Why Does My Mac Have a Black Screen? Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

A black screen on a Mac can be caused by several issues. Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps you can try:

Common Causes

Power Issues: The Mac might not be receiving power, or it could be in sleep mode. Display Issues: There could be a problem with the display settings or the physical display itself. Hardware Problems: Issues with the graphics card or other internal components can lead to a black screen. Software Glitches: Corrupted software or an issue with macOS could cause the screen to go black.

Troubleshooting Steps

Try the following steps to resolve a black screen on your Mac:

Check Power Supply: Ensure your Mac is plugged in and the power adapter is functioning. If using a laptop, press the power button to wake it from sleep. Adjust Brightness: Sometimes the display brightness may be turned all the way down. Use the brightness keys on the keyboard to adjust. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the following keys:
Option Command P R
for about 20 seconds. This resets certain settings. Reset SMC System Management Controller: For Intel-based Macs, shut down your Mac, unplug it, wait 15 seconds, plug it back in, and then turn it on. For M1 Macs, simply shutting down and restarting resets the SMC. Boot in Safe Mode: Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound. This can help diagnose software issues. External Display: If you have an external monitor, try connecting it to see if the issue is with the built-in display. Check for External Devices: Disconnect any peripherals and restart your Mac. Sometimes external devices can cause conflicts. Reinstall macOS: If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling macOS. You can do this by booting into Recovery Mode, hold Command R during startup, and select Internet Recovery.

If the black screen continues after trying these steps, it may be best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further diagnosis as there could be a more serious hardware issue.