M2 chips, hold down the power button until you see the startup options, then select to boot into macOS Recovery and hold the Shift key while clicking on the macOS HD Disk.

Resetting SMC and NVRAM

4. Resetting SMC and NVRAM

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try resetting the SMC and NVRAM. Here are the steps:

Power off your MacBook Pro. Locate the Shift, Control, and Option keys and hold them, then press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds. Release all keys and power on your MacBook Pro again. To reset the NVRAM, follow these steps when your MacBook is turned off: Press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys. Continue to hold these keys until you hear the startup sound twice. This indicates that the NVRAM has been reset.

Professional Help and Troubleshooting

If these methods do not help, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and solve more complex issues. If your battery or AC adapter is damaged, these components may need to be replaced.

Keywords: MacBook, shut down, troubleshooting