MacBook black screen: what to check before repair
For a MacBook black screen at startup when the Mac seems on, follow Apple's order: restart, Recovery disk repair, then reinstall macOS if it persists. First, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until it turns off, then turn it on again. If it still starts to a blank screen afterward, it might need service.
Key takeaways
- If your Mac doesn't seem to turn on, check its power connections and try another compatible cable or adapter you've already got.2
- For a Mac that seems on but stays blank, hold the power button up to 10 seconds until it turns off, then restart it.1
- If the screen stays blank after a restart, repair the startup disk in Recovery before trying a macOS reinstall.1
- A Mac that still starts to a blank screen after these checks might need service.1
Why is my MacBook screen black?
A MacBook that seems to turn on but has a blank screen could have a software problem. An update or power loss can leave data changed in ways you didn't intend. Software bugs can cause a blank display even when the data hasn't been damaged.2, 3
Safe Mode is another software check in iFixit's troubleshooting. Shut down the Mac first. Then try starting it in Safe Mode.3
What if my MacBook Pro won't turn on and has a black screen?
If your MacBook Pro won't turn on when you press the power button, check that the power cable isn't damaged. Its connections at the Mac and outlet should be secure. Use a working electrical outlet. Try another compatible cable or adapter if you've got one.2
Next, hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Then press and release it normally.2
A flashing question mark, a circle with a line through it, or anything else on screen means the Mac has turned on. It isn't starting up.2
How do I restart a MacBook Pro with a black screen?
If your MacBook Pro seems on but stays blank, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until the Mac turns off. Turn it on again. If it seems to start but the screen stays blank, continue with the startup disk repair in Recovery.1
Can a MacBook Air black screen come from the display?
A MacBook Air display can have an internal fault even if you can't see any damage. Debris caught in the hinge gap can make small holes in a display cable. The display connectors sit near the Mac's edge, which makes them a hot spot for liquid damage.3
Retina MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros made in 2016 or later have a short, stiff display cable that's unlikely to fail by itself. Reseating its connection is still worth trying.3
Check the model before looking into the display cable connection. The cables in MacBook Pros made before 2016 and MacBook Airs made before 2018 differ from those in the newer models.3
When should you take your MacBook to a shop?
Your MacBook might need service from a repair shop if it stays blank or won't turn on after you've worked through Apple's checks. A display replacement is iFixit's most likely fix when you find display damage or software fixes haven't helped.1, 2, 3
| Fix | Price | Shop or DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Try a compatible cable or adapter you already have | Free | DIY, Apple lists this power check |
| Force restart | Free | DIY, Apple's first blank-screen check |
| Try Safe Mode | Free | DIY, shut down before starting |
| Repair the startup disk | Free | DIY, use Disk Utility in Recovery |
| Reinstall macOS | Free | DIY, return to Recovery if the screen stays blank |
| MacBook Screen Repair | Ask a shop for a quote | Shop, display damage or software fixes haven't helped |
Questions
What if my MacBook screen goes black but is still running?
During startup, a blank screen should appear once or more on your Mac. Black, gray and blue are possible. When you're using an external display instead of the built-in screen, check whether the problem is with that display when the Mac seems on but stays blank.1
Could a firmware update leave my MacBook screen blank?
If your MacBook is from 2018 or newer, it could have had an error or lost power while its firmware was being updated. On Macs with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip, you might need to revive or restore the firmware to address a blank screen.3, 1
Do I need another Mac to reinstall the firmware?
To reinstall a known good copy of the firmware, you'll need another Mac that can run Apple Configurator 2, along with a USB C cable. An Apple logo should appear on the affected Mac's screen at some point as you go through that process.3
Find a repair near you
Sources
- If your Mac starts up to a blank screen, Apple. accessed Oct 6, 2026
- If your Mac doesn't turn on, Apple. accessed Oct 6, 2026
- MacBook Black Screen, iFixit. accessed Oct 6, 2026
