Mac starts up to a black screen? 5 fixes to try

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Press and hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until the Mac switches off, then turn it on again. If the screen stays blank, start in macOS Recovery, repair the startup disk with Disk Utility and restart. If that does not help, reinstall macOS from Recovery.

A Mac that makes its start-up sound or lights up the keyboard and then shows nothing has stopped part-way through starting. Apple's steps go from a simple power cycle to reinstalling the system, which keeps your files.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings.

Step by step

  1. Rule out the simple things

    Turn the brightness up with the keys at the top of the keyboard. On a desktop Mac or with an external monitor, check that the display is switched on and the cable sits firmly, and try another cable.

  2. Switch the Mac off and on

    Press and hold the power button for up to 10 seconds, until the Mac turns off. Wait a moment and press the button again.

  3. Start in macOS Recovery

    Apple silicon: with the Mac off, press and hold the power button until the startup options appear, click Options and Continue. Intel: switch on and hold Command + R at once. If the Recovery screen appears, the display and the Mac work, and the problem is on the startup disk.

  4. Repair the startup disk

    In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select the startup disk (Macintosh HD) and click First Aid. When it is finished, restart from the Apple menu.

  5. Reinstall macOS

    If the screen is blank again, go back to Recovery and choose Reinstall macOS. This replaces the system and leaves your files. The steps are in how to reinstall macOS without losing your files.

Good to know

If Recovery does not start either on a Mac with Apple silicon or the T2 chip, the firmware may need to be revived or restored. That needs a second Mac and a cable, or a visit to Apple or an authorised service provider.

A Mac that shows no sign of life at all is a different case: Mac won't turn on: 7 things to try before a repair.

If it gets as far as the logo: Mac stuck on the Apple logo or loading bar: 6 fixes to try.

In short: Brightness and display cable, hold the power button 10 seconds, macOS Recovery, Disk Utility First Aid, reinstall macOS.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If your Mac starts up to a blank screen

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