8 Steps To Fix MacBook Screen Goes Black & Unresponsive

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It can be frustrating when your MacBook screen suddenly goes black, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. This article will walk you through the process of fixing it when your MacBook Screen turns black.

Key Takeaways:

• Using CleanMyMac to clear your cache helps fix the black screen issues caused by corrupt cache files. It scans and removes unncessary system files.
• You can check the power settings and battery cycle count to see if poor battery health causes black screens, and replace the battery accordingly if its condition is subpar.
• Forcing a restart, resetting NVRAM/PRAM, safe mode, and SMC reset can resolve minor software issues that cause the screen to black out.
• You can run Apple Diagnostics to detect hardware problems or reinstall macOS to fix software issues, but it’s best to contact Apple Support if the issue persists.

Why Did Your MacBook Pro Go Black: Possible Causes

Here are some possible causes of a black screen on your MacBook Pro:

• Battery Issues: If your MacBook Pro battery is faulty, it may not be able to power your device and can become black.
• Software Issues: MacOS glitches, incompatibility, and bugs can cause your MacBook Pro Black Screen.
• Overheating: If your MacBook Pro overheats, it may shut down to prevent damage to its hardware, causing the MacBook Pro Black Screen.
• Hardware Failure: Hardware failures such as a faulty logic board, RAM, or hard drive can also cause your MacBook Pro screen to turn black.
• Screen Damage: Damage to your MacBook Pro screen, such as cracks or water damage, can cause it to go black. You’ll have to replace your MacBook’s screen in this case.

These are just some possible causes of a black screen on your MacBook Pro.

Fix MacBook Pro Screen Goes Black But Still Running [2 Best Practice]

With these two helpful practices, you can troubleshoot the issue and get your MacBook back up and running quickly.

1. Clear Cache Using CleanMyMac

A common cause of a black screen on Mac is a corrupt cache. CleanMyMac has a feature to clear cache files and other temporary files that may be causing the issue.

1. Open the CleanMyMac application on your MacBook.
2. Click on the System Junk tab located in the left sidebar.

3. Click on the Scan button.

4. Once the scan is complete, you will receive a list of files to remove.

5. Click on the Clean button to remove these files.

6. Wait for the cleaning process to complete.

7. Once done, restart your MacBook to allow the system to rebuild the necessary cache files.

That’s it! CleanMyMac makes clearing cache files a simple process, allowing you to optimize your MacBook’s performance and fix issues like a black screen.

2. Check Power Settings

One best practice to fix the issue of a Mac screen going black but still running is to check power settings. The following steps can help check power settings and fix any issues causing the black screen.

1. Restart your Mac.

2. Go to the Apple menu in your screen’s upper left-hand corner and click About This Mac.

3. Now click on More Info.

4. Once the report opens, click System Report.

5. Click on Power in the left-hand column.

6. Locate your Mac’s Cycle Count and Condition. If the Condition reads Poor, you have found the answer to the black screen issue.

How To Fix Unresponsive Black Screen On MacBook Pro

In this section, we’ll take it from the top and show you how to change an unresponsive black MacBook Pro screen to normal, whether you are using a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.

1. Force Restart

A forced restart is a simple way to resolve most minor software glitches on your MacBook. This method is especially useful when your MacBook is unresponsive, including when the MacBook Pro screen is black.

1. Press and hold down the power button.
2. Wait for your MacBook to turn off completely.
3. Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.

2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the PRAM and NVRAM can sometimes help resolve display-related issues, including a MacBook black screen.

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press the power button to turn it on.
3. Immediately press and hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys.
4. Continue holding down the keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
5. Release the keys and wait for your MacBook to restart.

Your Mac should boot normally now. However, you may have lost some settings, so you must check System Settings to see if your display, date/time, and disk options are all in order.

3. Boot In Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a troubleshooting or recovery mode that starts your MacBook with only the essential system processes and drivers. It can help you identify if third-party software or extensions are causing display issues.

1. Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
2. Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

The Mac will now start into safe mode and might take a little longer than expected as it runs diagnostics on your startup disk. Once it boots up completely, you can restart to enter into a normal startup and see if the black screen issue is resolved.

4. Reset The SMC (System Management Controller)

The System Management Controller (SMC) manages your MacBook’s power, battery, and other hardware settings. Resetting the SMC (system management controller) can help resolve power-related display issues.

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Unplug your MacBook from the power source if it is plugged in.
3. Press and hold down the Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds.
4. Release all the keys and buttons.
5. Turn your MacBook back on.

5. Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics is a built-in tool that helps diagnose hardware issues on your MacBook. It can also help in finding other issues. You can run the Apple Diagnostics test following these steps:

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press the power button and immediately hold down the D key until Apple Diagnostics starts up.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose any hardware issues.

6. Reinstall macOS

Reinstalling macOS can help resolve persistent software issues on your MacBook. However, be sure to backup your data before attempting this method, as it will erase all data on your MacBook.

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press the power button and immediately hold down the Command + R keys until the Apple logo appears.
3. Select Reinstall macOS from the disk utility window and follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above methods work, or if you suspect a hardware issue with your MacBook, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting steps or advise on repairs or replacements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a black MacBook screen be fixed without professional help?

Yes, sometimes a black MacBook screen can be fixed without professional help by performing basic troubleshooting steps, such as restarting your MacBook, resetting the SMC or PRAM, updating your software, or checking the power source.

How can I prevent my MacBook screen from going black in the future?

To prevent your MacBook’s screen from going black in the future, keep your MacBook updated with the latest software updates, avoid overheating by keeping your MacBook in a well-ventilated area, use an external monitors if needed, and handle your MacBook with care to avoid any physical damage to the screen or other hardware components.

How can I reset the SMC or PRAM on my MacBook?

To reset your MacBook’s SMC (system management controller), shut down your MacBook, press and hold the shift key + Control + Option keys and the Power button simultaneously for about 10 seconds, and then release all the keys and turn on your MacBook. To reset the PRAM, shut down your MacBook, press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys simultaneously, and then turn on your MacBook and release the keys after hearing the startup sound twice.

Final Words

Congratulations, you did it! You successfully navigated through the frustrating maze of a black Mac screen. Always stay up-to-date with software updates and take care of your MacBook to prevent future issues. Now, go and conquer the digital world with your newly restored MacBook!

About LorenaLorena holds a 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip. Her role involves editorial management from writing to editing and ensuring that the articles are informative, useful, and relevant to readers who are new to Mac.