What to Do When macOS Fails to Boot
What to Do When macOS Fails to Boot
Is your Mac refusing to start up? Seeing a blank screen, a flashing folder, or getting stuck on the Apple logo can be frustrating. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve helped countless Mac users get their systems back up and running. If your macOS fails to boot, don’t panic—follow these troubleshooting steps to diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Check for Power Issues
Before assuming a major problem, make sure your Mac has power:
If using a MacBook, plug it into a charger and wait a few minutes.
For desktop Macs, check the power cable and try a different outlet.
Press the power button and listen for startup sounds or fan activity.
If your Mac doesn’t respond, you may need battery replacement or power supply repair—something we handle at ABQ Computer Pros.
2. Perform a Force Restart
If your Mac is stuck on a black or frozen screen, try a force restart:
MacBooks & iMacs: Hold down the Power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
Release the button and press it again to turn your Mac back on.
This simple trick can resolve temporary software crashes.
3. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads macOS with only essential files, helping to isolate issues:
For Intel Macs: Hold Shift while powering on until you see the Apple logo.
For Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs: Hold the Power button until "Startup Options" appear, then select your disk and hold Shift while clicking "Continue in Safe Mode."
If your Mac boots successfully in Safe Mode, a third-party app or corrupted startup item may be the cause. Try removing recent apps and restart normally.
4. Use macOS Recovery Mode
If Safe Mode doesn’t work, try macOS Recovery Mode:
Intel Macs: Hold Command (⌘) + R while turning on the Mac.
Apple Silicon Macs: Hold the Power button until you see "Startup Options," then click Options and "Continue."
From here, you can:
✅ Run Disk Utility to check for disk errors.
✅ Reinstall macOS without erasing data.
✅ Restore from a Time Machine backup if available.
5. Reset NVRAM & SMC
Sometimes, corrupted system settings prevent booting:
Reset NVRAM (Intel Macs only): Hold Option + Command + P + R during startup until the Apple logo appears twice.
Reset SMC: For MacBooks, shut down, press Shift + Control + Option + Power, then release all keys.
This can resolve display, power, and hardware issues.
6. Seek Professional Mac Repair
If none of these steps work, your Mac may have hardware failure—such as a damaged SSD, logic board, or RAM. That’s where ABQ Computer Pros can help. We provide expert Mac repair services in Albuquerque, specializing in diagnostics, data recovery, and software fixes.
Final Thoughts
When macOS fails to boot, start with basic troubleshooting like checking power, booting into Safe Mode, and using Recovery Mode. If issues persist, don’t risk data loss—contact ABQ Computer Pros for fast and reliable Mac repair services.
Need help with a non-booting Mac? Call us today!
