My MacBook does not turn on (anymore) and is out of warranty: what can I do now?

Oh no! You start your MacBook, but it no longer turns on. What now? iPhoned gives tips on what you can do if your MacBook is out of warranty.

Your MacBook plays a crucial role in your daily life, whether you’re working, studying or relaxing. But what if it suddenly no longer starts and your warranty has expired? Don’t panic: there are still several steps you can take to repair or replace your device without having to throw it away right away.

What to do if you still have a warranty?

If you have a warranty, it is advisable to complete a step-by-step plan via the Apple website that you can follow if your MacBook no longer works. You may have to go to a service provider after completing all the steps. Well-known specialists such as Amac can help you here. Also note that it is important for the warranty of your MacBook that you contact a certified Apple specialist. You can then be sure that the replacement parts are authentic and from Apple.

Has your warranty expired? Then follow the step-by-step plan below, containing all the options you have after the warranty period.

Step 1: Restart your MacBook

It seems like a simple solution, but many people forget this step. If your Mac is completely frozen and charging does not work, it is smart to force it to restart first. You do this as follows:

  1. Press the power button for at least 10 seconds and then release;
  2. Nothing happens? Then try this again.

If nothing is happening yet, you should check whether the System Management Controller (SMC) is bringing about change. The SMC ensures that functions such as the sleep and wake function, the power supply, as well as various lamps and fans, work properly. Sometimes one of these functions causes the SMC to freeze, causing your MacBook to not work. Then proceed to a reset:

Reset for MacBooks with Touch ID

  1. Press the Control (left) + Option (left) + Shift (right) keys simultaneously for 7 seconds;
  2. Then press the power button;
  3. Then hold all four keys again for 7 seconds and release them;
  4. Wait a few seconds and then press the power button again.

Reset for MacBooks without Touch ID

  1. Connect the MacBook to power;
  2. Press the Shift-Control-Option and on/off button at the same time;
  3. Release all buttons.

Step 2: Use macOS Recovery

Reinstalling macOS can also be a solution for a MacBook that no longer wants to turn on. Fortunately, you can also use a key combination for this. Hold down Command + R and release the keys when you see the Apple logo. You then have the option to reinstall macOS and follow the steps on your screen. The great thing about this is that you won’t lose any personal data or passwords, so you don’t have to worry about everything being gone from your laptop.

What could be going on then?

1. Rule out problems with an (external) screen

Your screen may no longer work. To rule this out, it is important to turn on your MacBook via the startup key and listen for sound during startup. Be sure to listen to the noise from the hard drive, the fan or see if the light on your keyboard turns on. This allows you to rule out that there is a problem with the power supply.

2. Rule out problems with your charger

If there is nothing wrong with your screen, it may also be that your charger is broken or the socket is not working. Therefore, check the following steps:

  1. Check the connection: make sure your MacBook is properly connected to the wall socket. Also check that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket. This may seem obvious, but this mistake is more common than you think;
  2. Test the socket: check whether the socket works by, for example, connecting another device. If necessary, try a different socket to rule out a defect;
  3. Use a different charger: try a different charger to test if the problem is with the charger. We recommend always using an original Apple charger for the best quality and reliability.

3. Rule out battery problems

In many cases, your MacBook no longer wanting to start up is caused by your battery.

This is how you check the MacBook battery is broken:

  • Disconnect the charger from the MacBook;
  • Remove the battery from the MacBook;
  • Then connect the MacBook to the charger again;
  • Try to start the MacBook via the on/off button.

Does your MacBook now boot? Then there is a problem with the battery. You can have this replaced, but it is also possible to replace the battery yourself. It is important to follow a good manual and use the right tools to open your MacBook. Make sure that you keep a close eye on which screws belong to which part, so that you do not make any mistakes later.

Read more about our own experience with a MacBook repair

4. The only option left: your motherboard is broken

If you have tried all the options above and your MacBook is still not working, there may be something wrong with your motherboard. It is advisable to hire a specialist who can do this for you.

  • View the options at Fixje

My MacBook does not turn on (anymore) and is out of warranty: what can I do now?

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