A black screen on your MacBook Pro can be alarming and frustrating, especially when you need it to work smoothly. This issue could arise from various reasons, ranging from simple settings to more complex hardware or software problems.
Power issues, external devices, or even macOS glitches might be causing the display to go blank. Understanding these potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your MacBook to normal.
Whether it’s a minor problem like brightness settings or a more significant concern requiring technical assistance, addressing the root cause is essential to get your MacBook Pro back in action. Let’s examine the potential causes and fixes for this problem.
MacBook Pro Black Screen Causes
Let’s investigate the possible causes of a black screen on your MacBook Air or Pro. Fixing it more successfully can be achieved by understanding the causes.
1: Hardware Problems
Sometimes, parts like the screen or the graphics processing unit (GPU) might not work right, which can cause a black screen. Hardware issues sound tough but are just one possible cause.
2: Software Issues
Problems with software, such as conflicting programs, corrupted files, or apps that don’t work well together, might also make the screen go black. Fixing these difficulties is typically simpler than fixing hardware problems.
3: Operating System Trouble
If your MacBook wasn’t shut down correctly, had a software update that didn’t complete, or if the macOS system got corrupted, you could see a black screen. It’s important to know how the operating system works to fix these issues.
4: External Devices
Sometimes, devices connected to your MacBook, like external monitors, can mess with your display settings. Devices that don’t seem related at all can still affect how your MacBook performs.
How to Fix a Black Screen on Your MacBook Pro?
Method 1: Check Power and Brightness
First, double-check your power and brightness settings. Even though it sounds basic, sometimes the solution is as simple as adjusting these. If your MacBook Pro is running on battery, plug it into a charger to make sure it’s not just a dead battery.
Also, check the power indicator to ensure the cable is fine. You or perhaps a pet might have accidentally lowered the brightness; try pressing F2 or using the control bar to turn the brightness back up.
Method 2: Unplug External Devices
Disconnect any peripheral devices like printers, keyboards, external drives, mice, and trackpads. These devices can sometimes cause startup issues. Make sure your MacBook is only connected to its charger and adapter.
Method 3: Restart Your MacBook Pro
After ensuring your MacBook Pro is properly powered and free from external device interference, try a restart:
1: Quick Restart
Simultaneously press Control + Command (the symbol with four loops) + Power/Eject/Touch ID button (whichever your model has). This should automatically restart your MacBook Pro.
2: Manual Restart
If the quick restart doesn’t work, manually shut down your MacBook by holding the power button for about 5 seconds. To restart the MacBook, wait 15 seconds after it shuts down and then hit the power button once again. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue.
Method 4: Try a Special Key Sequence
This method isn’t officially recommended by Apple, but many MacBook users swear by it. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: To start up your MacBook, press the power button once.
Step 2: To enter sleep mode on your MacBook, press “S.”
Step 3: Hold the power button to force a shutdown.
Step 4: Wait 15 seconds, and then press the power button to restart your MacBook. It’s unclear why this works, but it has helped many users.
Method 5: Start Your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts your MacBook Pro without loading certain software and drivers. This can help avoid issues caused by software conflicts.
Step 1: Turn off your MacBook Pro and wait 20 seconds.
Step 2: Press and hold the Shift key to turn it back on.
Step 3: Press the Shift key once the login window appears. “Safe Boot” should show up in the screen’s corner.
Step 4: You might need to log in twice, and your MacBook may start slower than usual as it runs diagnostics.
Step 5: Once fully started, restart your MacBook normally to see if the black screen issue is resolved.
Method 6: Reset System Management Controller (Smc)
The SMC controls parts of your MacBook like temperature, keyboard, and display. If your MacBook’s screen stays black, resetting the SMC might help:
Step 1: Turn off your MacBook and unplug it.
Step 2: Wait at least 15 seconds.
Step 3: Plug it back in.
Step 4: With the MacBook still off, press and hold the Shift + Option + Control + power button all at once.
Step 5: When your MacBook begins to turn on, let go of the keys.
Method 7: Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Try resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) or NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) if your MacBook isn’t functioning properly. These are tiny memory locations that store configurations like screen resolution and sound volume. Here’s how to accomplish it:
Step 1: Turn off your MacBook.
Step 2: Press the power button to turn it back on.
Step 3: Immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys together.
Step 4: Keep holding these keys until you hear the startup sound again, which takes about 2 seconds.
Remember, resetting might change some of your settings, so check your system preferences to make sure things like date/time and display settings are still right.
Method 8: Reinstall MacOS
Reinstalling MacOS may be necessary if you’ve done everything and your MacBook is still not functioning properly. This is like starting fresh with a new Mac, so it’s important to back up all your files first.
You can save them to an external hard drive or upload them to the cloud to keep them safe. If you’re not sure how to proceed or want to be extra cautious, consider reaching out to Apple Support for guidance before you start the reinstallation process.
Conclusion
A black screen on your MacBook Pro can result from hardware, software, or connected devices. First, ensure it’s charged, check the brightness settings, and try restarting. If the issue persists, reset the NVRAM and SMC, or boot in Safe Mode to diagnose software problems.
You might also consider reinstalling macOS as a last resort. These simple troubleshooting steps can often resolve the problem quickly. For more help, it’s best to get in touch with Apple Support if none of these fixes resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if my MacBook Pro Screen Suddenly Goes Black?
Try a simple reset by holding down the Command, Control, and Power buttons for a few seconds. If the laptop restarts, this may solve the black screen issue.
Could a Low Battery Cause my MacBook Pro Screen to be Black?
Yes, your MacBook Pro might not power on if the battery is completely dead or very low. Wait a few minutes after connecting your charger before attempting to switch it on once more.
What Can I Do if my MacBook Pro Screen is Black but the Laptop is Still Running?
Adjust the brightness settings by pressing the brightness increase key (usually F2) on your keyboard. If this doesn’t work, try connecting an external monitor to determine if the issue is with the screen itself.
Why Does my MacBook Pro Screen Stay Black after Opening the Lid?
This could be due to a sleep issue. Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown, and then press it again to restart your MacBook.
How Can I Troubleshoot a Persistent Black Screen on my MacBook Pro?
Shut down Your MacBook: Make sure your MacBook is completely turned off.
Press Key Combination: For models with a non-removable battery, hold down the Shift, Control, Option, and Power buttons simultaneously.
Hold for 10 Seconds: Keep holding these keys for 10 seconds.
Release Keys: Let go of all the keys after 10 seconds.
Restart MacBook: Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.
