How to Fix Your Unresponsive MacBook: Five Quick Solutions

If you’re having trouble getting your MacBook to respond to your commands, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.

#1. Check to make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.

If your MacBook is not responding:

  • Open up the Bluetooth icon on your computer.
  • After you open it, make sure the Bluetooth is checked on.
  • If the Bluetooth isn’t on you’ll need to turn it on.
  • If the Bluetooth was already on, you might have to force restart the computer. To do this, you’ll hold down the power button while the computer is sleeping. Then, press it again and the computer should turn back on without any issue.

#2. Make sure your Mac is plugged in and has enough power.

If your Mac isn’t responding, there may be an issue with the battery.

  • Try plugging the computer into a wall outlet and see if it powers on.
  • Next, try using the power button to turn on your Mac.
  • If the Mac still isn’t responding, then it’s possible that your battery is defective and it’s time to get a replacement.

While Apple no longer sells replacement batteries, you can get them on sites like Amazon and eBay, so there are still options.

#3. Try resetting your Mac’s PRAM or SMC.

If you’re using a Mac and are facing issues with your MacBook Pro or Air, try resetting the PRAM and the SMC.

The PRAM is a small chip on your MacBook that stores settings for the computer and the SMC is the System Management Controller which controls the temperature of the system and fans and other components.

  • Both can be accessed by turning off your Mac, then holding the following keys down: Command + Option + P + R.
  • Keep holding the keys until you hear a boot sound.
  • Once you hear the sound, you can release the keys and let your Mac boot as normal.

The PRAM/SMC reset is useful for a whole range of issues with your MacBook, so head over to Apple’s website to find out more.

#4. Try restoring your Mac’s default settings.

Here is how you can reset your Mac’s settings:

  • Restart you Mac after shutting it down.
  • After you hear the startup sound, immediately hold down the Shift key.
  • Continue holding the Shift key until you see a gray screen, then release the key.
  • You will then be prompted to choose a keyboard layout. Choose U.S. English.
  • Choose the Disk Utility option from the Utilities menu.

#5. Try troubleshooting your network connection.

If you’re trying to connect to the internet and it’s not working, you might want to check if your network connection is turned on.

  • This can be done by going to the System Preference, clicking on the Network portion, and then checking the box on the side of the Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • You might also want to restart your computer, router, and modem to see if the problem persists.

If your internet is still a problem, you can try contacting your ISP for help.

You should be able to fix your unresponsive MacBook with these tips. If all else fails, contact Apple support.

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