How to Troubleshoot a Black MacBook Pro Screen
In case your MacBook Pro screen suddenly turns black, it can be quite disconcerting, but don't worry—it's likely a manageable issue. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue, starting with simple steps and progressing to more advanced measures.
1. Check the Display Brightness
Ensure the screen brightness is not set to the lowest level. Use the brightness keys on your keyboard to adjust the brightness setting. If you find the brightness to be too low, the display may appear black.
2. Check Power and Battery
2.1 Plug in the Charger
If the battery level is low or if it's already depleted, connect your MacBook to a power source using the charger. This can often resolve the black screen issue, as it could be related to insufficient power.
2.2 Check the Charging Cable and Adapter
Make sure that both the charging cable and the power adapter are functioning properly. A faulty adapter or cable can lead to the screen turning black.
3. Perform a Forced Restart
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try performing a forced restart. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the MacBook turns off. After a few seconds, press the power button again to turn the MacBook back on. If your MacBook has a Touch ID sensor, note that it functions as both the power button and the touch sensor.
4. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
For MacBooks with Non-removable Batteries: Shut down your MacBook, disconnect the power adapter, and hold down the Shift Control Option keys on the left side and the power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys and press the power button again to turn on the MacBook.
For MacBooks with the Apple T2 Security Chip (2018 and later models): Shut down your MacBook, hold down the power button for 10 seconds, and then release the power button. Wait a few seconds and press the power button to start your MacBook.
5. Reset the NVRAM/PRAM
Turn off your MacBook. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Option Command P R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds. Release the keys and allow the MacBook to restart. The NVRAM/PRAM reset can help resolve issues related to system settings or memory corruption.
6. Check for External Display Issues
If you have an external monitor connected to your MacBook, disconnect it to see if the built-in display starts working. Additionally, ensure that the connections for the external monitor are secure. Issues with external displays can sometimes cause the built-in display to turn black.
7. Try Booting in Safe Mode
Shut down your MacBook and then press the power button while immediately holding down the Shift key. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen. Safe Mode might help you diagnose and resolve the issue by running without third-party applications.
8. Run Apple Diagnostics
Shut down your MacBook. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the D key until the Apple Diagnostics screen appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to test your MacBook for hardware issues. Diagnostic tools can help identify if the problem lies with the hardware.
9. Contact Apple Support or a Professional Repair Service
If none of the above steps work, the issue might be hardware-related, such as a failed display or an internal connection issue. In such cases, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit a professional repair service like MakCity for further diagnosis and repair. Apple services can provide the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and repair hardware components efficiently.