The Pink Screen of Death (PSOD) on a Mac is a rare but serious issue that can stop your computer from working. It’s similar to the Blue Screen of Death on Windows. This pink screen often happens because of hardware problems, software issues, or system updates that cause conflicts.
M1 Macs are more likely to experience this due to their new chip design. If you see a pink screen, you can try fixing it by resetting the System Management Controller (SMC), starting your Mac in Safe Mode, or reinstalling macOS. These steps can help you get your Mac back to normal.
What is Pink Screen of Death on Mac?
The Pink Screen of Death (PSOD) on a Mac is a rare but serious problem similar to the Blue Screen of Death that Windows users might see. It shows that there’s a big issue with your MacBook, either with its hardware or software.
When this pink screen appears, it makes your MacBook’s screen completely unusable, stopping you from getting any work done.
Causes of Pink Screen of Death Mac
Here are different Causes of Pink Screen of Death Mac:
1: Graphics Card Issues
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is vital for displaying visuals on your Mac. If it overheats or malfunctions, it can cause the screen to display unusual colours, like pink. This issue often occurs in older Macs, where prolonged use can lead to gradual wear and tear on the GPU.
2: Software Conflicts
Conflicts between macOS and third-party software can disrupt system performance. An incomplete software installation or corrupt macOS update may interfere with how your Mac functions.
These issues can impact the display, causing the screen to malfunction or exhibit strange colours, such as the pink screen problem encountered by many users.
3: Driver or Firmware Problems
Drivers and firmware ensure compatibility between hardware and software. If your drivers are outdated or incompatible with the macOS version, the display might malfunction.
Keeping your system updated with the latest drivers and firmware helps avoid errors, including the pink screen, and ensures smooth performance overall.
4: Hardware Problems
Physical components of your Mac, like the display or connectors, can fail due to age or accidental damage. Such issues might cause unusual screen colours or malfunctions.
Regular hardware maintenance is essential to detect and fix these problems before they lead to significant issues like the Pink Screen of Death.
5: Overheating Issues
When your Mac overheats, its internal components, like the CPU or GPU, may not function properly. Heat buildup can result from blocked air vents, excessive use, or dust clogging the system. Overheating can lead to pink screens or other display errors, signalling the system is under stress.
Ways to Fix Pink Screen of Death Mac
Following are different Ways to fix Pink Screen Of Death Mac:
Fix 1: Check the Power and all Peripherals
Attempting basic troubleshooting techniques before attempting more complex solutions is advised. You must thus unplug all of your accessories and verify the MacBook’s power level.
Inspection of all peripheral devices is therefore essential. The strategies listed below must be used unless you wish to avoid the issue.
Step 1: Make sure the Mac is turned off.
Step 2: After that, you have to unplug all of your devices from your computer.
Step 3: Check to see whether your gadget has any physical damage.
Step 4: Attach your computer’s mouse and keyboard. After connecting them, you have to turn these two on.
Step 5: Establishing whether the issue continues would be beneficial. If the issue is fixed, make sure the peripherals cause it to occur.
Method 2: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your MacBook:
Here’s a simple guide on how to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your MacBook, which might fix the pink screen issue:
For MacBooks:
Step 1. Turn off your Mac and unplug the power cable.
Step 2. Press and hold the power button along with Shift + Option + Control for 10 seconds.
Step 3. Reconnect the power cable and turn on your Mac.
For Mac mini or iMac:
Step 1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cable for 15 seconds.
Step 2. Plug the power cable back in and turn on your computer.
Resetting the SMC helps manage functions like power, display settings, and system sleep, and it can sometimes resolve screen-related issues.
Method 3: Reset NVRAM on Your MacBook
NVRAM, or non-volatile RAM, is a small part of your MacBook’s memory. It keeps certain settings like your screen’s resolution and brightness, which disk to start up from, and details about any recent system crashes.
If you’re seeing a pink screen that won’t go away, resetting the NVRAM might help. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Turn off your MacBook.
Step 2. As it starts up again, hold down these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R.
Step 3. Keep holding them until you hear the startup sound twice. If your Mac has a T2 chip, keep holding until you see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice.
Method 4: Fix Software Issues in Safe Mode
Software incompatibility happens when a program doesn’t work well with your computer’s operating system, which can cause issues like a pink screen.
This often happens after updating your Mac’s system, such as moving from macOS Big Sur to macOS Monterey, because the software hasn’t been updated yet to match the new system.
The pink screen issue is also common on the newer M1 MacBooks. The new M1 chips are different from the older Intel chips, and many programs are still designed for the older system, leading to problems on M1 Macs.
Method 5: Start Your Mac In Safe Mode
To fix this, you can start your Mac in Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your Mac with only the essential software it needs, which helps you see if a third-party app is causing the problem. Here’s how to start your Mac in Safe Mode:
For Macs with Intel chips:
Step 1. Turn off your Mac and wait 10 seconds.
Step 2. Press and hold the Shift key while you turn your Mac back on.
Step 3. Let go of the Shift key when you see the login window.
For Macs with M1 chips:
Step 1. Turn off your Mac and wait 10 seconds.
Step 2. Press and hold the power button until you see startup options on the screen.
Step 3. Click on your startup disk, press the Shift key, and select “Continue in Safe Mode.”
Method 6: Fix Hardware Incompatibility Issues
Hardware incompatibility happens when certain hardware, like input or output devices, doesn’t work well with your Mac’s motherboard, CPU, or system. This can sometimes cause a pink screen, especially after updating hardware.
To check for external hardware issues:
- Unplug all connected devices (like USBs or external drives).
- Reconnect one device at a time and restart your Mac to identify which device may be causing the problem.
For internal hardware issues, run Apple Diagnostics (also called Apple Hardware Test) to check for any hardware problems.
Method 7: Reinstall macOS to Resolve the Pink Screen
If your Mac still shows a pink screen and won’t start after you’ve tried fixing it, the issue might be serious. You can try to fix this by reinstalling macOS in Recovery mode.
Remember, reinstalling macOS can delete your data. If you haven’t backed up your files with Time Machine, consider using iBoysoft Data Recovery Software to save your data before you reinstall macOS.
If the problem continues after you reinstall macOS, there might be a hardware issue with your Mac.
Conclusion
The Pink Screen of Death on a Mac is a rare but serious issue caused by hardware or software problems. Troubleshooting steps like checking peripherals, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or NVRAM, starting in Safe Mode, or reinstalling macOS can often resolve the issue.
If these methods fail, the problem may be due to hardware damage, requiring professional repair. By following these steps, you can identify and address the cause to restore your Mac’s functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pink Screen of Death on a Mac?
The Pink Screen of Death is a rare issue where your Mac displays a pink screen and becomes unusable. It’s often caused by hardware or software problems.
Why Does the Pink Screen Happen on my Mac?
The pink screen can occur due to hardware issues, software conflicts, or system updates that aren’t compatible with your Mac.
How Can I Fix the Pink Screen on my Mac?
You can try troubleshooting steps like unplugging peripherals, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or NVRAM, starting in Safe Mode, or reinstalling macOS.
Does the Pink Screen Issue Happen more on M1 Macs?
Yes, M1 Macs are more likely to experience this issue because some software is not fully compatible with the new M1 chip.
What Should I Do if the Pink Screen Doesn’t go Away?
If the issue persists after trying all fixes, it may be a hardware problem. Take your Mac to an Apple repair centre for professional help.
