Apple MacBooks have been the most reliable brand of laptops in the world for many years. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have an occasional problem though. Whether you are having the latest MacBook or an older version, sometimes things can go wrong with your Mac. And, one of the most common problems that can pop up is unresponsive and black screen. Check out the list below to know why your Mac screen has stopped working and how to troubleshoot that issue.
Reasons Your MacBook Screen Has Stopped Working
Here are 5 common reasons why your Mac screen stopped working:
Battery Drain
It might sound kind of obvious but running out of battery is one of the most common reasons why your Mac screen isn’t working now. Even when it is plugged in, a bad battery or a faulty cable can stop your MacBook from charging, making your Mac to shut down after a while. So, the first thing you should do now is to check your MacBook’s battery and charging cables.
Incorrect Disk Permissions or Login Items
Sometimes, the cause for your Mac’s black screen is due to broken disk permission issues or login items. The permissions control which users and system processes have access to files, and what they can do. So, if it’s incorrect or broken, then it can make your Mac go black or unable to boot up.
Problems With Updating MacOS
The upgraded operating system might produce compatibility issues which might result in putting your Mac’s screen in total darkness sometimes. After a new update, a black screen might occur as an occasional booting problem that’s confused many Mac users. However, it’s no more than another common issue that can be resolved easily with simple troubleshooting procedures.
Software Errors
If it’s not because of the above problems, then there is a good chance that your MacBook Pro is having some kind of software error. Bugs or glitches in apps, especially third-party apps, can cause screen problems. So, if the “black screen of death” happens when you are using a third-party app or you recently install a new application, then that might be the reason.
Display Issue
In most cases, MacBook’s screens don’t usually go dark during the booting process. However, if you can still hear the boot-up sounds or fan noises during the whole process and your screen isn’t working at all. Then, it seems like you have a screen problem. In this case, we suggest checking your MacBook in Apple Stores.
Ways to Fix Your Screen Problem
No matter what causes your screen problem, these are still a few ways for you to fix it. Try every possible way to see if it works with your MacBook.
Force Restart your Mac
In most cases, restarting your Mac usually helps to fix most of the problems. So, try to open and close the MacBook lid first. And then, press a few keys on a keyboard to check if you really need to force restart. If it doesn’t work then it’s time to force restart now!
To do this, press and hold down the Command (⌘) + Control (Ctrl) +Power button (or the Touch ID / Eject button), depending on the Mac model). Wait until the screen goes blank and the machine restarts.
On the other hand, if you prefer the “old school” technique, you can still restart your Mac by holding the power button until it’s shutdown. And, turn it back on after a few seconds.
Reset the System Management Controller
The Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC) controls a lot of things related to power. Resetting it will reboot several different power settings. Make sure your Mac is still connected to the power source before this.
For the newest models, from 2018 or later:
- Shutdown your Mac again.
- On your keyboard, press and hold Shift+Control+Option (Alt).
- Keep holding all 3 keys for 7 seconds.
- Then press and hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn off as you hold these keys.
- Keep holding for another 7 seconds and then release them.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it on.
For any Mac with a non-removable battery, typically from before 2018:
- Shut down your Mac.
- On your built-in keyboard, press and hold Shift+Control+Option (Alt).
- While holding all 3 keys, press and hold the Power button as well. Keep holding all 4 keys for at least 10 seconds.
- Release them and press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Boot into Safe Mode
Sometimes the result of corrupt information on the startup disk is the reason why your Mac’s screen has stopped working. You can force your Mac to run diagnostics on the disk by booting into safe mode.
To start up in safe mode, power up or restart your Mac while holding the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen. At that point, let go of the Shift key and wait for the system to start. This will take longer than usual because it’s running diagnostics during the boot sequence.
Reset your Mac’s PRAM and NVRAM settings
PRAM and NVRAM are the memories that hold some important settings for your Mac. And, it still carries forward even if you restart or shut down your laptop.
To reset both of these, power on your Mac. And, as soon as you hear the startup chime, hold the Command+Option+P+R keys. Wait until you hear the chime a second time and then let go of the keys. Let the Mac boot up and see if the black screen is fixed.
The unresponsive or black screen is an annoying error and it would be easy to think that is a potential hardware problem. However, it’s more often a software issue. Therefore, don’t worry too much! Try all of the above solutions and your Mac should be as good as new. Let us know which one works for your Mac in the comments!
