A Solution for Macbook Pro Booting to a Black Screen

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A Solution for MacBook Pro Booting Subscribe to OSXDaily to a Black Screen

Nov 22, 2014 - 804 Comments Follow @OSXDaily

Rarely, a Mac may encounter some peculiar issue during system boot that can cause quite a bit of panic, like booting to a completely black screen. It would be easy to interpret that as a open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com potential hardware problem, and in some particularly rare situations that may be the case, but it’s more often a software issue that can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps.

Case in point; one of our readers experience with his MacBook Pro, which out of the blue rebooted to a completely dark screen. Though it’s rare, we figured this would be a good opportunity to share three potential solutions to this problem, and similar issues, should you encounter a dark screen on system start.

First, Reset the System Management Controller to Fix the Black Display on Boot The first thing you’ll want to do resolve nearly every power related issue on a Mac is to reset the SMC, or System Management Controller. This will dump and reset settings for anything power management related, and is long known to resolve problems with things like fans, heat, sleeping problems, and of course, display issues.

On any modern MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with a built-in battery, which is just a bout all of them nowadays, this is how you do that: OSXDaily 1. Shut down the Mac and connect it to your MagSafe adapter and a wall outlet as usual Follow +1

2. Hold down the Shift+Control+Option+Power button at the same time for a few seconds + 8,218

3. Release all keys at the same time, then boot the Mac as usual

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com 3. Release all keys at the same time, then boot the Mac as usual

Older Macs can find directions here for the same process on their machines, it’s slightly different if you can take out the battery.

When the Mac boots, hopefully the black screen has gone away and you’re back to normal, but if it doesn’t… reader Nathan D. wrote in with the next tip.

Second, Try a Keypress Sequence to Ditch the Black Screen Regular readers may recall that we covered some OS X keyboard shortcuts for the Shutdown, Sleep, and Restart controls of just about every Mac, and this little key press sequence takes advantage of those. Oddly enough, it seems to work to resolve some of the mystery Mac booting into black screen issues. Here’s the precise sequence to follow:

1. Press the Power / OFF button once – this will bring up the dialog box which you can’t see

2. Press the “S” button – this is the shortcut to sleep the Mac

3. Hold down the Power button until a hard shut down is forced

4. Wait about 15 seconds, then hit the Power button again to turn it back on

This key press solution was discovered by reader Nathan D., who found it tucked away on MacRumors Forums, and it has worked for several other commenters there as well. Some other users on the MR forums suggest that resetting PRAM helped them too, but most power issues are resolved by the SMC reset.

Try a PRAM Reset to Resolve the Black Boot Display If the above two tricks failed, a PRAM reset can often do the trick, as many of the commenters open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com on this article can attest to. As a potential solution to the black screen on boot, this is done upon restarting the Mac similar to an SMC reset:

1. Reboot the Mac and as soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down the Command+Option+P+R keys together

2. When you hear the boot sound again, the PRAM has been reset so let the Mac boot again as usual

At this point your Mac should boot again as usual and no longer have the black display, loading Mac OS or Mac OS X as usual.

Finally; Enter Password, Hit Return Some users in our comments report an interesting alternative finding if they hit the black screen on boot; if they enter their regular login password and hit the Enter/Return key, the Mac boots up as usual and they’re good to go. Try this out, it might work for you:

1. When the Mac boots into the black screen, enter the password you’d use to login to the Mac as usual

2. Hit the Return key

If this works, you’ll know rather quickly because the black screen will give way to the regular Mac OS desktop.

Did one of these solutions work to get past the black screen on Mac boot for you? If you happen to run into this unusual issue with your Mac, let us know how you resolved it, and if the above tips worked for your MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and whichever Pro or Air model it may be. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com أﻟﻒ ﻣﻦ اﻷﺷﺨﺎص. ﺗﺴﺠﯿﻞ ﻟﺮؤﯾﺔ ﻣﺎ ﯾﻌﺠﺐ

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[email protected] – 2016-11-08 17:21:28

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Posted by: Paul Horowitz in Mac OS X, Troubleshooting

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Wharf Xanadu says: November 22, 2014 at 10:45 pm

I had this happen to me once because my cat walked on the keyboard and turned the brightness all the way down

So turn up your brightness too. It can be the simplest things some times.

And cats like macs by the way

Joe says: February 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

None of the three solutions worked for me, but I found a solution for my case. I tried hooking up an external monitor and Windows 7 worked fine on the external monitor but still would not come up on the Macbook Air screen (the screen also worked fine when running the Mac OS). Using the external monitor, I searched around the control panel for the brightness control, and it was set all the way to the left. I moved it toward the middle and it worked. Note that you have to do this separately for both plugged in and not plugged in options.

That solved the issue, but the brightness and volume keys still did not work. I went to the Bootcamp Control panel (accessed by clicking the grey diamond Bootcamp icon in the pop up arrow on the bottom task bar), clicked through to get to the keyboard open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com tab, and there was a box that was checked stating, “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.” I unchecked the box, and the keyboard controls returned to normal.

Not sure exactly how this happened, although my son turned the brightness way, way down using the keys in order to listen to something on my computer overnight, and this happened the next day. May or may not be related, but I would guess yes.

Hope this helps someone as I did not see this solution anywhere else and it took me several days of experimenting to find it.

Dennis Ammons says: March 13, 2015 at 5:47 am

The third option for the black screen worked. Thank you so much for your assistance. I was in desperate need of the machine this weekend, and I had no time to return to an Apple Store. Thanks again.

B says: December 15, 2015 at 4:02 pm

Third option worked for me too. Thanks to whoever the credit is due!!!

Edward says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com February 29, 2016 at 3:44 pm

Command,Option,P,R worked for me. thanks!

Maria says: October 10, 2016 at 5:05 pm

Command, OPtio, P,R worked. Wow-thanks so much!

Christine says: November 17, 2016 at 4:11 am

Thanks so much – third option finally worked on second try. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou!!!

Becky Parker says: December 14, 2016 at 12:36 pm

Yes, the 3rd one worked for me, too. Twice now it has worked. Thanks for this great trick as it saved me money to send the Mac Pro back to Apple for no idea how long.

Caro says: March 15, 2015 at 8:02 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The third (PRAM) option worked for my new MacBook Air. Thank you so much!

SG says: March 23, 2015 at 3:41 am

The brightness thing worked! You saved me!!! Halleluya!

Karime says: May 28, 2015 at 7:44 am

The PRAM reset did the trick!! It is a MacBook Pro 2014 with OS X Yosemite

Lana says: August 28, 2016 at 2:31 am

PRAM it was – what at easy and brilliant solution! 2014 MacBook Air – El Captain

Mom Miriam says: October 12, 2016 at 8:49 am

PRAM Reset worked for me, too. Thanks a heap!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com tanj says: September 28, 2015 at 10:34 am

The three options did not work for me because that wasn’t the problem. i repeatedly did the above options, finally the screen remained black but option for me to sign into icloud showed and the computer asked why wasn’t my password working, followed by a password reset – saying No Internet…

1) I MOVED MOUSE TO TOP OF SCREEN THE MENU SHOWED, I TURNED ON MY WIFI (re entered password)…

2) MOVED TO LEFT SIDE AND PRESSED THE APPLE SYMBOL, WHERE IT GAVE ME 3 OPTIONS,

3) I OPENED “DISC” CLICKED ON MY MACBOOK DRIVE, SIGNED IN and BOOM!!!! THE COMPUTER RESTARTED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE.

essentially it was working but there was “no drive booting because it wasn’t selected”, how this happened I have NO CLUE. but It’s working and I’m happy !

Julie says: February 6, 2016 at 12:35 am

Life saver! I tried all the other suggestions and the password reset kept popping up. Thank you, This totally worked!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Wynne says: April 3, 2016 at 5:32 pm

Thank you! I tried all three … Resetting the PRAM worked, but I still had to follow the resetting the password directions. Thank heavens for generous people who share the solutions they find!!!

Daniel Schambach says: April 28, 2016 at 9:17 am

I found a similar fix. Had someone call my phone – which is tied to my iCloud account on the laptop. As soon as they hung up, the screen turned back on. This seems like a stretch, but it did really work for me. Thinking it has something to do with iCloud & inability to login to iCloud on restart which was preventing the screen from working. I had tried many other things to no avail…

BertD says: September 28, 2016 at 7:51 am

A big THANKS! I tried all three suggested solutions, but the password reset kept popping up. I connected to WIFI and tried to click on the “disc”, but nothing happened. I then clicked the shut down button, waited 15sec and rebooted the open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com MacBook… It restarted as if nothing ever happened! :-)

Thanks again, you made my week!!!

MacBook Pro Mid 2012 – El Capitan version 10.11.4

Dani says: December 27, 2016 at 6:40 am

This worked for me and saved me hours of frustration. Thank you!

Jessica says: April 15, 2017 at 9:13 am

OMG thank you so much!!!! I tried all of their suggestions and none worked but this totally did!! Thank you Thank youThankyou!!!

Jim says: September 30, 2015 at 5:20 am

PRAM reset worked on my wife’s Mac Book Pro. She thinks I’m a stud for finding this fix for her. Many thanks.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mille says: October 28, 2015 at 4:35 am

The PRAM test worked!

Lance says: November 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Joe, I’m not at all surprised that the sleep button didn’t help YOUR WINDOWS SYSTEM!!!! Often folks using Windows see a blinking cursor on black screen, or they fail to notice the cursor and simply complain of a “totally black screen”… but THIS IS NOT A WINDOWS QUESTION.

Zoom09 says: November 24, 2015 at 3:10 pm

None of this work for me and when I brought it to Apple, they said I need to replace the whole panel which would cost 1200 (T _ T ) Though finally I just brought it back and hook it up with external screen to use. Probably will purchase the panel from ifixit to replace it myself. :(

Roc says: November 26, 2015 at 6:40 am

The third (PRAM) option worked for my MacBook Pro. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you!

graham says: December 22, 2015 at 4:24 am

RE: That solved the issue, but the brightness and volume keys still did not work. I went to the Bootcamp Control panel (accessed by clicking the grey diamond Bootcamp icon in the pop up arrow on the bottom task bar), clicked through to get to the keyboard tab, and there was a box that was checked stating, “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.” I unchecked the box, and the keyboard controls returned to normal.”

>I can’t find this ‘bootcamp icon’ thing on my black MacBook but this could be my problem…which ‘task bar’? can u post a screenshot pls?

dk Martin says: January 24, 2016 at 7:36 pm

Thank you so much for the resolutions. I was desperate and just knew I’d have to send it to the pros or make a 75 mile drive to an Apple Store. The first option, reset the SMC, did the trick. Immediately it booted to a lighted screen. Thank you, thank you!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Cyrus says: October 31, 2016 at 11:09 am

none of the above solutions worked, but i fixed it this way: my problem was after the hard reboot i see the login screen for only 3 seconds then goes black, so i rebooted again and this time i kept moving the mouse and clicked on the guest user as fast as i could before the screen goes black, then surprisingly it opened the guest user account normally so everything was load up, and i saw the notice of the updated new OSX which was installed automatically and i think that was the problem. so i clicked on the apple logo and restart. this time everything load up fine and the screen didn’t go black on me on select user page. so logged in to my account normally and everything was fine. i hope this can help other users. cheers

candy says: April 11, 2017 at 7:27 am

F2 worked Thanks so much!

Andres Cobos says: May 18, 2017 at 8:25 am

Third option worked! Thanks for the advice!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Steve Hamilton says: March 23, 2015 at 9:55 am

PRAM reset worked for my MacBook Pro with OS X Yosemite. But I had to touch keys precisely. Many thanks!

Michael says: August 30, 2015 at 10:48 am

Same here. I was getting a little scared that none of the other options worked.

Federico says: September 23, 2015 at 4:53 pm

Same here, but I have a Macbook Air 2014

Lance says: November 4, 2015 at 2:02 pm

Yes, I helped hundreds of folks with PRAM reset when I worked for Apple. The trick is to use both hands, left for command option, right thumb and “pinky” for P R.

Tony says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com October 15, 2016 at 2:49 pm

We tried all 3 options and others with no success even hooked up an external monitor. We were just ready to give up after a couple of days of trying. All of the sudden, without touching the keys, we looked over and the screen was working. Not sure why, but perhaps it had something to do with allowing it sit with no screen for several days. Not sure. Has anyone else had this happen?

Danil says: April 21, 2015 at 2:53 am

Step 3 – PRAM Reset worked great for me. After the second boot chime my mac brought up the white screen and password box. It then went to a loading screen and then into a black screen with my cursor for a while. After that it required me to log in again which brought up all my screens where I left them. Thanks for the help, you’ve saved me a lot of time!

Ryleigh Loving says: April 23, 2015 at 4:51 pm

Hey, I am a freshman in highschool and I have the most trouble with computers. I got sooo scared when the screen went black because the computer wasn’t even mine. I thought I was going to have to buy her a new laptop. But I tried the first step and Ta open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Da! It worked! You guys are a life saver. Thank you soooo much.

-R

Kay says: May 15, 2015 at 6:01 pm

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I don’t have a cat so I don’t know how turned my brightness down. Best guess: I have been using the number keys quite alot so I guess I was also hitting the brightness key accidentally and repeatedly until I hit one too many times without realizing it and turned the screen completely black. I have my room light on so I guess I didn’t notice the screen getting dimmer and dimmer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!! Again. I wasn’t even going to read the comments but thank goodness I did. You saved me alot of money (we know Mac repairs aren’t cheep) and feeling like a big idiot if I had taken it in for repair tomorrow, only to discover the solution was so easy and obvious.

SK says: June 13, 2015 at 9:21 pm

PRAM worked for me!! Thank you so much, I have an exam in two days and all my open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com notes had been on there

GlennB says: June 21, 2015 at 12:22 pm

None of the options worked for me although I did hear the right sounds when I tried the PRAM option. Of course we’re on holiday with no access to an external monitor. Any others ideas?

Meelis says: June 14, 2015 at 11:51 pm

Third PRAM Reset solved the issue.

Macbook Pro Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014, with OS X 10.9.5

Andrea says: July 25, 2015 at 10:21 am

Thank you, thank you! PRAM worked for me, it keeped resetting for a few mins and it turned on out of nowhere. I had tried so many different websites and i was about to give up!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com RKB says: July 27, 2015 at 7:47 am

I was transferring my data from my 2009 macbook pro using migration assistant to my newer macbook pro Retina 13 inch late 2013, once the migration was complete which took several hours byt he way,i found that my newer mac was powering on with screen black, I’ve literally just tried all of the above 3 options and thankfully the PRAM reset worked perfectly! thank you for the tip!

Marten Otten says: October 11, 2015 at 8:50 pm

The black screen happend 2 me 2. At first I tried all the above tricks to no avail. Then I decided to UNPLUG ALL CONNECTIONS of my IMac and all of a sudden the mayhem was over!

I advise in case of the frightening BLACK SCREEN to first unplug all extern connections and than follow the (very good!) tricks above.

Keep courage, it is frightening indeed!

Per says: October 25, 2015 at 1:21 am

Me also love cats. In my case the PRAM reset worked (after I bought a new open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com MacBook btw…)

Dave says: October 31, 2015 at 7:18 am

I have had my Macbook Pro for a few years now. This is the second time in the past few weeks that I have had this black screen issue. The first time the SMC reset worked perfectly. The last time my screen went black, I had to try all three solutions several times, and finally the SMC reset worked. This makes me feel that there is something wrong with my Mac that needs repaired. I have never had this issue before a few weeks ago, and never on my previous Mac. The article says that this is rare, but it has happened twice now recently. Would upgrading to El Capitan help?

Jay says: November 5, 2015 at 8:41 am

The Option Command PR worked for me, it restarted twice after I pressed it, but I think it’s because I was only suppose to hold those keys down together for 4 seconds. I held it down 8 seconds, and it should be done before seeing any light source in the display. I’m hoping that the problem doesn’t persist, as this info was found in an apple discussion. I’ve had macs imacs, older models and this has never happened to me before, as this is a new MBP 2015, only less than 2 months that I’ve had it. So hopefully no more issues! It’s a bummer since I expected newer models to be much more advanced and have less issues. I’m use to my apple products to be open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com working well 24/7.

graham says: December 22, 2015 at 3:23 am

did all as advised inc removing battery etc on black MacBook and each time it boots the black screen momentarily flashes white then goes black again. if this is a hardware issue is it a DYI fixable one? how? thanks

Lachlan says: March 17, 2016 at 10:20 pm

Hello. Did you fix this issue? If so how? Please!

Chris says: April 30, 2016 at 9:31 am

Hi, I encountered this problem with my son’s MacBook and ultimately I found that I had to remove the battery and run the MacBook on the power adaptor. Maybe a DC board problem? I don’t know but for now we’ll run it as it is. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

danger dan says: April 23, 2016 at 6:42 pm

i just dropped mine on the floor accidentally and that fixed the problem

it worked! says: April 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm

third one worked thanks!

Michael says: June 22, 2016 at 11:29 am

I had the same issue. I have multiple workstations that each have 2+ monitors. I carry my laptop to and from each and connect via the display ports. One day, i walked away from workstation for an hour or so, came back and saw my laptop screen was black. I figured it went to sleep, so i just closed the lid, packed it up and went home. When I got home, I opened up my laptop and did not get an image, just a black screen. I figured it got confused so ttied doing the PRAM, and SMC resets. After about an hour, of troubleshooting and reading forums (Including this one), I figured the GPU died.

The next morning, I went to my other workstation (not the last one I left it at), and open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com connected the same brand/model display ports and monitors, and nothing on the retina display, just the monitors. I figured it was surely dead now.

I got a hunch to reconnect it at my 2nd workstation, the one I had left it the night before, and bam. Picture came up on the retina! It was scrambled, very bad picture, but at least it was a start. I disconnected and reconnected the display ports, but no luck. With the connections in, I closed the lid and reopened, but still no luck.

The fix I did was, with the connections still in place, I did a SMC restart (SHIFT+CTRL+OPT+POWER, then Power on) and the Start up Apple logo came up! I immediately disconnected the display ports, and the screen is working nicely.

Something with using the exact same Display port adapters is the weird part, but it worked. :)

Perth says: June 22, 2016 at 12:57 pm

This worked for me, SMC reset and black screen on Mac is fixed. Thanks.

Micky Dundee says: July 8, 2016 at 12:39 am

You rock Michael. I was about to smash my laptop then I tried your fix and Im back in business SMC fix for the win. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com never had these issues on my pc….. just saying

Joseph says: September 14, 2016 at 5:26 pm

Hey! I had this problem and it was still being black after trying all kinds of tricks and methods but i got it running from a different display. Im not sure if it’s gonna start normally again but i can still move important files and stuff for a while. also the keyboard lights came up witch means i think the problem is over. Something to do with the component that keeps the lisghts and adjusts the screen. All the best and hope you find your solution!

Karen says: December 1, 2016 at 8:33 pm

PRAM reset worked for me. Thanks so much!!! Saved me the trouble of having to pay to fix it!

Mystic says: November 22, 2014 at 11:28 pm

Happened to me before on Yosemite with my Mac mini. Apparently I too, as a way of troubleshooting,opted to sleep the Mac followed by a forced shutdown and voila, back to open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com business. Who would’ve known that actually worked for others in the same predicament.

Rmgreg says: November 23, 2014 at 12:51 am

Neither of these solutions worked for me. I would like to know if anyone has a another solution that has worked.

Cleyton Joseph says: November 23, 2014 at 5:30 am

Hi,

Maybe you can check if booting an OSX installation pendrive, to see if the graphics start to work.

You can do like you´re going to do a fresh install, and reboot the mac when you see the options to do so. This issue never happened with me so I´m just guessing and trying to help.

Rmgreg says: November 24, 2014 at 1:20 pm

The display works just fine until the OS starts to boot then it goes to black with a white cursor immediately. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Max says: January 13, 2015 at 8:11 am

Did you ever find a solution? my Mac is doing the exact same thing, and I have assignments due which is proper stressing me. balls.

Will says: January 15, 2015 at 6:58 am

Try booting while holding Option+Command+P+R

James says: January 20, 2015 at 12:21 pm

Just want to say that Will’s solution (Option+Command+P+R) worked for me! Thanks Will!

david says: January 20, 2015 at 12:31 pm

thanks Max. kudos to you. you saved my day. and provably my mac.

linda says: January 22, 2015 at 10:09 am

I installed Yosemite weeks ago on Macbook Pro and Macbook Air. Not sure if this caused the problem I had on the Macbook Pro but open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com what worked like a charm was the first solution in this article

1 Shut down mac. Connect to power outlet. 2 Hold down Shift+Control+Option+Power button at the same time for a few seconds.

The computer chimed and when it booted WaHoo, the screen was back. I did this connected to a secondary monitor so I could see what was happening. The laptop screen booted first, as usual.

My first try using: Option+Command+P+R, didn’t resolve the black screen for me.

Thanks for the help osxdaily

Mahdi Taghizadeh says: June 13, 2015 at 12:27 am

Thank you Will! Holding Option+Command+P+R and then holding power to boot up worked for me while I didn’t have a boot chime.

Ted says: May 4, 2015 at 7:42 am

Tried all three, the PRAM fix was the only one that resolved issue/ THANK YOU

OSX 10.10.3 Mac Aire 13″ Mid 2013 open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Tony says: November 23, 2014 at 6:19 am

Thanks! Second method worked like a charm :)

Jht says: November 23, 2014 at 12:25 pm

None of these. Worked for me at all:(. Any last suggestions? We are on vacation and I need to login for work!

Jht says: November 23, 2014 at 12:26 pm

None of these worked for me at all:(. Any last suggestions? (Actually, I don’t know what the pen drive means) We are on vacation and I need to login for work!

Brett Clarke says: November 23, 2014 at 5:20 pm

Try booting with an external display connected. Your inbuilt display may actually have failed. I had this issue with a white iBook a while back… open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Art Jacks says: November 24, 2014 at 4:01 pm

I am not sure if this is connected but prior to my initial upgrade the boot up to the log on screen took 25 seconds or so, with the password entered the main screen was a further 3 seconds. After the upgrade it seemed to work the other war around, the log on screen was there in seconds, enter the password and it took 20 seconds to get to the home page, following the recent upgrade it has changed again, a black screen with the progress bar taking 15 to 20 seconds to get to the log on page, the password is entered and the home page is 2 seconds away. I will try the suggestions posted above.

Floyd Tolar says: November 25, 2014 at 10:20 am

I installed Yosemite to a USB stick to see how Yosemite would behave on my MacBook Pro. I got the black screen but it booted normally otherwise. Black screen, white progress bar. I actually thought i looked cooler than the normal boot. If it works, leave it alone.

Maje Lije says: November 30, 2014 at 10:24 am

Always thought that the BLACK SCREEN on my MacBookProRet during the boot was standard until I saw the WIDGET update suggesting that this could be a prob….. NOW SHOULD I BE WORRIED is something wrong with the machine that does everything I open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com need it to do as a movie editor et al ??

Maje Lije says: November 30, 2014 at 10:31 am

Since the upgrade to YOSe and second ed, nothing bad has happened apart from the odd sudden shutdown during web surf … otherwise stable during heavy editing on iMovie (brilliant new version for me… always found FCP a tad OTP for my professional needs) and chuffed with all other apps in use… well done guys for the constant upgrades and as usual user friendly improvements …… Maje

Anis says: December 14, 2014 at 8:57 am

By mistake on installing. Win7 on parallele something went wrong. And now have black screen. When push power button. I hear fun noise. Mac is run. But black screen. I try. Both solution mentioned nothing help I try other. Solution from web same. BLACK BLACK. …… EVEN when connect to hdmi cable to tv is black. Any help will be appreciated Thx

Robbie says: December 14, 2014 at 7:29 pm

This is now a frequent problem for users of Mavericks and Yosemite, I tried everything with my Macbook Pro but nothing worked. Even reloading Yosemite using one of the open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com recovery tricks. Finally I decided to Pay for Apple Support and was pleasantly surprised to find that there is no charge for help with this problem on these two operating systems. The first technician took me through all the things I had done, trying to boot into Safe Mode, trying to boot into Recovery Mode even getting to the failure point and entering my password in case it was just hidden. He then got a senior tech on the line and she said she could fix this in 10 mins as it was a known issue. She had me power on and hold down the command and S keys. Keep holding the keys until the screen fills with a lot of Dos like code. At this point she dictated 3 lines of text with things like plst and library etc, sorry I cannot remember much of it. Then we powered on and off and again the screen went black but she told me to just keep hitting a few random keys and lo and behold the system came back up and is now OK.The problem as I understand it is a corruption in some plist logon type files which she had me delete and on the next boot the Mac rebuilds them correctly. So folks, if you haven’t managed to fix it, call Apple and tell them about this. Good Hunting!

Ernest says: February 6, 2015 at 5:10 pm

I am reading through my error logs, and I am seeing this same plist error. I just do not know how to fix it. Guess I will call Apple and hope that somebody there gives 2 chits enough to help me fix it properly this time! Thanks for the post!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Eddie says: December 15, 2014 at 6:09 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, but none of these methods have helped. Gotta go see a genius I guess.

David says: December 25, 2014 at 9:15 pm

I just used this for my Mac and it worked great. Thanks for the tips!

Roger says: December 28, 2014 at 2:28 am

My MBA mid 2013 OS X Mavericks was totally locked with the black screen ana a movable cursor. I have tried all suggested tricks but without success and HW diagnostics don’t show any errors or warnings. I decided to do a new clean installation of Yosemite and then restore my userdata. Everything went fine and I was happy with my newly installed MBA until a couple of days ago. Again I got the black screen after waking up from sleep :-( It has happened a few times So far has the black screen disappeared after a while without any intervention. Anyone have an idea what the issue can be?

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com jeszica says: December 31, 2014 at 1:37 pm

Had this issue but called apple support to fix it in 2 steps. Steps to solve issue (MacBook turns on makes the sound but no display or cursor, just a dark screen)

1) turn off system 2) push power button then immediately hold the command, option, and P and R keys and don’t release until you hear a second turning on noise 3) jump for joy, or call apple support if problem persists

Hope this helps :)

Charlieg71 says: December 31, 2014 at 3:27 pm

Jeszica, this worked for me!! Thank you so much!!

Jess says: January 11, 2015 at 3:41 pm

Thanks, me and the oldest boy rolled thru all other suggestions, until finally this one worked. Thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com David says: January 11, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Thanks a lot!! This worked, after the second noise the screen was still black then I forced it to shut down, turned it back on and the problem was solved!

Gabriel says: November 26, 2016 at 1:54 am

Thanks for sharing your solution, after trying several methods this was the definitive solution to my case! :)

Vincent says: January 17, 2015 at 2:23 am

THanks! this worked for me finally!

Jamie says: January 21, 2015 at 8:22 pm

Thank you so much! I thought I was either gonna have to pay a TON of money to fix my computer, or throw it away!

Danushka says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 26, 2015 at 3:42 pm

Thanks a lot. your solution worked for me. You save my friend.

Tanvir says: February 13, 2015 at 7:48 am

Worked like charm! Thanks

Kathia says: May 17, 2015 at 9:41 am

Jesika this worked thanks a lot you saved my semester God bless you

Amber says: June 21, 2015 at 3:46 am

This worked for me! I had three noises though before it loaded with the white Apple logo, still, at least it’s okay!

MB says: June 23, 2015 at 1:47 pm

This one worked! Happened to me just after using the migration assistant. Guessing it could be related to dual monitors on the old Mac Pro, but not sure. Thank you! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

pavel M says: January 4, 2015 at 6:51 am

Yeah! this one works! whew, saved me the holidays)

Matt E says: January 4, 2015 at 11:29 am

Resetting the NVRAM (we used to call it PRAM) did the job for me on a 2014 MacBook Pro.

Steve M says: January 4, 2015 at 12:28 pm

jeszica you’re a life saver. Many thanks. Anyone discovered the cause?

Josh K says: January 5, 2015 at 8:32 am

SMC Reset Method Seemed to work

Shift+Option+Control and power button for several seconds.

Looking into a deeper cause. Considering the system unstable for now though. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Marie says: January 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

YES!!! Thank you!! Worked first try. Saved my day! Will never panic again when I see the black screen and hear the fan working so hard. Thanks again !!!

Feel Chic says: January 6, 2015 at 8:37 pm

Jezsica!! Yippeee OMG you saved my life! Fingers crossed it will be ok now for ever!☺☺ Mega thanks!

K says: January 7, 2015 at 8:59 am

I think the second tip is working for me! My computer is still turning back on. Do you think this problem might have been caused by recently installing fluux (that program that dims the blue light on your computer at night)?

Rolando says: January 8, 2015 at 12:57 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Wow jeszica!!! You are my life savor !! The only result that worked for me after searching all thru YouTube and Google for help! Thank you so much!

Sandro says: January 9, 2015 at 12:02 pm

Thanks Jeszica, your advice worked for me!

Stone says: January 9, 2015 at 11:06 pm

Thanks Jeszica!! You Rock! After trying all other suggestions as they come, yours work like a charm.

Anna Bay Computers says: January 12, 2015 at 7:35 pm

OK Sportsfans

Just had a customer who had this issue, turned on the MBP 10.10.1 Yosemite with the black screen after startup chime and then into reset your password screen minutes later.

The flashlight on the screen in a dark room reveled the login page as others sites have stated, once I entered the new password I created on other attempts to fix the issue I was open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com directed to the Keychain page where I entered the orignal password in the update Keychain password supplied by the customer and viola, straight back in and restarting as per normal.

I believe this to be a software issue that does not light up the backlight on occasion, sorry I can’t tell you more on the actual sysptoms that caused the problem, but i’m pretty sure it was when coming out of sleep mode.

Jeff Walters says: June 8, 2015 at 8:05 am

This worked for me. Great tip about the flashlight in a dark room. Can’t believe it.

Kayla says: December 15, 2015 at 8:36 pm

I’ve had a dark screen issue on my late 2009 macbook since installing Yosemite as well, can see desktop with a flashlight and works fine in clamshell and attached to an external monitor. No other issues and the laptop screen lights up as usual on startup and sometime when taken out of sleep mode but goes dark again within minutes. Tried all of the resets, no go. Any other suggestions out there?!

tia says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 14, 2015 at 10:21 am

Thank you, this was so helpful! My mac book pro is working again! And no expensive repair bill!

CloudyZack says: January 14, 2015 at 11:36 am

Hi All,

I am so glad I came across this article in the midst of panicking over my computer’s black screen. Thanks OSXDaily!

My MacBook Pro (Late 2012 Unibody 15″) running Mac OS X 10.9.5 just fixed itself.

I’d like to share something else about this problem for the sake of the poor souls frantically trying to search for a solution in the future. It’s an add-on to the above solutions, and I hope I will be able to help.

There are a few factors to the problem listed above, and the solutions for each of those should definitely be tried at least three times. I’m not sure how the intricacies of the resetting of SMC and NVRAM works, but you are sure as heck not going to get anything up or running with a Mac-stove.

Apparently what happened to my MacBook was that it shut down with a VGA Cable attached to it via Thunderbolt-VGA adapter. The cable didn’t do anything. The software didn’t do anything. It started up again, but only on the external monitor, and with ABSOLUTELY no tracking of the internal display whatsoever. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I was panicking when none of the solutions worked, and then I realized my MacBook was severely overheated. Nearly scalded my hands holding it. I started it up, removed all peripherals, put it to sleep (clamshell mode) and left it on the floor for 5 minutes cos all the cool air-conditioning made the floor really cold. Then when I picked it up again after it was all cooled, the screen just… worked. No flaws.

So, just in case all those solutions don’t work, don’t pull your hair out just yet. Here are some points to consider:

1) Try touching the bottom of your MacBook. Chill. If it can fry an egg, PLEASE let it chill. Even if it can’t fry an egg, let it chill just as much. Turn it off, or turn it on and put it to sleep. Apply something cold (not ice please, more like blow at it with a fan or something) to the bottom of the MacBook.

2) I personally tried SMC reset immediately followed by NVRAM reset on startup, then immediately safe mode. I tried it while my Mac was heated up, so they didn’t work. Again, check your MacBook and take care of it. Try all of these at once when your MacBook is at optimal working temperature.

3) If it helps, try plugging your MacBook into an external screen and use it from there if you have urgent work to finish. Then schedule a day to bring it to an authorized Apple Service Provider.

4) Try it in this sequence: Step 1, 2, then 3 if all else fails.

— open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I don’t know what could be causing these MacBooks to fail so much. Personally this MacBook of mine has died 30+ times to count, and I have over 10+ slips of repair invoices and even had all my receipts and numbers digitized for “easy paperwork” when required. Yes, it got that bad…

But I learnt to understand and fix this MacBook on my own. Surely, prevention is better than cure.

Learn how to use your MacBook properly, and take good care of it by putting it on even places so it doesn’t fall, cleaning your keyboard, screen and trackpad regularly, and make sure it doesn’t overheat. DON’T USE A KEYBOARD COVER. This aluminium unibody does a horrible job at ventilation. So the air comes out from the keyboard, apart from the exhaust in the joint. Keyboard covers are the one-way ticket to suffocating your Mac. Way to go Apple, sacrificing so much for aesthetics.

At least, you know you’ve done your best in keeping the Mac in tip-top shape, so you can roughly guess and zoom in on a software problem/ hard disk corruption if anything happens.

Learn your Mac’s working temperaments well, and I’m pretty sure all of us will have a much better experience in using our Macs :)

Aldo Jimenez says: January 15, 2015 at 4:12 pm

This happened to me today. The posted methods did not work, however, rebooting and open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com pressing Option + Command + P + R did.

Thanks!

Daniel Guzman says: January 28, 2015 at 8:51 pm

This happened to me today. I went to the Apple store and they had a two hour wait. I was so tempted to just toss the computer in the trash. I got on my iPhone and found this solution. Works fine now. I hope I don’t get this problem again.

Stanley says: January 18, 2015 at 6:30 am

The second sequence worked for me. Thank you very much for the the. I love it when you people upload solutions to the internet, and feel obligated to post a “thank you”. So here it is, and from the bottom of my heart :-)

gregorylent says: January 18, 2015 at 8:29 am

none of these work 2012 rmbp .. black screen, computer off, but keyboard illuminated .. arrrrgh !!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com rush says: January 19, 2015 at 12:18 pm

Same issue, took me a few days to resolve. Try this sequence, stopping whenever you get the white screen and chime to display upon boot up.

1) use (shift+option+command+power) 2) if you hear the chime but don’t get the grey screen do this: 3) hold down command option P and R keys at the same time until you hear another chime (about 5-10 seconds) 4) At this point, if you’re still booting into black screen you’ve got to do a hard restart by holding down the power key 5) Give it five seconds and then reboot. If there’s no grey screen, retry sequence until it gets ya to grey screen (stick with it).

UPON REACHING GREY SCREEN: http://osxdaily.com/2013/08/07/how-to-repair-a-mac-disk-with-fsck-from- single-user-mode/

if that does not work, you’ve still got one more shot. Get it back to grey screen and follow these instructions: http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203176 (skip down to REPAIR WITH DISK UTILITY)

Repair until you get the OK, then go back into disk utility apps repair and run it in there a few times. It worked for me, I doubted it but it did. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com (Worked, but my lappy is still all jacked up and I’m coming to terms with stripping it to the studs and reinstalling everything to see if it helps alleviate the issue. Once i just smashed my keyboard after a few hours and that somehow worked too…) do not suggest that last one.

Remember, this is a last ditch effort/desperation move. this is NOT good for your data or computer. Upon getting it to load, have a hard drive ready and start grabbing the important stuff. After that I’d suggest moving it all over, erasing and repairing everything, and putting everything back on there. Best of luck.

Jay says: January 20, 2016 at 2:31 am

SUPER THANKS YOUR SEQUENCE WORKED FOR ME!!!!! U SAVED ME DUDE!!

michael says: January 19, 2015 at 7:39 pm

Command + option + p+ r worked like a charm

Ryan says: January 22, 2015 at 2:39 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks Will it worked for me too! Held down option+command+p+r…boom!!! Cheers man

Jacinta says: January 22, 2015 at 8:50 pm

Yayy!! Thanks for all the great helps guys! Using option+command+P+R+Power worked

Joshua Godsey says: January 23, 2015 at 1:14 pm

I did Option+command+p+r and it worked after all the other previous options had not.

On Yosemite, Macbook pro 15″ retina.

Happened to me after migrating data from old macbook pro.

Slimmy says: March 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm

Same thing happened to me and the the 3rd option worked after doing the Option+Command+p+r I had to do a second force quit then bam there it was display in all its glory

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Kartik says: January 23, 2015 at 3:41 pm

The ‘s’ key option worked for me. Saved my life ! Pheww :)

Tanios S says: January 23, 2015 at 4:02 pm

Will you’re a star!! Thank you! Option+command+p+r worked!

Maggie says: January 24, 2015 at 11:13 am

I tried rebooting with option command p r and it made the chime. I turned it off and on again and now it is saying to press the return key If I want the main language as English, but it’s still a blue screen. Any suggestions?

Michael Nemtsev says: January 24, 2015 at 4:15 pm

just wanted to thank will again

(press option/command/P/Z at the same time)

IT WORKED!!! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Jessica says: January 24, 2015 at 4:29 pm

Option, command p & r worked for me-thanks!!!

Lisa says: January 24, 2015 at 5:29 pm

Hi- have tried all and this is not working for me. My MacBook pro was purchased in 2007 so very old. It starts but black screen. I have tried all suggestions above. Any one have anything else to suggest?

Mr. Z says: September 8, 2016 at 4:56 pm

Hello Lisa. I am having the same problem. I’ve tried so many things including remove the battery but no luck. By looking at the date you wrote this post, I believe the problem is already resolved. Any advise on this?

Thao says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 26, 2015 at 8:20 am

Omg thank you so much Jessica it finally worked for me! I was totally freaking out couldn’t sleep last night because none of the other suggestions worked!! So thank you so much again

Josh says: January 27, 2015 at 1:58 pm

Option, Command, P & R worked for me too

Kelly says: January 28, 2015 at 12:20 pm

Tried all of these multiple times and nothing worked.

Kungfupanda says: January 28, 2015 at 4:55 pm

Shift, ctrl, cmd & power finally worked for me. Unusual to have problems with Mac!! Obviously a fault with the Apple software!!

Natasha says: January 28, 2015 at 10:06 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you Jeszica!! I tried all suggestions and nothing worked until I pressed power and then held option, command, P,R until the power sound came on about 3 times and then finally the screen restored

Calhoun says: January 29, 2015 at 8:20 am

Option+command+P+R worked for me. Thanks!!!

Ryan says: January 30, 2015 at 1:46 am

Will’s suggestion worked amazingly! The first options were a no-go.

Option+command+P+R

Thanks!!

Kate says: January 30, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Worked for me.

Had to get a torch to shine it at the screen though to get through the secure login! What is previously black becomes just about visible. Can’t see the curser so use tab to move from line to line in security. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Jim says: January 30, 2015 at 8:57 pm

It worked!!! I refer to the original suggestion of control option shift power button, followed by normal press of power button. This may be the first time something I’ve found like this actually did something!

China man says: January 30, 2015 at 10:46 pm

I want to say option command r p power saved my life !! Thank you !!

Zeta says: January 31, 2015 at 10:31 am

My MacBook pro is behaving funny… I fear something is wrong with video, the screen has gone bezerk a few time, but a restart ‘fixed’ it. Lately it just kills itself to black. The latest restart didn’t work and the black screen really scared me… Tried your first solution and it worked. Many thanks, especially as am about to go on a work trip and need my computer! Many thanks!

Lorraine says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 31, 2015 at 10:34 am

Option+command+P+R worked for me when everything else failed. Thanks for the tips.

Elissa says: January 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm

WORKED INSTANTLY! many thanks

Norman says: February 1, 2015 at 1:52 pm

Worked for me. Very useful!

AJ says: February 1, 2015 at 2:35 pm

Neither of the 2 published methods worked for me, but this one DID:

Try booting while holding Option+Command+P+R

Pete says: February 2, 2015 at 11:02 am

Reply for Will: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! Option+Command+P+R worked perfectly!!

Jon Partridge says: February 3, 2015 at 11:39 pm

Option+Command+P+R worked for me

Laura says: February 4, 2015 at 1:18 pm

The Shift+Control+Option+Power button solution described above worked for me. Whew. Thanks.

Kyle says: February 4, 2015 at 4:06 pm

Rebooting the PRAM worked for me! Thanks guys! I was wondering what the heck as my Macbook Air is only two days old!! Thanks again!

Eric says: February 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Rebooting the PRAM worked for me! Thanks guys! I was wondering what happened to my Macbook Pro is only 15 days old!! Thanks again! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Lia says: February 9, 2015 at 3:03 pm

PRAM method worked after trying the previous two. Macbook Pro Retina 15″ is less than a month old but we were migrating data – who knows, just glad it is working again with a really quick fix. Thank you.

TrueBlue says: February 9, 2015 at 10:11 pm

So it seems anything will work at some time or other I think CloudyZack has it nailed these get too HOT wait till it cools down then try any of the methods listed I am going to drill some holes in mine just under the fans better ventilation is sure to help

Scott Clemens says: February 10, 2015 at 10:06 am

I hae a 2013 Macbook Pro. The PRAM method worked for me.

Brenda says: February 10, 2015 at 12:29 pm

PRAM reboot worked with my MacBook Air! Thank you! This black screen was driving open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com me nuts!

Michael says: February 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm

PRAM reboot worked for my MacBook Air

Blythe stoecklein says: February 10, 2015 at 8:48 pm

PRAM reset – yay!

Mischa says: February 11, 2015 at 2:11 pm

I tried the methods described with no luck. What WORKED FOR ME was calling Apple Support(very quick response) and being transferred to a supervisor. He had me:

COMMAND S on startup to get into a safe directory mode

Then he had me type the following hitting ENTER after each line. Note the line with ” .old “at the end. In the box I typed in it became two lines…I don’t know how it will show when posted. It is ONE line with a space between loginwindow.plist and com.apple.loginwindow.plist.old

mount -uw / open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com cd /Library/Preferences

mv com.apple.loginwindow.plist com.apple.loginwindow.plist.old (THIS IS ONE LINE)

reboot

This worked for me and got me to the login page. The tech said the code just sets your computer to find the last working startup. Hopefully it will continue to work:) Good Luck!

Mischa says: February 11, 2015 at 2:13 pm

Be sure to TYPE “reboot” at the end of the code, not power down!

Jonathan Stewart says: March 7, 2015 at 7:49 pm

Mischa, Thank you so much! Your code here just got me my computer back!!! I had a black screen and could see pointer, but that was it. I followed your instructions and bam, the login screen came up!!! So excited!! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Jonathan

Carl M says: February 18, 2015 at 1:19 am

The above method worked for me. I had tried everything including PRAM reset and command+option+P+R. Nothing worked. I even reinstalled Yosemite from the recovery option twice and nothing. But this last option worked. Thank you a million.

William says: September 26, 2016 at 12:41 pm

I had this problem crop up after I restored my system from a Time Machine backup. The above was the fix! Thanks!

Slavko Piliskic says: December 22, 2016 at 1:21 am

Thanks Mischa! You are genius.

I tried several times all 3 solutions: SMC reset, key press solution & PRAM Reset, but nothing worked.

Finally, I found your post and your code did the trick. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you for sharing.

ktb263 says: January 18, 2017 at 1:50 pm

WoW. Mischa. Thanks so much. Worked great. Nothing had worked and was loosing hope until I found your post. Thanks a ton.

Vic says: February 11, 2015 at 6:48 pm

PRAM reboot worked for my MacBook pro!! Thanks!!

Simeon Hanks says: February 12, 2015 at 3:28 pm

The three fixes above didn’t help.

I fixed it by using a second monitor, holding Command + R, to get to the system restore point, then selected shutdown in the menu.

Booted without issues.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Sarah says: February 13, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Hi, my MacBook Pro (retina, 13 inch late 2013) just did the black screen on boot after having been left in car while it was 25F out (not sure if that’s what caused it). After fiddling with brightness (had that issue before) I found this article and tried 3 solutions one after the other. First 2 didn’t work but third one sorted it – made a couple of louder than usual chimes and then apple logo appeared and log in screen as normal. Thanks!

Jen says: February 13, 2015 at 12:36 pm

The PRAM reboot worked for me. THANK YOU!!!

Antoine says: February 13, 2015 at 5:22 pm

Thank you so very much I went through all three of the props that was display and the last one worked appreciate you a great deal.

Jay says: February 15, 2015 at 2:38 am

I had the same thing happen and tried all the steps, 1.reboot open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com 2. When the black screen came back up, power butten, “s” key, power off, restart…still nothing. 3. Restart with shift+control+option+command+power button. Still, black screen. 4. Restart,upon the chime, press option+command+p+r until the chime comes again. Black screen. 5. Boot up into recovery mode (command+r on boot) and verify and repair the disk. Nothing. Still the black screen. 6. Boot up into save mode (command+s on boot) and gave the “fsck -fy” command. Still black screen. 7. Back to recovery mode, reinstalled mavericks. Still, no success. In conclusion, I have tried everything but the apple service, the black screen arrived out of nothing and remains here, tormenting me. I’m really running out of options, so I’ll probably have to contact the customer service In the end, unless someone has another idea?

Jay says: February 15, 2015 at 10:20 am

Ok, so as I said, non of the 7 solutions above worked for me, here is what did: What caused the problem apparently in my case was an update that which got stuck somehow and I couldn’t get passed my log in. I found this solution on another troubleshooting forum which dealt with the same problem. Here are the steps that brought me back everything exactly how I left it: 1. Turn off your Mac by pressing the power button until your Mac shuts down. 2. Turn your Mac back on and hold the shift button. You will see a loading bar fill up and open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com then your screen will go back to black with your cursor visible. 3. Enter the first letter of your user name and hit enter 4. Enter your password and hit enter 5. The beach all will start turning. If your Mac goes to sleep mode wake it back up as usual. 6. An install window will pop up, for an update. Follow the steps to set up the installation. 7. You end up back at your home screen as you left it. I hope it helps! Good luck and hang in there!

Scott says: February 15, 2015 at 9:32 pm

MAGNETS!!

I had the problem described above but none of the solutions worked, and then when I moved the MacBook to connect an external monitor the problem disappeared.

DOH!!

Now I know my circumstances are very rare. I’m the family “IT Fixit guy” and so I had 2 Macbooks at the same time. I had stacked the one I was fixing on top of the other one (with the lid closed). What I didn’t realised was that the magnets in the bottom MacBook were confusing the top MacBook. So the top MacBook thought the screen was closed (and so, turned it off). Lift the top MacBook off the bottom one and the problem goes away. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Like I said, I doubt anyone else has this problem, but I thought I’d add it here for completeness.

So, if you’re MacBook screen is going blank, make sure it’s not sitting on top of some magnets that might make it think that you’ve closed the screen.

Keep smiling!

Brad says: March 16, 2015 at 6:07 pm

YOU SIR ARE A GENTLEMAN AND A SCHOLAR!!!!!!!!! Thank you! This was driving me crazy!!! At one point, I plugged in a USB drive and the screen flicked on, but I have no idea why that would’ve fixed the magnet thing (unless I moved the other computer in the process and didn’t realize that was the key step). I have a work MBP and a personal MBP, and often put my personal MBP on top of my work MBP. I read this and was like “no way is it something this stupid”, but sure enough, picked up my computer and blink blink bam screen came on. Thank you!

Sven says: August 25, 2016 at 3:39 pm

Scott, you saved me and my macbook :-) Similar Situation here (family IT Guy) and was on another macbook… Stacked it open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com beneath mine to charge it on my MacBooks Power Connector and my macbook wouldn’t “turn on”. Tried everything and was just about to give in for the night and read your comment… Thanks very much!

Stmbtskier says: February 17, 2015 at 4:56 pm

After attempting ALL of the suggested fixes multiple time I finally called tech support. Ellen had me hit the power button and then hit the shift key which started the computer in Safe Mode. It brought up the login dialog box and once I entered my password the computer brought up my regular startup screen. I clicked on the apple in the top left corner of the screen and then hit restart. It brought up the login screen again and once I logged in everything was back to normal – running real slow after loading Yosemite. At least now I can do my taxes :-(-:

Pat says: February 17, 2015 at 4:57 pm

I tried all three options a couple of times without luck. Then I unplugged my MacBook Pro for a few seconds, plugged it back in then did the Shift+control+option+power buttons with success.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Joaquin says: February 18, 2015 at 7:04 am

OMG your third option “reset PRAM” worked. Since I could not be sure the MacBook pro shut down since the screen is black I (1) pressed shift+control+option+power keys, (2) press power button to reboot, (3) and when I heard the chime, immediately pressed command+option+P+R keys. It worked. Interestingly when the screen was happily visible and I could log on a critical is update was ready. thanks!!!

Amanda F says: February 18, 2015 at 11:10 am

Thank you!! The hold down the Shift+Control+Option+Power button at the same time for a few seconds worked instantly! You’re the lifesaver!

Wade says: February 18, 2015 at 1:15 pm

I’m having this problem as I write this. I’ve tried all solutions written above and in the comments. The one that seemed to work so far is a hybrid of two. Hook up ur Mac to another monitor, I hooked it up to a TV screen using HDMI. I booted the Mac into safe mode (hold shift) as the Option + Command + P+R resulted in an apple logo with a never ending bar.

In safe mode the bar finished loading and I logged in, retarded and the Mac asked me to open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com install a software update, I did.

The Mac has restarted but is stuck at almost 50% of the white loading bar. I’m going to leave it there for a while and force shut down if it doesn’t work.

Greg says: February 18, 2015 at 4:19 pm

This is the second time it happened on startup. Don’t remember what I did the first time but probably the same as I did today and the last one did the trick command-option-R-P!

Ali says: February 18, 2015 at 5:12 pm

Holy crap.. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS.

The first two options didn’t work. The last PRAM reset worked like a charm and booted my mac to life! saved a trip to the apple store.

Thank you again.

Tockly says: February 19, 2015 at 12:01 am

Thank you. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com First two didn’t work but the third one did on my sons week old MacBook Air.

Phew, happy son and even happier father!!

:-)

Leana says: February 19, 2015 at 12:49 am

PRAM worked after 4 tries

Joe Libby says: February 19, 2015 at 5:47 am

I’ve tried it all, with varying degrees of success. Sometimes the SMC worked, sometimes the PRAM zap worked, but mostly the old unplug the machine from power, close the lid and wait a few minutes was the key for me. The other problem was that I also was unable to connect an external monitor, so when the screen is black I’m SOL. When I booted into safe mode I was able to backup the drive and use a second monitor for a number of hours, so Apple support walked me through trashing a slew of preference files and while they were watching my screen it happened again- black screen at startup. So they recommended I reinstall the OS. I went for a really clean install and erased my (already backed up drive) and started the 2 hour Yosemite reinstall. I must have missed a crucial step because when the machine restarted I saw a folder with a question mark, and when I tried to restart into recovery mode all I get is the chime and a black screen. I can’t get open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com anything to show up on the screen now, I can’t use an external monitor, and I am royally hosed.

Joe Libby says: March 2, 2015 at 7:08 pm

After many attempts I was able to finally get the internet recovery mode to work and did a clean install of Snow Leopard (It’s what came pre-installed) but still had the black screen occur, machine on just no display, built in or external and random shut downs. I made the trip to my nearest Apple Store and was told about the video card replacement program. It started a few days later here in Japan, so I was told to call Apple on the start day and report my problem. The next day (Sat.) a courier came to my office, picked up my machine and it was returned yesterday (Mon.) with the logic board replaced. I am happy to say my external monitor once again works, and I have had no re-boots or black screens (knock on wood!) in the past 24 hours. Thank you Apple (better late than never!)

ticro says: June 3, 2015 at 10:49 pm

Tried ”everything”, been researching all the forums and applied all including opening the dam thing and having a look at the video cards,nothing nada hopeless. The only solution that worked was to use time machine, had a backup on a hard disk. First I saved the image of the HD on the same hard disk in a different partition so I open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com still have all the pictures and documents, rest was details so they don’t matter. Wish you success.

Kevin says: February 19, 2015 at 10:13 am

Booting to safe directory mode and moving the loginwindow plist file solution worked for me.

The exact issue I was experiencing was that my machine would boot to a black screen (no Apple logo) and not display the login screen until I slept the computer and woke it back up.

Sandeep says: February 20, 2015 at 4:14 am

After trying everything mention above , still got black screen on my MacBook pro. Then i attached with second monitor Screen And tried these steps and it started working Step1- switch off Mac while it’s connected with another screen Step2- press the power button and as it’s sounding immediately press these keys option command P and R together for few seconds untill it sounds again . It worked and I got my MacBook screen again and got relief :-)

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Karen says: February 21, 2015 at 9:52 am

When using the PRAM reset on my MacBook air, I was told NOT TO power on first and then press the other keys, I was told to press the PRAM keys and power key all at the same time, listen for first chime, keeping keys depressed until second chime sound, which took a bit longer. Thank goodness this worked.

Brant says: February 21, 2015 at 5:53 pm

None if the three worked for me. My screen went black after I had the Mac book pro standing on edge and it fell over (only a few inches to laying flat). When I reboot I get a lighter but still black screen. Did I frie some kind of screen connection?

Stacy says: February 21, 2015 at 6:16 pm

I have read all of the comments here and attempted all the solutions and nothing works. My screen is black. And when I mean black; the screen appears “off”. However, the white light comes on in the front when the power button is pressed on. So when everyone is describing a black screen and then describing one of the solutions, are you describing a screen that is actually clicking ON but has only a black background or a black screen that appears to be off? open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Again, I have attempted every solution described above and nothing seems to work.

Taylor says: February 21, 2015 at 6:58 pm

The PRAM reset worked on my MacBook Pro with retina display. That black screen scared me as I just got my MacBook 2 months ago!

Jen says: February 21, 2015 at 8:29 pm

The third option worked for me (pr) phew! Just got this MacBook Air

Pip says: February 22, 2015 at 12:48 pm

Option & cmd & p & r worked for me too. Thanks so much for the tip – saved my weeks outlook!

Rob says: February 23, 2015 at 10:25 am

I’ve tried everyone of these suggestions, none of them have worked for me.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Amanda G says: February 23, 2015 at 12:59 pm

This is the second MacBook Pro Retina to do this to me. I bought my first one in December 2014, it did this within a month. I took it back to Best Buy since it wouldn’t come on they just replaced it. That was about a month and a half ago and it just did it again. I tried all three of the above solutions and was so happy when the PRAM reset worked! Thanks!!

ed says: February 24, 2015 at 2:13 pm

I have a 2014 pro that this happened to today. This morning I tried all of the different solutions posted here and elsewhere, including the pram reset a number of times without success. But after leaving it for a few hours and then guessing when to hit pram as I wasnt getting chimes, it has eventually worked. Many thanks

Daniel says: February 26, 2015 at 7:04 am

It just happen to me on my macbookpro 2009 and your solution “fix the black display on boot” fixed it! Yeah you guys rock (had a fright at first ) ❤

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Erick says: February 26, 2015 at 9:25 am

it happened to me and all i did was wait, i turned it on and waited about 5 mins and screen came on by it self, dont know why or how but just be patient and wait a few minutes without pressing anything and see if it works

Dawn says: February 26, 2015 at 2:35 pm

I tried the first trouble shooting option and I heard the noise it makes and the fan start up then the screen flickered and it shut off. Now it wont turn back on. I do not know what to do at this point.

Liz says: February 26, 2015 at 2:44 pm

Second method worked for me, thanks!

Nishan says: February 26, 2015 at 11:29 pm

Thank a lot. The third one worked for me

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Kirsty says: February 27, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much for this article, third option worked perfectly!! Was having a mild panic as Mac exactly 1 year old today so warranty typically just finished. Thanks for the fix, very grateful.

C Love says: February 28, 2015 at 8:13 am

I had to try all 3, and finally the PRAM reset worked for me. Thanks!!

Beef says: February 28, 2015 at 9:17 am

THANK YOU!

MDF2 says: February 28, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! The first 2 suggestions did not work for me but the second one did. This happened to me once before and the genius bar fixed in in 10 minutes but this time I am in Vanuatu where there is no genius bar. The third suggestion worked like a charm :-) open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you again

Faith says: February 28, 2015 at 6:50 pm

I arrived home tonight after seeing a movie and OMG I had THE BLACK SCREEN! I thought about all the documents I just saved and how much time it was going to take to re- write them. Hmmm…I should have at least printed them. A big lesson! I tried everything holding all kinds of combinations of letters with all my fingers twisted but nothing worked until I did the PRAM Reset exactly as said. I’m surprised all of you did not hear me screaming from happiness. My husband put his finger over his mouth….in other words….SHUSH. Thanks so much whoever from genius bar posted all the solutions. I’m so grateful.

shay Kennedy says: March 1, 2015 at 4:05 am

Thankyou so much! Was getting pretty worried, I’ve only purchased my mac recently

Joe Libby says: March 2, 2015 at 7:09 pm

If you haven’t tried it yet: https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/ open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

charlotte says: March 3, 2015 at 3:56 pm

Thanks a lot, first solution worked for me :)

Desiree says: March 5, 2015 at 7:56 pm

Option 3 worked for me. Just keep in mind, it may take a little while to hear that second home. Try and be patient. It worked!

m4tias_r says: March 6, 2015 at 7:37 pm

The PRAM Reset worked for me! Thanks!! you save me!

Shivvo says: March 7, 2015 at 4:10 am

PRAM to the rescue (on an MBA with only five uses…)

Rachel says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com March 7, 2015 at 4:49 am

Option+Cmnd+P+R worked eventually … Took a couple of goes though, so was thinking that timing ie pretty much immediately the chime starts is essential. I think I was a bit slow off the mark the first time I tried it. The other options were tried with no success. Thanks for the help.

Christian says: March 11, 2015 at 3:06 pm

PRAM worked on the first try, thanks!

Roger says: March 11, 2015 at 7:01 pm

The third option worked just fine.

Harry says: March 12, 2015 at 10:14 am

PRAM reset worked ….

Wobble says: March 12, 2015 at 4:32 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com 2nd option for me, MacBook pro 17 inch 2011

Magda says: March 13, 2015 at 10:10 am

The first option you guys had with the shift control option power button hold worked for me!!! Thank you!!!

Charla says: March 13, 2015 at 6:21 pm

3rd option finally worked. Black screen appeared after downloading the latest update. I noticed when I picked up my laptop the bottom of the case was hot. Don’t like this and hope it doesn’t happen again.

Renee says: March 13, 2015 at 8:38 pm

The PRAM option worked for me. THANKS!

Kelley says: March 15, 2015 at 10:52 am

I used the third option and it worked. Thank you for relieving the panic. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Mike says: March 15, 2015 at 7:17 pm

The 1st one worked. You saved me a trip to the Apple Store. Thanks!

Stu says: March 16, 2015 at 3:24 am

The PRAM reset worked a charm on my 2013 MB Pro retina running OSX Yosemite. Tried the other options with no luck but PRAM reset worked first try.

Found this blackout after performing a regular system update released by Apple.

Moonstar says: March 16, 2015 at 5:43 am

The last, the PRAM reset worked for me. I just got this computer in January, and am a little upset. This is my 5th Mac and the first time I have ever had any problem.

Mark Steck says: March 18, 2015 at 5:47 pm

The PRAM reset, whatever that is, worked. Thanks so much for posting this fix, it saved my butt. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mark

Ben says: March 19, 2015 at 9:07 pm

The pram worked for me!!! Thanks so much

rjrdd says: March 20, 2015 at 8:25 am

Thanks a lot man..i got my mac on by PRAM reset

Kevin says: March 20, 2015 at 11:38 am

Eureka! Option 2 worked for me.

Ivee says: March 20, 2015 at 11:46 am

Hi, I tried all of the options but it didn’t work. I can open my Mac but right after I entered my password it goes black after. I don’t know how to fix this, and I just bought it. Can anyone help me. Please? Thank you so much!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Ivee says: March 20, 2015 at 11:48 am

I’ve tried it twice, nothing happened. Can anyone help me? Thank you!

ginam says: March 20, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Take it back to Apple, they will fix it.

sam says: March 21, 2015 at 6:13 pm

The 3rd one worked for me thanks

Hasan says: March 22, 2015 at 11:31 am

Nothing mentioned here worked but i tried my luck and here is what worked for me. All i did was remove the battery the. Put it in again. Hope it helps someone

Carol says: March 23, 2015 at 2:20 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The PRAM worked for me. there are not enough thankyous in the world!

Hannah says: March 23, 2015 at 7:42 am

Tried all three. The first two didn’t work but resetting the PRAM did, thanks!

Hillary says: March 23, 2015 at 8:07 pm

Same as above. Tried all 3 and the first two didn’t work but the third one did luckily. I have a MacBook Pro retina 13″ mid 2014 refurb that I’ve only had for a little over a month. I’m also a brand new Mac user so this was super scary for me not knowing what to do. Thanks for the helpful tips!

Antonio Nobre says: March 24, 2015 at 1:46 pm

After dying on a ppt presentation, the machine kept booting till the black screen, only to re-start booting endlessly. PRAM reset worked for me (see detailed instructions here https://support.apple.com/kb/PH14222?locale=en_US&viewlocale=en_US). After clearing the PRAM memory I could complete the boot, backup the system and go back to work. However, apps became really slow, so I had to re-install the OSX Yosemite (easy with the command R boot). Now I am back to normal. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Meeks says: March 24, 2015 at 7:45 pm

Command option p r worked on my black screen. I have a macbook pro mid 2014 retina. 11,1 OSX Yosemite 10.10.2. The other options did not work at all.

Sarah says: March 25, 2015 at 5:02 am

The third option worked for me. Had to do it twice though. Thanks so much. A mild panic had set when I couldn’t see my year’s worth is research on my only computer. Phew!

Suzanne says: March 26, 2015 at 8:04 am

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah says: March 26, 2015 at 12:43 pm

OMG THANKYOU thankyou thankyou!!!!! Totally freaked out when I had this problem and your second solution did the trick!!!! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Carolina says: March 26, 2015 at 11:22 pm

The third option worked. Thank you!!!!!

becky badluck says: March 28, 2015 at 2:39 am

after a few tries , PRAM worked for me. THANK YOU.

Dhiraaj Kesaria says: March 28, 2015 at 10:27 pm

Thank you!

The PRAM reset worked for my Macbook Air

Paige says: March 29, 2015 at 11:10 am

MacBook Pro (retina, 15 in, Mid 2014)

What a nightmare, pain in the boot. Not sure I agree the black screen is a rare problem, since if you are unfortunate enough to have it happen and search for a solution it seems MANY people have had the same issue. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Rebooting the Pram was the fix.

Thank you for your help.

Mark says: March 30, 2015 at 11:54 am

The pram reset work for me, yippeeeeee! Ta very much :o)

Amanda says: March 30, 2015 at 11:15 pm

The pram reset worked for me. Tried the others, was getting super worried because none of those suggestions were working & then I tried the last one! Very helpful so thank you. I have the MacBook pro retina, 13 in, mid 2014 model. So many thanks. Now off to watch some Netflix lol.

wajid says: March 31, 2015 at 9:38 am

Nothing worked but —-key command for switching to video mirroring Fn-F7 :)

On new MacBook you can try.. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Command-F1 (or try Fn-Command-F1).

Nicole says: April 1, 2015 at 4:16 am

The PRAM reset worked for me! Thank you so much!:))

Ness-Jenill says: April 1, 2015 at 7:45 am

I tried PRAM and it worked..

Kingtidemedia says: April 1, 2015 at 9:47 am

MacBook Pro repair extension program for video issues

https://www.apple.com/au/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

Also could try disabling the video card, Search gfxCardStatus

Jay says: April 1, 2015 at 11:17 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Hey guys,

I simply placed my mac in safe mode (holding down the shift key once you’ve heard the chime) until a loading bar appears at the bottom.

Wait until desktop loaded then restart! Worked a treat!

Jason says: April 2, 2015 at 11:54 am

3rd option (pram) worked…. Thanks!!!

Steve says: April 3, 2015 at 5:54 am

PRAM route worked for me, been at this for an hour or so finally got it to boot again, now to try to if the illustrator cs4 & yosemiti issue I think this one may take a bit longer.

Abdiel says: April 3, 2015 at 9:34 am

Only the PRAM reset (3rd option) worked for me. Thank you so much.

Logan p says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com April 3, 2015 at 1:33 pm

PRAM reset worked for my Mac!!!

Kirstin says: April 3, 2015 at 7:59 pm

MacBook Pro retina bought new in September 2014. Nothing works and I tried everything that was suggested. The display part seems to be dead.

I used my notebook then left the table closing it. Came back an hour later and the screen is dead. I made an appointment with Apple but the earliest one available is on Tuesday. Apple sucks.

saiprasad says: April 3, 2015 at 9:02 pm

PRAM rest option worked for me but you have to press the keys at the same time accurately. Thanks for the post

Armando says: April 3, 2015 at 9:42 pm

PRAM Reset did the trick !!! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you

King Julian says: April 3, 2015 at 11:50 pm

The PRAM reset option worked for me.

Thanks for the post.

Matt Worsfold says: April 4, 2015 at 3:15 am

Thank you so much, my Mac rebooted on the PRAM technique

Monte says: April 4, 2015 at 6:32 am

I followed the comment from Will (January 15, 2015) and it worked! Thanks!

g1za says: April 4, 2015 at 2:57 pm

Tried all the above and the only way i’ve got it working at the moment is to let the battery die and then, put it on charge as normal. For some bizarre reason the screen works fine open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com after this, but if i do a restart i’m back to square one!

Absolutely bonkers.

SajiGirl says: April 5, 2015 at 12:05 am

I had this problem and PRAM reset worked for my macbook.. Great! thanks so much for your tips!

Manpreet says: April 5, 2015 at 10:32 am

Thank you so much. PRAM worked for me. 2010 model MacBook Pro

Michelle says: April 5, 2015 at 10:31 pm

The PRAM step worked for me. But I still don’t get why it happened in the first place. Can anyone help?

macfan says: April 7, 2015 at 3:56 am

Command+Option+P+R keys together worked for me like a charm :) thanks open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

argh says: April 8, 2015 at 2:41 am

PRAM worked for me – interesting that son also playing with brightness the night before this happened.

Si says: April 8, 2015 at 9:38 am

Option 3 worked great… THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH

Ruby says: April 9, 2015 at 3:27 am

I had this problem, I tried the first two tricks they didn’t work. The last one did luckily thank you so much I was so worried.

Jayjay says: April 9, 2015 at 6:29 pm

A very helpful solution. The first two did not work, but the 3rd one (PRAM Reset) work perfectly. Thank you so much for the very effective solution.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com s says: April 10, 2015 at 9:07 am

The PRAM reset worked, thank you! I tried each one on the list got nervous as each one failed. I held my breath at the PRAM reset and was thrilled that it worked.

RJ says: April 10, 2015 at 11:30 pm

None of these worked for me. So I tried plugging it into external monitor and still no picture even on the external monitor, so when I unplugged the hdmi the screen popped back on. That makes zero sense but okay!

Lolarose says: April 12, 2015 at 9:34 am

I’ve tried Everything on here to no avail. I have a mbp retina display I think it’s a 2013 model. I’ve tried everything all the resets and PRAM and all that. None of these have worked. I’ve been trying for a week now. I connected it to the TV with an HDMI cord and everything was perfectly normal. I disconnected it hoping it would be okay and it’s still black.

Please Helpppp!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Dan says: April 13, 2015 at 8:32 am

Seems like you’ve got your brightness set all the way down on the laptop’s monitor. Try to turn up the brightness.

Shimray says: October 24, 2015 at 12:21 pm

Have a similar problem, tried all the tricks mentioned above but screen remained black, then finally tried plugging in a TV scree on HDMI and voila. Managed to get the machine started and copied all important files… but laptop screen still black. Macbook Pro with retina or El Capitan.

Dan says: April 13, 2015 at 8:30 am

Had the black/blank screen at boot on a mid 2013 11″ MBA after using Migration Assistant from a 2010 Mac mini with Ethernet cables.

PRAM reset fixed it – thought Migration Assistant bricked the MBA, so thanks very much for the help!

Jackie Friend says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com April 14, 2015 at 4:05 am

Thank you! PRAM reset worked.

Thought I was going to lose everything as I haven’t backed up computer — doing that today!

Jess says: April 14, 2015 at 5:22 pm

The third PRAM option worked for my MacBook Air! Thank you!

Angelica says: April 14, 2015 at 9:21 pm

The first one worked for me, thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michele says: April 15, 2015 at 11:05 am

PRAM worked for me…thanks!

Ariela says: April 16, 2015 at 12:21 pm

The third aolution worked… I was teady yo try a hammer, thank you so much! A open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com suggestion, the “option” key was the “alt” key in my mac book pro

Martin says: April 16, 2015 at 1:30 pm

Pram reset works for me, but problem keeps coming up again and again on MBP RET 15 MID2012. Never had that before Yosemite 10.10.3 ! This sucks so much – I can hardly work !!!

paabl says: April 16, 2015 at 2:08 pm

You are describing an issue with some OS X 10.10.3 Macs, You need to hold down the SHIFT key on boot and go to the Mac App Store, download the OS X 10.10.3 Supplemental Update and install it.

http://osxdaily.com/2015/04/16/supplemental-update-os-x-yosemite-10-10-3- released/

Mollie says: April 16, 2015 at 7:22 pm

The third option worked for me on my MacBook Pro 2011 refurbished. I followed the steps and then turned it off and on again once more. Now I can see my screen. Big thanks open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com to the author!!!

Roberto says: April 16, 2015 at 10:22 pm

I have a Mac Book Pro Retina with Yosemite OS and the third option (PRAM) worked for me, I also tried the previous ones but they failed.

Thanks!

Alena says: April 17, 2015 at 5:13 am

Thank you so much!!! I was definitely in panic but third one helped me! Thank you soooo!!! Russian webs knew nothing but repair store

alhawary says: April 17, 2015 at 7:03 am

my MacBook pro 2015 has turned into a black dead screen after updating the software. I tried every effort but no way, that was very frustrating to me. next morning I took it to apple care agent (tradeline) in Cairo, the expert there have tried to solve it but at the end he told me unfortunately this is a hardware problem (screen defect) and I have to go to another branch of their agency after two days to fix this problem which will take time. I went home started looking through the net, fortunately, I have tried your solutions. “THE open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com THIRD OPTION WORKED PERFECTLY”, THANKS A LOT TO ALL THE CONTRIBUTERS IN THIS WEB SITE, I have subscribed to and I hope to get newsletters about the tips and trics in MAC OS. THANKS AGAIN.

Ashok says: April 17, 2015 at 9:07 am

Third option worked for me.. Thanks :-)

dr zeeshan says: April 18, 2015 at 8:37 am

The third option worked for me as well thanks bro I had my heart in my mouth but u saved me

Justin says: April 18, 2015 at 7:08 pm

The third step fixed my MacBook, thank you for the good advice! I tied the first two with no luck but the PRAM thing worked like a charm

Patti carey says: April 19, 2015 at 7:32 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Had this issue on my MacBook Pro. After numerous reboots using the shift key, nothing worked. Found this site and tried option 1 and 2 to no avail. Option 3 the PRAM reset worked finally worked. A big thank you as I was ready to throw my computer across the room. My PC dies a few weeks ago so I am relying on my MacBook to job hunt!!! I’m going to back up everything today just in case something like this happens in the future.

Rajan says: April 19, 2015 at 10:00 am

Thx for me worked 3rd method really thx

Karen says: April 19, 2015 at 5:06 pm

Hi, thanks so much. I had to try l three solutions and the third one worked, thank goodness.

Niklas says: April 20, 2015 at 9:45 am

Wills solution worked fot me. Thanx alot!

Gabry says: April 20, 2015 at 12:59 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The problem occured after Yosemite 10.10.3 Supplemental update. The first two solutions did not work, but the PRAM Reset worked fine. Hope problem will not occure again. thanks

Luke says: April 21, 2015 at 7:42 am

The Pram solution worked for the mac mid 2014 with yosemite, many thanks.

Jodi says: April 21, 2015 at 2:55 pm

PRAM option worked. Hallelujah – work laptop and thought i was in trouble. Thanks!

kim says: April 22, 2015 at 5:44 am

This happen to me and the Pram restart worked… Thank you! I was updating when it went black.

Ian Chua says: April 23, 2015 at 10:47 am

PRAM reset worked perfectly! Thank you! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Timbos says: April 23, 2015 at 8:57 pm

The third option worked for me. Thanks Mac heads. Stoked.

angel says: April 24, 2015 at 8:10 am

The third option worked for me. Lifesavers you guys are. Thanks!!!!!

Tom says: April 24, 2015 at 8:27 am

The third option worked for me on the second try. Thanks, I was really starting to panic

Mauser says: April 24, 2015 at 11:37 am

I tried all three solutions and none of them worked… I was really, really sad. Then I tried to connect it to a TV via HDMI and the moment I turned my MacBook Pro Retina on both the TV and my MacBooks screen turned on!! …. Wow… I’m soooo happy ;-P

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Brent says: April 24, 2015 at 4:43 pm

Pram solution worked for me…

Nikolaj says: April 25, 2015 at 12:37 pm

Pram solution worked out, many thanks. Saved my day

Dave says: April 26, 2015 at 1:30 am

Thanks guys…. Third solution worked!!

House says: April 26, 2015 at 7:43 am

Guys i found a really easy fix for my screen going black. I was using a foam case which had a magnetic clip. i was resting my macbook pro on this case. This was then causing my macbook to think the lid was closed and the screen would then go black. even mashing the buttons and clicking the mouse would not bring the screen back on. i then removed the case and magnetic field which solved my problem !!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Fredrik says: April 26, 2015 at 12:03 pm

PRAM reset worked for me :)

Mac Fanatic says: April 26, 2015 at 2:16 pm

I have a mid year 2014 Mac Book Pro with Retina display and recently encountered this same problem one day with a “black screen boot.” I originally thought this was due to a Yosemite update and thought this was normal. I have friend with the same Mac Book Pro and when he updated his OS X and wasn’t having the same problem, I realized that the black screen boot was affecting my computer only.

This tip on osxdaily.com helped solve the problem. I tried the first couple of suggestions with no result, but when I tried the PRAM reset, worked like a charm! No more black screen boot!

Thank you!

Chris says: April 26, 2015 at 3:24 pm

PRAM reset worked great! Thanks for the article!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Daniel says: April 26, 2015 at 7:43 pm

When I tried to update some apps in my pc my mac screen went black, I solved my issue restarting the pram, (command+shift+p+r), my pc was a macbook air 2014 model brand new

Sean says: April 27, 2015 at 11:39 am

PRAM reset.

Nanci says: April 28, 2015 at 11:32 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I tried the first two tips (as well as another I found on a different site) with no success. Then the PRAM reset worked!! Just got my MacBook Air a couple of months ago, but was starting to think it was already busted. Thanks so much!

Virgilio says: April 29, 2015 at 8:52 am

The last solution worked for me, was a bit scare. Thank you!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com emanuel fernandes says: April 29, 2015 at 9:59 am

only the good ol’ PRAM reset fixed this issue for me.

rubin says: April 29, 2015 at 2:46 pm

First suggestion worked on my (spare) six year-old Macbook Pro. You guys are genius…

Thanks!

Sway Grünwald says: April 30, 2015 at 2:52 am

The PRAM reset helped my MacBook pro 15” 2014

Bea says: April 30, 2015 at 8:40 am

PRAM reset worked for my 2014 MacBook Pro 15″ too!

Charles says: April 30, 2015 at 7:03 pm

Re: MBP 17″ (purchased 2011) open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com By using a combination of the suggested fixes I was able to get my MBP up and running for a couple of weeks to a couple of minutes.

While searching for another possible fix I came across:

https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013.

The program covers affected MacBook Pro models until February 27, 2016 or three years from its original date of sale, whichever provides longer coverage for you.

======I brought the laptop to an authorized Apple repair center yesterday. The replacement part (he called it a logic board) arrived this morning, and I picked up my computer this afternoon.

Problem (seems to be) solved. No charge.

Brandon Pelinka says: May 1, 2015 at 10:31 am

PRAM reset worked for me. MBP 13″ Retina Mid 2014

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Lily says: May 2, 2015 at 7:27 am

PRAM reset worked!! You need to make sure you hold down the keys all at the same time and right after you hear the boot chime. Thanks so much I was freaking out

Nond says: May 2, 2015 at 4:45 pm

The PRAM option worked!

Helen says: May 3, 2015 at 5:05 pm

After attempting the first 2 solutions, the 3rd one worked for me. Thanks! macbook air (11 inch, Early 2014) OS X Yosemite V 10.10.3 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 4GB 1600 MHz DDR3 Intel HD Graphics 5000 1536 MB

Michelle says: May 3, 2015 at 10:19 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Last too worked for me, pretty unimpressed that it happened though, only had it two months!

Michelle says: May 3, 2015 at 10:21 pm

Last option*

Ahmet says: May 4, 2015 at 2:53 pm

None of them worked for me. I got the Macbook Pro to Apple store today. Genius guy checks for failures. And told me there is a problem with motherboard. And it is must be changing. They will change it for free because it is an factory production problem. Sorry for bad english.

Lottie G says: May 5, 2015 at 7:51 am

Third option worked for me on my MacBook Air (mid 2013 model), I cannot thank you enough for saving me!

Mattie says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com May 6, 2015 at 10:06 am

Had this problem today and luckily this site PRAM reset worked for me. Thanks a bunch!

Daan says: May 6, 2015 at 11:51 am

The third option worked for me. Thank you so much!!!!

Chauncy says: May 7, 2015 at 7:48 pm

Ok….3 option = lifesaver!!!!!!

Markthg says: May 8, 2015 at 11:05 am

Thankyou lifesavers….had a full on panic going on until I found your post.

PRAM option worked a treat for me.

MacBook Pro Retina 13″ Late 2013

Dee says: May 9, 2015 at 6:35 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks so much for this …I was in a rel panic when I opened my MacBook to find a black screen!!! For no known reason I might add.

Anyway tried all three and the PRAM reset worked! Cheers!!

Jev says: May 9, 2015 at 11:28 am

hi, thanks for the tips

my macbook pro retina 15″ has this issue after latest update. Pitch black when booting, and PRAM reset worked! Thanks mate.

Gordon says: May 10, 2015 at 4:33 am

Option #3 worked for us. Thank you.

Dylan says: May 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm

I’ve tried everything but nothing works! after i enter my password the white loading bar fills up maybe a quarter then the screen goes black. Please help!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Laura lee says: May 11, 2015 at 9:41 am

THANKYOU SO SO SO MUCH!! third option did the trick for my Mac air :) What a relief!

Aafi says: May 11, 2015 at 2:43 pm

Nothing worked for me. Afraid of it now :-( Please suggest any option. MacBook pro 13.3′

Laura says: May 12, 2015 at 12:22 pm

The third option worked for me………a lifesaver!

D.J. says: May 12, 2015 at 8:01 pm

Just got my new macbook pro for less than two days and had everything updated. Then it booted into black screen with a chime after did a migration through firewire. I tried every combination of keypress after power on, no luck. Finally, the PRAM reset solved my problem. Big thanks.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Venkata says: May 13, 2015 at 7:06 am

The PRAM reset option fixed it for me. Thank you!!!

Renee C says: May 13, 2015 at 9:10 am

The PRAM option worked for me thank god

Lisa Marie Mary says: May 15, 2015 at 3:33 pm

Thank you so much for this post! Fixed me right up and was probably the quickest computer problem fix I’ve ever had! :-)

Amanda says: May 15, 2015 at 4:33 pm

Finally after many many times resetting the pram worked. Did some shaking a jolting too it took a couple hours working at it to get the screen back up.

Bochimia says: May 16, 2015 at 11:56 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The PRAM reset worked! Thank you so much for the great information you offer!

Vijay baniwal says: May 16, 2015 at 9:04 pm

Thx for the trouble shooting solutions. The 3rd option is just a right medicine for my my coma air book. Just woke up. Thx for ur research. It save time and money both.

Colt says: May 18, 2015 at 1:13 pm

I tried all of these fixes (mid 2012 Mbp retina) but it still was black screening. I took it in and they ran diagnostic tools on it that revealed the logic board (MLB) needed to be replaced ($550). It was out of warranty, but somehow Apple covered it. Sounds like an internal known-issue.

Elizabeth M says: May 18, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Thank you Thank you Thank You! For this article! The PRAM method did the trick! Awesome!

Mariela Miranda says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com May 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Hi! Thank u so much! The third option worked for my MacBook Air!

R-Mac says: May 23, 2015 at 7:03 am

Tried all three tips to no avail. Finally tried disconnecting the power cord. Then held the power button down for a few seconds again and … Shazam! the monitor lit up and an extra long boot up commenced, culminating on a message saying it had been improperly shut down etc.

Jason says: May 23, 2015 at 1:17 pm

The three solutions did not work for me. But closing the laptop while on, waiting about a minute and then opening solved the issue.

Rubeme says: May 23, 2015 at 5:49 pm

Greetings to Everyone,

I have a late 2007 17″ macbook pro laptop that just died.

Well, it didn’t die yet, but the screen is completely black when booting up. I can hear the open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com hardrive spining and the power light is on but nothing on the screen.

Another observation is that the back light on the Apple Logo also does not turn on.

Does anyone know what the problem might be. Is it the screen or the graphics chip. How do I find out.

adlzra says: May 24, 2015 at 1:07 pm

Mischa, who posted February 11, 2015. Do you mind to contact me via email? ([email protected]) I think my MBP has the same problem as you. I dont really understand the instructions you give in ur comment. I hope you can give me step-by-step instructions on how to do the coding. thank you so much.

Clint says: May 25, 2015 at 3:36 am

PRAM solution worked on my MacBook Pro retina the second time I tried it. You have to do it hockey and precisely. Thanks for your help guys

Khurram Hussain says: May 25, 2015 at 8:02 pm

I had the same issue with black display after boot. I could only hear the chime sound and open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com everything went black.

After failing the first two options, reset of PRAM worked for me.

metin says: May 26, 2015 at 2:20 am

this happen after i replace another hdd to my laptop.Mabook pro 17-2011

start normally but blackscreen issue exist.

Not one above solution worked for me.Does anyone know another solution

Dinesh says: May 27, 2015 at 2:54 pm

My macbook pro retina model boots up to a black screen. I tried everything here and thought it was a logic board failure. But, a trip to the genius bar fixed the problem in five minutes. It was some sort of connection issue between battery and display. He unscrewed the battery secured the connection and boom everything is solved!!

Mo says: May 28, 2015 at 7:44 am

I just resolved my issue with the PRAM reset. Thanks for the info! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Wim says: May 29, 2015 at 1:41 am

Unfortunately the resets are not working for me, I will contact Apple to solve it at the hardware level as mentioned here before, but in the meantime I can get my internal screen back this way:

1. Start up and wait a bit until it’s (probably) at the now black login screen 2. Close the lid of your computer 3. Open it again 4. Plug a display adapter in the mini-port, wait for a couple of seconds 5. Unplug it again

Lawrence says: July 20, 2016 at 4:51 pm

OMG this worked for me!!! I’ve been trying all the solutions posted here to no avail for the last few days. Then I remembered that I had unplugged my external monitor and closed my laptop just before this black screen issue started, so I figured maybe this would work and it did:

1. Did the full PRAM reset and let the MBP boot with black screen until the keyboard was lit up.

2. Closed lid of MBP. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com 3. Plugged in my external monitor using mini-display port cable.

3. Open lid and see that keyboard is lit up. Screen is still black with no change.

4. Then unplugged (pulled out mini-display port from MBP) and to my complete surprise my login screen popped up!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Chelsea says: June 1, 2015 at 6:29 am

The third option worked for me. What causes this?

Pablo says: June 1, 2015 at 8:18 am

There can be a variety of causes for the black screen on boot, it varies per situation, but fortunately it’s usually an easy fix. If the above tricks don’t work, often the Mac is in need of some type of repair, perhaps due to hardware failure or software failure.

Nigel says: June 1, 2015 at 2:14 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I had this on moving my MacBook Pro and was a bit panicked – working down the list with no change I was really worried – fortunately the PRAM reset listed as the final option worked! Great stuff and thanks for this :)

Kenzie says: June 6, 2015 at 6:12 am

PRAM worked for me. thanks for the help!!!!

Gina says: June 8, 2015 at 8:18 am

Like Joe (near the top) said, none of these worked for me either. However when I plug mac into another monitor it’s still black. Any other suggestions?

brantown says: June 8, 2015 at 8:34 am

As is mentioned in the article, if you have tried all of these solutions and the Mac screen is still black, it boots to black, and the screen and external displays are always black, you may have a hardware problem or a bigger issue with the MacBook, iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Mini. In that case, you should take the device to a repair center and have them determine if there is hardware failure. Any Apple Store can diagnose hardware problems for you. Best of luck! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Jess says: June 9, 2015 at 8:45 am

Tried all three methods and the third way (the PRAM reset) worked like a charm! Thank you :)

Very greatful Ben says: June 11, 2015 at 3:59 am

Third solution worked a treat! Thanks a bunch. Any idea why it happened?

sridhar says: June 11, 2015 at 10:07 am

1 and 2 did not work. But third solution worked out right away.Thanks a lot.

Amanda says: June 11, 2015 at 11:16 am

I have a MacBook Air and the PRAM reset worked for me. Thanks. I’m no longer stressed out

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Vanessa says: June 12, 2015 at 4:40 pm

Thank you thank you… New to MacBook Pro, only had it a week, black screen prior to urgent work commitment this morning and thought what on earth have I done… Tried all three suggestions twice, second time around PRAM reset fixed it…. Saved your file and hope it is not needed again any time soon.

Ritish says: June 13, 2015 at 4:36 am

Gys neither of the above solutions helped me. I use both windows 8.1 os and mac os. I’m getting this black screen only with windows. But I can see the cursor moving over there. No problem with Mac OS. Can you just help me out gys ..!!!

DOh says: June 13, 2015 at 9:22 am

If Mac works but Windows doesn’t on the same Mac computer, then your Windows installation is obviously broken, these troubleshooting steps are for Mac hardware and Mac OS X, you would probably need to re-install Windows, can’t help there.

Graham says: June 13, 2015 at 5:07 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I have a late 2007 MacBook (one of the white ones). My issue is that the screen goes black pretty such straight away on booting:there’s a very quick flash but nothing more – its not the “black screen with a white pointer” issue – it’s backlight off that’s the issue. I’ve tried all three solutions and none of them work for me.

I’ve rescued all my valued data from the hard drive to a windows pc in order to allow me to attempt a reinstallation of the OS from CD. In my case, its Snow Leopard. If I reboot with the installation CD in the laptop, the backlight works!! However, partway through the install the backlight goes out and the problem is returned.

This does tell me one thing: that I have a working inverter. It the inverter wasn’t working: the laptop would be destined to be recycled.

One interesting aspect about the installation process is that my username/password is prompted for at the start. This seems to indicate that, if my credentials aren’t effectively blanked and started with again, the setting that’s probably somewhere on disk that tells the display to be switched off is surviving as well. I think that the next thing for me to try is installing to a new or zeroed-out hard drive.

I was wondering whether anyone can add anything to this.? Anyway, I will update this reply with progress updates for the community.

Melissa R says: June 14, 2015 at 5:06 pm

Hold down Shift+Control+Option+Power button at the same time for a few seconds. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com This finally worked – but not the first time I tried it. Phew. None of the other options worked.

stanford says: June 15, 2015 at 8:31 am

been having black screen problem for going on 3 weeks now. when i’ve been able to start mac, i’ve left it on for days so as not to have to deal with the issue yet again. various tips have worked after multiple attempts. today i used the touch power button, press S, hard shutdown count 15 and voila it worked. but then it couldn’t find the keyboard or the mouse. shut it down again and since, it will start but black screen is back and as it couldn’t discover the keyboard before, the perfect S trick won’t work. i’m considering throwing the machine out the window, even with all my music and getting rid of every mac i have.

sara says: June 16, 2015 at 4:49 am

Nope nothing worked for me and I am super fed up… s

Charly says: June 26, 2015 at 10:42 am

None worked for my 2007 MacBook Pro either. I might try the window toss open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com recommended below.

Christina says: June 16, 2015 at 9:46 am

PRAM reset worked for me. I have a new MacBook Pro. I am so glad I found your tips. Thanks so much.

Jo says: June 17, 2015 at 11:07 am

Thanks so much- options 1 and 2 didn’t work but the PRAM worked straight away

Gerard says: June 17, 2015 at 11:14 pm

On my Macbook Air 11 also option 3 worked.

Ross says: June 18, 2015 at 11:10 pm

Hey guys. I just encountered this problem with my 2009 MacBook Air. I have tried the P- Ram reset and the SMC and it just doesn’t work. I used it last night and closed the screen just fine. When I tried booting it in the morning it booted to a black screen. The keypad open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com switches on and it makes sounds which is why i think it’s a display problem. Please please please help me.

Rachael says: June 19, 2015 at 12:10 am

Thankyou so very much . Option 3 worked eventually ! So very grateful

Elizabeth says: June 20, 2015 at 10:22 pm

I WAS DYING, I found the link for this site on a youtube comment and it saved me. I had tried the first two previously but not the last ugh I’m so relieved it worked. Thank you so much

Teddy says: June 22, 2015 at 11:14 pm

In my case, none of the 3 solutions worked, and I was afraid my mac was dead, completely. Few hours later I tried again- 99% sure it wouldn’t do the trick, but bling! my mac was functioning.

Here’s a nice tip: During my 1st attempts, I had numerous external cables connected to my mac, like open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com headphones, keyboards, mouses, etc. Try it without them if these steps don’t work out.

Mr. Elevator says: June 23, 2015 at 2:35 am

Thank you u so much for this article – solution #3 did the trick in my case! Would have had to cancel my holiday/work-trip to Barcelona otherwise! ;) Cheers

David says: June 24, 2015 at 9:48 am

I had the blank screen after leaving the MBPR in a 100 deg. car a few hours. When I opened it again, I found it hat shut itself down. Bootup made sounds, and the keyboard worked, but the screen wouldn’t show. I tried all the methods here several times without luck. – However, forced sleep didn’t seem to work.

Here’s what did:

After leaving the laptop unplugged, open and on (but with a blank screen) for a few hours, I closed it. When I opened it again, the login screen was displaying again. The battery had decreased to 24% by that time.

My guess is that it was a battery controller issue that shutdown the machine Monday evening at due to high heat or low power (running fan?), but failed to reset correctly on boot the next day. Leaving it on for a few hours put it to sleep, and then the close/open open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com wakeup fixed the issue.

Jade says: June 24, 2015 at 10:16 am

The 3rd option worked! Thanks guys!!!

Kitty says: June 25, 2015 at 8:21 pm

OH MY GOODNESS!

THANK YOU SO SO SO INCREDIBLY MUCH!

My computer has been sitting for literally YEARS because I thought- even after bringing it to a Mac expert friend- that the screen was dead forever.

I wanted to try one last time to connect it to an alternate screen and when that failed, I googled black screen and found your page.

IT JUST WORKED! I used the key code (s)! Opening this computer is like a time capsule! It’s been dead to me since 2011!!!!!

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!

Kitty

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com GrahamC says: June 26, 2015 at 1:54 pm

PRAM worked for me on my MacBook Pro. And I am very grateful to you!!

Jack says: June 27, 2015 at 9:02 pm

The PRAM option worked on my Macbook Air (2014) which I thought was done (my first mac in the transition). Miraculous and thank you!

Wilson Hines says: June 29, 2015 at 1:40 am

Core i7″ 2.0 15″ Late 2013 (IG) Specs (Retina Late 2013 15″, ME293LL/A, MacBookPro11,2, A1398

For me it was option 4 that worked.

I must say, after a weekend of camping, coming home and totally crashing in the bed and waking up 12 hours later at 4 a.m. to this black screen of death was not my ideal way of either finishing off the camping trip (did I get water on it?) or starting my Monday (I have to do my work).

The most fear for me was I was exactly three weeks over my 1 year Apple warranty, but I do have a SquareTrade policy; I just didn’t want to have to use it, of course. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

michael says: June 29, 2015 at 11:49 am

option 3 worked but I had to do it twice before it worked.

Thanks a lot ! :)

Rich says: July 1, 2015 at 8:18 pm

The Third option worked for me! Thanks!

Craig says: July 2, 2015 at 6:30 am

Tried the first two without luck, but the third did the trick!! Thanks for the help.

Ravi says: July 3, 2015 at 11:15 pm

Thanks a lot!!!, the provided solution worked well for my MAC and now MAC is working fine without any Black screen issues.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Stephan says: July 3, 2015 at 11:20 pm

PRAM reset worked for me on a MacBook Pro with OSX 10 after it crashed into a black screen. Thanks!

Kelvin says: July 4, 2015 at 6:34 am

The third one work for me! Thank you so much!!

Deb says: July 5, 2015 at 3:21 pm

Third option worked. Thank you so much! You save me a two hour trip to an authorized dealer

Don E says: July 6, 2015 at 4:47 pm

This is what worked for me.

I had the same issue with my 2008 iMac and Apple support walked me through the fix yesterday…

1. Shut the computer down by holding the power button for 10 seconds open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com 2. Restart the computer and press shift at the same time until you see the progress bar start moving 3. Once you reach the point where your screen goes dark and you see the cursor, type the first letter of the username for your computer, then hit Enter, then type your password, then hit Enter. 4. After a moment, you should see the spinning beach ball 5. Your screen should then move on to something along the lines of “Completing OSX Installation” (I can’t remember the exact wording). Let it finish. After that it should go to your normal desktop and the issue should be fixed. (If your screen goes pitch black during this process, hit the space bar. I thought it wasn’t working, but the screen was just sleeping).

Apparently it’s an issue with an automatic update that never quite got past the login screen.

From https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5994694

Mike says: July 7, 2015 at 1:25 am

None of the solutions worked. Just had my mac book pro fry itself less than 2 months ago, had the flashing “?” In a folder appear, had it repaired, now this. Not good enough, complete waste of my time. Heard good things about Apple so I bought one but will never again after all this rubbish. Cheap laptop that looks good open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Ahmed says: July 7, 2015 at 1:54 pm

Nothing worked for me….pls suggest what shall I do :-(

Saji says: July 7, 2015 at 3:58 pm

Thanks.. The third option worked for me.. Cheers !!

KeithC says: July 8, 2015 at 5:26 am

No one is asking this question!

Why is Apple not fixing this problem? (they want to sell you a new one!)

Justin says: July 8, 2015 at 2:05 pm

The Pram option just worked for me too!!! Thanks so much!!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Preethi says: July 8, 2015 at 8:18 pm

Thank you so much for this post… I had the same issue with my MacBook Pro running OSX 10.10.4. I tried your sequence of steps 1, 2, 3 and then again 1, when my Mac finally booted up with display!! Thank you!!

J says: July 10, 2015 at 1:26 am

OMG. 3 one worked for me. Sorta. In a diff sequence. I shut my mac down. I was pressing the keyboard sequence and then pressed the power button. Worked amazeballs. The chime came and then the screen went completely black (looked like it was turned off) and then a louder chime followed with apple logo then the log on page. :D

Ryan says: July 12, 2015 at 9:54 pm

So much love for this forum. Option+command+P+R in that order worked for me.

Jon says: July 14, 2015 at 1:59 am

Tried the first two options and was beginning to lose hope but the third one worked a open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com treat….thank you so much.

Jon says: July 14, 2015 at 2:21 am

And to add to my previous post, my MacBook Pro (2014) now boots up so much quicker than before…..absolute result!

ed says: July 14, 2015 at 2:44 pm

The third solution worked for me, PRAM reset! Thank you! I’ve had this black screen issue for a few months and now my MacBook is booting up fast like new!

Jayden says: July 15, 2015 at 8:12 am

OKAY. WE GET IT. THE PRAM METHOD WORKED FOR ALMOST ALL OF YOU. GREAT. I’M VERY HAPPY FOR YOU ALL.

Can people PLEASE stop posting about it, now? Some of us have much more pressing issues that are causing the same problem and those of us that do are obviously unable to fix it using the same method. I’ve been on the hunt for a fix for literally weeks now and tonight I’ve had to spend over an hour scrolling open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com through all of the comments praising the PRAM method.

Good gosh. Post something new or don’t post at all, please. We get it. Congratulations, you fixed your computer but those of us that can’t don’t want to read literally hundreds of duplicate comments.

James says: July 15, 2015 at 5:58 pm

I never had this issue with my Macbook Pro 8GB that I bought September 2013. My first Macbook after running from Windows 8. I bought my wife the same Macbook Pro 8GB in December 2014. 7 months and it happened to her 2 times, today was the 2nd time. She is not technical, so I have to handle it. Had to use Google to find this webpage, again. Both times it was the PRAM reset that resolved the issue. It would be nice to know exactly what causes this issue.

Jeri says: July 16, 2015 at 2:25 pm

Thank you, the PRAM do save me :)

Bb says: July 16, 2015 at 9:49 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The scm reset worked for me, BUT IT TOOK longer than I thought it would. I was on my phone searching for the next thing to try when the apple icon screen popped up. So be patient!

Tp says: July 20, 2015 at 10:19 am

Well I tried all three and got nothing! Everything did work to knowledge as for the resetting but could not get the black screen go away. I did manage to fix the problem and I wanted to add one more thing to the list, the password reset at the login screen after reboot, hard shut down and press the power button twice it takes you to a safe reset that allows you to turn the file vault off because you haven’t forgotten your password but your keyboard would let you type (my keyboard worked just fine but willing to try anything) typed the password and it turned file vault off and restart, back to reboot screen and no black screen… go back turn filevault back on and everything is back to normal.. really weird 1st time ever havin this issue but I wanted to share just in case those three do not work to get the screen back!!! Thanks guys!

J says: August 10, 2015 at 8:58 pm

This worked for as well, thanks a bunch for posting this!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com dauglish says: July 23, 2015 at 7:18 am

my macbook pro is not displayin after trying to reset it

Dimitri says: July 23, 2015 at 3:44 pm

thank you, reset pram worked very good!!

Elton says: July 24, 2015 at 6:53 am

Thank you!! I love you!!! =P Reset pram was the solution for me.

JDG says: July 26, 2015 at 12:07 pm

PRAM reset worked for me. Not sure about this, but am suspicious. The problem happened when I ran the battery down the first time after I installed VMFusion ware and Windows 8 on my MBA 6,2.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Max says: July 26, 2015 at 5:36 pm

PRAM Reset did the trick. Late 2013 Macbook Pro

Dave Young says: July 26, 2015 at 6:51 pm

Thank you very much! I was pulling my hair out until I found this! I work on both Macbooks and PC laptops and this was the first problem I’ve ever encountered on the Mac and I was about ready to profane at Steve Jobs… The second, “Try a Keypress Sequence to Ditch the Black Screen” worked for me, but I did try the PRAM reset first seeing the comments.

:says ﺳﻠﯿﻤﺎن July 27, 2015 at 10:45 pm

ty man its work for me 2

dimitris says: July 28, 2015 at 8:35 am

pram macbook pro mid 2015 thanx open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Jmh says: July 29, 2015 at 8:37 pm

The 3rd option worked!!! Thanks!!!

Ali says: July 31, 2015 at 1:40 pm

The third time I tried option 3 it worked! Make sure to try each step again if they don’t work the first time.

tkomroi says: August 3, 2015 at 12:29 pm

PRAM worked for me. Macbook Air

g says: August 5, 2015 at 8:41 pm

Since none of the above suggestions fixed the black screen for me, I thought I’d share what did. With the help of Apple Support, restarted in Safe Mode (hold Shift key while starting up until Apple icon appears). This starts your computer without 3rd party startup items. We then went into library folder and removed some items open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

g says: August 5, 2015 at 8:44 pm

… items from startup items folder. Also removed items from root library startup items, and user startup items. Basically a bunch of third party software extras. Then we restarted normally and everything was back to normal. Thanks to person above who suggested contacting Apple support. There was no charge either!

Abdullah says: August 9, 2015 at 6:53 am

I tried the first soultion, it worked. However, after around 20 seconds it went black again. i tried the second solution this time and the same thing happened again, after few moments the screen shutdown again . What should I do now?

Jason See says: August 10, 2015 at 5:49 am

Just like to say a very Big thank you for the help that I saw on the blank screen for MacBook Air it did the trick with pressing the shift control command power button it now works Thank very much Jason see open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Ugen says: August 11, 2015 at 4:49 am

I tried all three solutions and brightness as well but none worked for me. Kindly help me if anyone has got other solutions. Thanks.

Chris says: August 12, 2015 at 2:01 pm

I was able to solve my boot-to-black problem, but only by deviating from your instructions. Pressing the reset-SMC key combo before booting, as per your instructions, did not work. Pressing the same key combo when the computer was already on, but with black screen, worked.

Thanks for your post nonetheless: it helped get me on track.

Pree says: August 13, 2015 at 9:23 am

PRAM Reset Did the trick !!!!! Had to repeat this process a few times before I could see MacBook’s screen back up during boot. YOu have to be Patient before you can actually see the bootscreen for Mac to load back normally !!! Cheers

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Nan says: August 15, 2015 at 11:12 am

The PRAM reset worked for me. My MacBook started normally for a few days and again had a black screen start up. The PrAM reset worked again. Do you think I should take it in to have it checked out? Aaagggghhhhhh my life!

Joel says: August 16, 2015 at 3:54 pm

Found another fix.

I tried all the tricks in the article, didn’t work. All they did was make the keyboard lights not work anymore.

Then I turned the computer on (wait for the chord) and plugged in an external monitor, and just like that everything is fixed! Yaaaay! That is, until next time I suppose…

Jim says: August 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm

PRAM option did the trick. Thanks

Assile says: August 18, 2015 at 5:09 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com OMG!! Thank you so much, i like just bought my Mac 2 months ago and I was scared it was damaged. The PRAM option worked out for me.

William Ivanski says: August 18, 2015 at 7:26 am

My boss’ Macbook Air was booting a black screen, and PRAM Reset solved! Thank you.

Tasos says: August 18, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Hi guys

Suddenly I have faced the problem in my Macbook Pro Retina 15”, OS X Yosemite.

I used the PRAM reset, with the following way:

having the laptop shut down (I did a hard shutdown), then keep pressed simultaneously Option + Command + P + R, then pressed the Power On button.

Logon screen came up and everything seems to be OK, so far; I cannot understand why this issue came up!

Thanks open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com –Tasos

Ian says: August 18, 2015 at 7:14 pm

macbook air 2015. PRAM = LIFESAVER. Nervous moments. Thank you.

RelievedMedStudent says: August 18, 2015 at 9:15 pm

Thank you! The PRAM reset worked! (MacBook Pro, Retina, 15in, Mid 2015 OS X Yosemite).

I’ve only used the MacBook for about two weeks of school. It seems placing it in my backpack and allowing it to heat was the catalyst for this issue (I’m studying enzyme kinetics right now and couldn’t resist the pun). The PRAM reset worked on the third attempt.

angel says: August 19, 2015 at 6:34 am

Option 3 was amazing. Thanks!!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Luke says: August 20, 2015 at 10:34 am

The PRAM trick worked for my pro retina although the startup chime didn’t sound again as described, it just booted to the Mac utilities. My mac stated up fine after that.

Fredrik Hed says: August 20, 2015 at 12:12 pm

YES! Option three worked for me as well. Thanks :-)

Michael says: August 20, 2015 at 1:24 pm

Thank you. I’m far away in Africa. Was thinking of how to DHL my mac back to apple in Chicago and i came across your post. The PRAM worked for me. You saved me a whole great deal. God bless you so much.

Catherine says: August 20, 2015 at 5:36 pm

This happened to me out of the blue, my computer had been connected to power and shut/asleep for days. The first option worked, but it took a while for the screen to light up, since I heard it thinking I gave it time while I read the next options. Then it came on! But when it did, it was at a password reset promot. I had no options but to give it a reason I open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com needed to reset my password. I hit the back arrow and it froze. I rebooted and the screen took a while on black so I googled thr password reset prompt and read about a backlight issue, where you can see that the screen has content if you shine a light through thr Apple logo. It said at the password prompt to move mouse to top of screen to get the menu and pick restart. Then, shine the light through the back to pick thr user to log in as and type the password. Did so, my account needed an update so it loaded a while, then I was back in business. What a weird combo of problems. I assume all related, but still perplexing!

Victoria Z says: August 20, 2015 at 8:16 pm

Yay thank you!!!!!! The first 2 ways did nothing for me…the PRAM reset finally worked! I have a MacBook Air :) randomly it turned on to a black screen, but the pram reset got it back to normal!

J Tolson says: August 23, 2015 at 7:09 pm

I was freaking out when I turned my Mac on and had a black screen as I had a document for a client I need to send out tonight. I went through all the recommendations and the PRAM worked. Thank God!

Lavalier says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com August 24, 2015 at 10:40 am

Thank you!! The SMC reboot worked like a charm! Whew!

Neblas says: August 24, 2015 at 4:15 pm

PRAM solution was sleek and fast, thank you

Rach says: August 26, 2015 at 8:26 pm

The first option worked for me! Yea!! Thank you so much! I was freaked out! I have an older MacBook Pro, 2009 and as soon as I did this it booted right up! I’m on vacation and really needed my computer!

Mike says: August 28, 2015 at 8:29 am

I plugged my MacBook into a projector. The image showed up on both screens then I unplugged the projector and now it works great.

Eric Butler says: August 29, 2015 at 12:52 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Cmd+option+p+r worked Macbook pro 11,2 Yosemite

symer says: August 30, 2015 at 8:21 am

Works perfectly!thank you so much!

Michael says: August 30, 2015 at 10:50 am

Thank you sooooo much! The PRAM reset worked. I have a lot of scripts and projects on my mac. You are a life saver!

Paul says: August 30, 2015 at 10:52 am

Glad to hear you have your Mac working fine again, the black screen on boot can be pretty frightening until it gets sorted out.

About your files and projects; It’s always a good idea to complete full and regular back ups of your Mac if you don’t already do so, setting up Time Machine is an easy solution bundled with OS X, you just need an external drive to select as the backup destination, you can find more details here: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com http://osxdaily.com/2015/07/12/set-up-time-machine-backups-mac-os-x/

Michael says: August 30, 2015 at 11:56 am

I have an asus router that you can plug an external hard drive into and use time machine.

Thanks!

SCooper says: August 31, 2015 at 10:31 am

Nothing worked. Even multiple attempts at PRAM reset, starting in recovery mode, above tips. I couldn’t see anything, but just entered my sign in password as if I could. Several moments went by. Then it woke up, screen and everything! Weird.

Morten says: August 31, 2015 at 3:23 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com PRAM worked. Thank you so much. Have to be precise and very quick on the fingers to make it work. Thx again M

Johanna says: August 31, 2015 at 8:03 pm

Óption 3!! Thun you!!!!!

deb says: September 1, 2015 at 12:08 pm

PRAM reset worked on late 2010 Air running Mavericks, BUT ONLY after I did another hard reset with the power button. (I was beginning to panic when none of the options had appeared to work.) Agree with the others that you have to be precise–hit all 4 buttons at the same time as soon as you hear the reboot sound. THANK YOU!

John says: September 2, 2015 at 11:26 am

Suddenly, without warning my screen went black. I rebooted and was presented with the same issue only every fine I rebooted it went black and then rebooted itself / maddening / tried all the options, the servings and rid PRAM rest finally did the trick, took 3/4 tried / open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com thanks for the solution, I was thinking I was screwed.

John says: September 2, 2015 at 11:28 am

For the record, new iTunes recently installed. After the above fix, Aux monitor went black, macboMA stayed on, forced quit iTunes and everything returned to normal – just saying

Joanne says: September 2, 2015 at 5:45 pm

I’m not sure what single thing or combination of things I did worked but I finally got it working. My problem began when my battery ran out. I plugged it in and rebooted to a black screen. I tried the three suggestions above several times and when it seemed like it was working, I kept getting the password reset window. After I reset the password I had to restart (not other option it seems) which then brought me back to the black screen, trying one of the tips, then reset password and repeat. Out of desperation, I selected an option (in the password reset) that my keyboard wasn’t working. The next screen asked me to disable the FileVault. I did then it restarted and voila! I don’t know how, what, nor why but something seems to have worked. Maybe someone can clue me in. :)

Jhp2 says: September 3, 2015 at 6:41 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Third option worked. Thank you.

Ayman says: September 4, 2015 at 3:24 pm

PRAM reset worked for me.. thanks

Bob Swift says: September 6, 2015 at 6:43 pm

I did not read all the comments. However I tried a number of procedures to no avail.

But starting with the “r” key depressed led to a “hardware test” and thence to a solution. This has worked for me before, as well, and I’m puzzled that it doesn’t appear in sources such as David Pogue’s $25 “MissingManual.”

Good luck all!

Kirk says: November 16, 2015 at 7:38 pm

I tried everything. Was getting a black screen (nothing with flashlight…dead dead dead screen) with no lid light when shut. I depressed the “r” during startup, got a white screen with apple logo (first sign of life after trying all of the above). It must’ve done the diagnostic, re-started and then I got the dead black screen again. I kept open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com restarting and depressing the “r” key and after about the third or fourth iteration, finally got a desktop screen. Hopefully it is more than a temporary thing. Thanks a bunch!!

Julie says: September 6, 2015 at 7:24 pm

Tried everything…finally came across your article and the PRAM reset worked! My wallet and I thank you so much!

S. Journer says: September 7, 2015 at 5:37 am

Only the last one, the PRAM reset worked. It happened, btw, after I had been using it with HDMI. Don’t know if any connection, but while watching movies on TV I would dim the screen to black. But it stayed black this time. Now fine! Thank you so much!!! Magic!

Xavier says: September 8, 2015 at 12:46 am

PRAM reset helped ! Thanks !

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mansur says: September 8, 2015 at 9:41 am

Thanks. The PRAM reset worket for me. Thanks a ton again.

Eb says: September 10, 2015 at 12:35 am

This should not happen on a machine that costs so much. :( The 3rd option solved it for me.

Vicki says: September 10, 2015 at 6:37 am

The PRAM reset worked for my MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014). Thank you!

Amarnath says: September 12, 2015 at 10:32 am

The PRAM reset worked for me thanks buddy …..as its my office lappy

The X says: September 15, 2015 at 11:31 pm

The PRAM reset worked for me! Thank you so much! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

naveed khan says: September 16, 2015 at 12:15 am

PRAM worked for me

Za softcodes says: September 17, 2015 at 10:19 am

Tried all three but didn’t work Then I forced the Mac off and unplug the power source . then plugged the source back and tried the first step And thanks to GOD it worked

Rupendar says: September 19, 2015 at 11:18 pm

Thank you its works… only the last trick 3rd one thank a lot

Toan says: September 20, 2015 at 9:33 pm

Thank you so much!!! third step PRAM works for me but I get to precisely hold the keys (tried for a couple of times though).

Black screen issue I believe it was caused by out of battery. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks again!

Jay says: September 21, 2015 at 7:31 am

Third option did the trick for me. Thanks

Leo Puertollano says: September 24, 2015 at 8:35 am

Thanks! it worked!

Hando says: September 25, 2015 at 8:03 pm

The last option worked for me. Thanks

Kevin says: September 26, 2015 at 2:55 am

Option three worked for me. Thanks guys MacBook Pro 15 inch retina late 2013

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Niels Beijer says: September 27, 2015 at 8:45 am

Almost everytime I shut down my MBP, I need to do the SMC-reset before I can boot. I replaced the harddrive and the battery, I tried the PRAM reset, still this keeps on occurring. Any ideas?

Dylan says: September 30, 2015 at 9:45 pm

The last option worked for me!!!

Noman says: October 1, 2015 at 1:13 am

I tried all three solutions but none of them worked for me….

prabhakaran says: November 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm

Hi, I have the same issue. None of the above said methods worked. Hope you have resolved it. If so could you pls tell me how to beak this black screen curse?

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com prabhakaran says: November 4, 2015 at 10:24 pm

FINALLLYYYY!!!!! It worked. I tried the first and the third method. I dont know which one worked. Fingers crossed i dont run into the Black Screen Curse again!!!!

Rebecca says: October 1, 2015 at 8:36 pm

The PRAM reset worked! Thanks! Can anyone tell me what I did to cause my Mac Air to not turn on and need a PRAM reset?

Julie says: October 2, 2015 at 1:17 pm

I tried all 3, the PRAM worked but then after I logged in it all went black again and keeps doing it Anyone any ideas?

Josh Soliman says: October 2, 2015 at 2:52 pm

lol really Mac never ceases to amaze me

Lauren says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com October 3, 2015 at 3:07 pm

This happened after I tried to download the new OS X El Capitan. PRAM was the only thing that worked for me.

Paulette says: October 4, 2015 at 7:47 am

THANK YOU ! Talk about panic.. The third option worked for me

Charles Grimes says: October 5, 2015 at 9:09 am

PRAM reset is what finally did the trick

Hannah Wood says: October 6, 2015 at 8:20 am

I am using a Macbook Pro OS X 10.7.5 from 2011.

I tried all of the options and then tried it all again and all sounded positive on the third option until nothing else happened!

Then I attached it to an external screen and tried it all again, still nothing. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Was getting very scared and then sent the laptop to sleep and then force restart (had to guess because obviously the screen was all black) and then it worked!!! Seriously after 30 mins I was so panicked.

Sleep –> Force Restart –> Fingers crossed it works as normal.

james says: October 7, 2015 at 4:47 am

It worked. I tried all three buh i think its the third one that worked.

Jenn says: October 7, 2015 at 12:31 pm

THANK YOU PRAM!!! thank you so much!

Ken says: October 8, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Well the Command+Option+R+P worked for me but only if I held those keys while rebooting.

Des Richmond says: October 12, 2015 at 2:21 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com MAc air 2011 11″. Mac was booting but just a grey screen displayed. Went through all your steps and the last one fixed it. PRAM reset. Life saver! Thanks so much.

Shamssa says: October 12, 2015 at 4:40 am

The first option worked for me after having water damage in my mac book air , I tipped it upside down and let it dry for about 5 days , turned it back on and my screen was blank bt the power up sound chimed. I tried option 1 and I can’t thank you enough, my MacBook is alive!!!

Jhon Huamanchumo says: October 12, 2015 at 4:21 pm

The PRAM reset worked! anyone knows why this issue happen?

Mzonerz says: October 13, 2015 at 10:28 am

3 red option worked on MacBook Pro 2014 OS X Yosemite,thanks all

Karthik says: October 15, 2015 at 11:08 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks a million! PRAM worked like a charm

Dave says: October 16, 2015 at 7:14 am

Number three worked for me as well. Thanks for the tips!

vee says: October 17, 2015 at 8:54 am

yay! omg thank you thank you. the PRAM option worked. the first time i tried that option i dont think i was quick enough to the chime but the second one worked perfectly. had to hold for a little over 10 seconds though. i have a 2014 macbook air 11. thank you so much

Dileep says: October 17, 2015 at 10:41 am

Thank you very much.. it worked big time and thanks for saving before I hit the panic button… great going

Mosab says: October 19, 2015 at 8:29 am

Thanks PRAM worked with me open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

sherrlock says: October 20, 2015 at 3:37 pm

Tried everything on my 2011 macbook pro, but nothing worked until I followed the suggestion to hold down the Shift key on the reboot. This finally brought up a login screen in Safe mode. I logged in twice to reach an OS update screen. After updating, the macbook works again!

Niclas says: October 21, 2015 at 1:23 am

PRAM reset fixes this for me. This issue appear to happen every six months or so.

Lyn says: October 21, 2015 at 8:29 pm

I used the final option and my computer rebooted with a normal screen. Thank you

Cara says: October 23, 2015 at 5:28 pm

Thank you so much!! I was really worried for a second. I tried all your options and it is working properly again now. Though, I’m not sure what one did the trick. Anyway open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com thankyou!!

craig says: October 24, 2015 at 12:04 pm

PRAM Reset tip worked perfectly. Can’t thank you enough. Saved me a trip to the Apple Genius Bar!

Ali says: October 26, 2015 at 12:02 am

PRAM worked with me.. Thank you so much

Venina says: October 26, 2015 at 7:25 pm

Thanks God worked! Tried all three and the pram was the one that fixed!! Thanks!

Craig says: October 27, 2015 at 4:29 pm

Great article. My MacBook Air (early 2014 model) locked up after trying to install El Capitan. It would turn on, chime, then the screen would go grey. That’s as far as it would boot. Nothing worked until I tried the tip about holding down control-command-p-r. worked open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com like a charm. Thank you!

Tauqeer says: October 28, 2015 at 2:30 am

PRAM reset worked. Thanks. I have a Mac Book Pro. The black screen occurred on update to OS X El Capitan.

jack says: October 28, 2015 at 4:41 am

none of the options have worked for me, Help!!

jack says: October 28, 2015 at 4:42 am

none of the options have worked for me, Help

moon says: October 28, 2015 at 3:48 pm

thanks, it does work :]

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Christine says: October 28, 2015 at 10:02 pm

Thanks for this! The final solution, the PRAM, worked for me! So relieved :-)

Murat says: November 1, 2015 at 2:10 am

My screen was black and i didnt hear anything, just the apple sign was showing me that i had a power supply!

The third step helped to solve the problem! Thank u guys ;)

Salman says: November 1, 2015 at 2:50 am

i m trying to install mac os 10.10 yosemite on my windows pc.. i have downloaded the os and transferred to my flash drive using transmac but when i m booting my system for installation the screen is going black..pleasse help me

jenicrob says: November 1, 2015 at 8:35 pm

I had this issue after turning the display brightness all the way off earlier in the day. Spent an hour panicking & reading various forums trying to figure out what was wrong & how to get the computer back on before I stumbled on this one. PRAM reset didn’t help, until I open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com unplugged from an external power source. Then it did the trick. Who’da thought. Thank you, Marten Otten, for mentioning that in your comment!!!!

Michael Chung says: November 2, 2015 at 8:12 am

Thanks just thanks,took the 3rd option that you advised to sort out my Mac air,after the first 2 failed I thaught was gonna be an expensive apple fix,once again thank

Michael Chung says: November 2, 2015 at 8:13 am

Btw my fault happend after downloading an update

Julie Neal says: November 2, 2015 at 6:43 pm

Same here. Updated to OS X El Capitan and on reboot I got the blank screen. PRAM reset worked for me.

Elizabeth t says: November 2, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Thank you. PRAM reset worked for me. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Judy says: November 2, 2015 at 4:33 pm

Nothing has worked! But thanks for the help. Mysteriously when I try to Boot up, the computer cuts on, automatically cuts off, then automatically cuts itself back on to a Black screen with no sound that anything is happening in back ground.

Charlotte says: November 4, 2015 at 8:28 am

3rd option (PRAM) worked.

Ben Gurrola says: November 4, 2015 at 6:38 pm

Option #2: The key press sequence worked for me! Thanks!

Anastasia says: November 4, 2015 at 10:06 pm

Guys, thank you so much, third option worked!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mary says: November 5, 2015 at 2:18 am

This happened to me out of the blue. Option 3 : PRAM reset worked for me. Thank you so much!

Zoe says: November 7, 2015 at 9:21 pm

I had to reset my PRAM twice before it worked, as did another person who had the same problem.

Edith says: November 9, 2015 at 3:06 pm

None of these worked for me until I saw a similar solution on another forum. Do step 1, then immediately boot using step 3. Worked like a charm, and I was really surprised because they didn’t work for me separately!

Carl says: November 11, 2015 at 7:39 am

PRAM reset worked perfectly, thanks a lot!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Chris says: November 11, 2015 at 1:11 pm

SMC reset worked for me on second try. Made no difference the first time around, so I went to method 2 and 3 without success. Then I tried method 1 again and all is well. Thanks!

Steve says: November 11, 2015 at 9:18 pm

Saved by the pram! Thank you !

Rizwanul Hoda says: November 13, 2015 at 5:26 am

I try to all steps but the third one is work, its very helpful for us..I reset the PRAM then i got my screen back…..

moahmed says: November 13, 2015 at 2:27 pm

ok look i done the boot camp thing and it required restart and then it just went black issues (I Have A TV Toshiba as Monitor , a wireless Microsoft keyboard ) So I Think I Am really >>> :3 !!!!! Any Help open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Barbra says: November 13, 2015 at 5:37 pm

The pram reset worked for me. Thanks for the tips

Moniphia says: November 13, 2015 at 10:26 pm

PRAM RESET totally work, but you have to be VERY precise when holding down the keys….thank you so much!

Connie says: November 14, 2015 at 2:59 pm

Pram worked mac book pro 2015

Debirah says: November 20, 2015 at 11:22 am

Brilliant – tried loads of tricks but the PRAM one worked first time- many thanks!! This was my first problem ever on a fairly new MacBook Air – am so relieved!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mike Miller says: November 21, 2015 at 9:32 am

MaxBook Pro

PRAM

Thank you!!!

Mohammad Ryalat says: November 21, 2015 at 10:55 am

Thank you. You saved me.

MacBook Air. PRAM reset fixed it.

Marcelo Pulido says: November 22, 2015 at 7:13 am

The last one worked! Uff… Tks a lot!!

Jeff says: November 23, 2015 at 4:36 am

PRAM reset worked for me.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks for the tip

Sergio says: November 27, 2015 at 1:12 pm

Hello. We have a problem with Office 14.2.5 on a MacBook Pro running El Capitan. My question is: can we repair the instalation on this product? the problem started about a week ago when it’s user reported Outlook 2011 crashing but we tryed reconstructing the database to no effect. All the folders are there but we can’t get Outlook to work again. Any help will be appreciated very much.

Anon says: November 27, 2015 at 3:27 pm

The PRAM reset worked for me. The other two methods had no response.

Lancelot says: November 30, 2015 at 7:32 am

Option/Comd P R worked for me this time but before I had to have the screen replaced. What is the actual reason for having to do this reset in the first place other than the obvious that it is dark. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Vicky says: November 30, 2015 at 11:14 am

After a few hours my Mac turned on normally…. PRAM reset method worked for me…. Thank you so much man.

Morgan says: November 30, 2015 at 9:44 pm

The PRAM option worked for me thank you so much!!!

Brandy says: December 2, 2015 at 6:34 am

Thanks so much! After trying the first two options with no results, the PRAM reset worked like a charm! My blood pressure can go back to normal now!

Osita says: December 2, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Thank you.. I tried the first two options 3 times each and they did not work.This was after i had tried an external monitor as well as the brightness key. The third method worked the second time. Please edit the description and specify that the keys must be pressed open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com IMMEDIATELY the system makes the boot sound otherwoise it may seem not to work.

Rob Jolly says: December 5, 2015 at 3:37 am

Thank God for this post the 3rd option works. Life saver as I had a presentation today, with 5 mins to spare my screens back. Option 3 worked brilliantly the others did nothing unfortunately.

Steven says: December 5, 2015 at 8:29 am

The PRAM was the ticket. Had to do it a few times. Saved my life….

Ade says: December 6, 2015 at 10:13 am

PRAM worked for me on my new macbook pro 15 2015 model, thanks a million for posting.

Brooke says: December 6, 2015 at 1:33 pm

my MacBook is only 4mths old and only the PRAM reset worked for me. I had to try it open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com twice though. Thank you!!!!

Lupe says: December 6, 2015 at 6:55 pm

Thank you so much the PRAM solution helped. I already had a appointment at Apple. I will be cancelling it right now. So happy:)

Breezy says: December 6, 2015 at 8:40 pm

PRAM did not for me (Macbook Pro Retina display). I finally connect my Macbook Pro to my TV via the HDMI and this display began working.

Laura says: December 7, 2015 at 12:42 pm

The first option worked for me! Thanks so much I’m so happy this worked!! Very helpful

Lawrence says: December 9, 2015 at 3:25 pm

I had this problem and tried everything here… it did not boot. I picked up the machine and sort of patted down the back, to try to seat any loose chips or connectors. It started up open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com fine.

I think the problem was either a loose connector, or possibly since the macbook was near the window it may have been too cold until I picked it up, then it warmed up and started again. If you have the problem, try hugging your mac.

Glad I didn’t throw it away.

Gilles says: March 7, 2016 at 3:36 am

Unexpectedly, this one worked for me. I tried the 3 solutions above for hours (I do not give up easily). Then I read this post and applied the same process. I patted the back of my mac book pro, squeezed it lightly, and pressed the power on. Seems to work now :-)

Aaron says: December 11, 2015 at 7:12 am

Number three pram reset worked. Thank goodness. I had the same issue a couple months ago and had t replace the logic board.

Kim says: December 11, 2015 at 4:37 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com PRAM worked! MacBook Pro 2014

Looking at the comments, this seems to have the most success- why not make this the first option?

Susanna says: December 12, 2015 at 2:26 pm

3rd solution worked for me. Thanks

Carolyn says: December 13, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Thanks for the help! The PRAM reboot did the trick on my 3013 MacBook Pro iOS 10.10.5

wow says: December 13, 2015 at 2:28 pm

3013 MacBook Pro? Amazing, what’s it like living a thousand years in the future? Pretty cool that Apple is still making MacBook Pro that far in the future! Amazing! Even cooler the PRAM reset trick fixed the future MBP!!! Wow!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Andres says: December 13, 2015 at 2:31 pm

PRAM reset worked after trying it all.

Krystof says: December 17, 2015 at 11:50 am

PRAM finally worked for me. Is it not a bit troubling that there are so many people with this issue?!

Rod says: December 18, 2015 at 2:21 am

Perennial problem with Mac Book Pro retina running Yosemite 10.10.5 I try never to turn the computer off as I get a black screen on start up. Tried using PRAM and SMC – still black screen. Best solution after reboot with PRAM or SMC and on encountering a black screen is to close the lid down and make yourself a tea or coffee. When you come back an open the lid the login screen is visible – mostly. Coffee tends to work better than tea.

Julien says: December 19, 2015 at 5:56 am

Thanks so much for the tips. Holding control+option+shift+power brought my Mac back to open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com life.

Edwon Janobi says: December 19, 2015 at 8:41 am

WOOH!

Tried all 3… first 2 didn’t work at all and then the 3rd tip did the trick! Thanks!

jay says: December 21, 2015 at 6:16 pm

PR reset worked!

thank jesus! and this website!

dale says: December 22, 2015 at 6:19 am

The pram reset worked on my macbook pro. I don’t know which model year it is but it’s running an Intel i5 with boot camp and windows 10 64bit. Thank God I found this post on my smart phone!!!!! Great info guys! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Charlotte says: December 22, 2015 at 10:34 am

The last one worked for me I have a MacBook Air. Thanks

Denise G. says: December 23, 2015 at 3:37 am

The PRAM worked for me. Then it prompted for some password reset screen, clicked on the option for the keyboard not working, and then it allowed me to reset my password and unlock ‘filevault’. Reset the computer and everything is back to normal.

Britt Sumida says: December 25, 2015 at 2:37 pm

THANK YOU soooo much!! 3rd option worked for me!! Was in a panic because nothing else was working!!

Tricia Moore says: December 26, 2015 at 2:57 pm

THANK You- all panic ensued after allowing my 8 year old on my Mac- I totally thought she dropped it and that is why the black screen- you saved us today with this great open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com knowledge- thanks for publishing this freely!

Tricia Moore says: December 26, 2015 at 2:58 pm

Oh and it was the 3rd option for us- after a sinking heart twice before!

Kristin says: December 27, 2015 at 8:04 am

The third option worked for me and I was so excited to think I’d fixed the problem…until this morning when I had the black screen all over again. I repeated the third option and it worked again, but am worried this is going to become the norm. Anyone else with a similar situation? Suggestions for a more permanent fix?

Ron says: December 28, 2015 at 1:15 am

Tnx for the post the third option do the work for me : ” A PRAM Reset to Resolve the Black Boot Display”

Michelle says: December 30, 2015 at 3:04 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com The PRAM restart worked for me only after having removed the power cable. (MacBook Pro Retina 2014 OS X) Thanks!

Brandon says: December 30, 2015 at 10:29 am

These tips didn’t work for me. I did two things at the same time, so I’m not sure which did the trick…

1. Booted into safe mode by holding shift after pressing the power button (I’m not sure if this ever made it to desktop)

2. Booted and held option down. This brought up the boot picker and finally brought some light to the dormant screen. Phew!

Katherine says: December 31, 2015 at 12:13 pm

I had this issue come up today on a used MacbookPro 15″ (2012) that’s been working well for me. I first tried the SMC reset, without result. I then tried the Keypress Sequence, and the screen came on but with the black-flash problem, so I repeated it, and voila, problem fixed! Thanks a million.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Jeff says: January 2, 2016 at 10:28 pm

Third option worked the pram worked first time trying it thanks so much. The wife was freaking out good thing this worked.

Cesar C. says: January 4, 2016 at 4:03 am

I tried all options but the only one which worked for me was to leave my Mac on till’ it ran out of battery; since, apparently, the issue has to do with the way the machine manages power, everything works fine when you turn it on again when almost no battery is over

Herbi says: January 4, 2016 at 2:08 pm

PRAM worked for me too. Thank you very much!! Great article

Jessica says: January 6, 2016 at 8:56 am

I have a 2014 Macbook Pro and I tried all 3 options, but non of them seem to be working. Ive tried the PRAM reset, but it only makes the booting sound 3 times. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Nothing actually happens. Help!!!!!

R Carlsen says: January 7, 2016 at 8:14 pm

Early 2011 MB Pro Mavericks. Option 1 worked perfectly. Thank you

Roseline says: January 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm

My MacBook Pro booted to a black screen after upgrading to the El Captain operating system leaving me concerned. I went into the Internet to learn from those who have had similar experience, thankfully the PRAM reset option restored my MacBook to its normal booting screen.

Thanks for sharing these solutions.

Ada says: January 10, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Thank you so much!! PRAM is awesome and thank you for taking the time out to help others!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Sam says: January 11, 2016 at 2:05 pm

Thank you – PRAM Reset worked for us to fix the black screen.

jennifer says: January 12, 2016 at 8:58 am

AHHHH!!! THANK, YOU THANK, YOU THANK YOU!!!! PRAM reset worked. You are AWESOME This just made my whole month!

Effay says: January 14, 2016 at 12:14 pm

Like everyone is saying, the PRAM works like magic.

Logan says: January 16, 2016 at 8:48 pm

I have literally tried everything mentioned here. PRAM/NVRAM reset, SMC, shift on reboot, CMD+S and terminal input…you name it… STILL doing the same thing! I even restored the dang thing….NOTHING. I guess I’ll be on the phone with Apple tomorrow.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com João says: January 20, 2016 at 4:20 pm

PRAM reset solved it for me. Macbook Pro Late 2012 on El Capitan.

Vicki says: January 21, 2016 at 5:16 pm

The third solution worked like a charm! Thank you SO MUCH!

Piz says: January 22, 2016 at 8:24 am

Thank you so much ! That happened to me during exams time, you just saved my life ! (the first two didn’t work but the last one did)

Beren Erchamion says: January 23, 2016 at 7:44 am

PRAM worked for me. I have a MBP Retina 15″ Mid-2014 running OS-X 10.11.12 – 2.8 GHz processor

Ryzer says: January 27, 2016 at 4:35 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com My macbook pro 13inch retina (2 years old come march) has been playing up for last 6 months. Keep getting the screen going black, I have done all the above fixes (worked for a bit) other times it doesnt fix it all. if leave laptop for a few days go back to it it might work for hour sometime longer sometimes only 5 mins till screen goes black again.

It works fine when connect it to my tv via HDMI (screen still black on laptop) but can at least use it.

I think mine is more hardware focussed, so I be interested in finding out if anyone has actually had to get the screen replaced or taken to apple repair centre and had an idea around actual costings?

Am debating just buying a new one and keeping this as a spare (hook it up to a separate monitor) use as a steaming device instead.

Phil says: January 27, 2016 at 8:01 am

Had the black screen issue with my 18 month old MacBook Air. Tried all the suggested keyboard sequences unsuccessfully and was about to give up. Then tried the final suggested one which was the PRAM one….

1. Pressed on 2. As soon as I heard the chime I pressed command+alt+R+P

It then shut down automatically and restarted a couple of seconds later without any problem. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks for making me feel like a tech genius.

Brent says: January 27, 2016 at 10:54 pm

I have a mid-2010 macbook pro and I almost sold my computer as broken until I found this fix. I could hear the ding for booting, but no display. I even tried an external display and it didn’t work. It ended up being the PRAM reset that fixed the problem for me. However, it took some patience because the computer booted halfway before the screen came back on.

nick says: January 28, 2016 at 9:34 am

PRAM worked for me – key is to wait till it starts to boot then boom! it worked.

Thanks for everyones comments

MJ says: January 28, 2016 at 1:24 pm

The PRAM solution was the only one that worked for the MacBook Air which is little more than a year old. Thanks for the advice!

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Taz says: January 29, 2016 at 1:28 am

It worked- number 3. Took a couple of goes, I must have been a millisecond too slow a couple times. I had just done the update to the newest iOS and it must have played it up.

Very much appreciated.

John says: January 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm

The PRAM worked a treat thank you

taro says: February 3, 2016 at 12:35 pm

thank you! i’ve been turning on/off my mac the whole morning and the display just won’t show. the PRAM reset nailed it!! im so happy thank you!

M says: February 4, 2016 at 3:16 pm

None of these options worked for me and now when i connect to an external monitor the macbook wont boot. Wtf open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

ruby2122 says: February 5, 2016 at 2:50 pm

I have a MacBook pro and having tried and cried several combinations of short cut keys, stumbled across this website and the PRAM reset worked for me. You are life savers and uni dissertation savers having written 1300 words and I was going to give up and take it to Apple shop after four days of black screen!!!!

Mj says: February 6, 2016 at 6:48 pm

Third option worked for me thanks!!

andyg5 says: February 8, 2016 at 11:54 pm

After upgrading hard drive on 2012 rMBP problem appeared, pram reset worked a treat, thanks.

JohnNew says: February 10, 2016 at 11:38 am

Forced a shut-down with the power button as suggested and on restart it all came back. Apple error warning said failure to waken properly from sleep. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

JohnNew says: February 15, 2016 at 1:36 pm

Unfortunately it has come back. I think the system is not shutting down when the lid closes and this is something to do with low battery.

Varun gupta says: February 12, 2016 at 11:42 am

Thanks a lot guys. Third solution worked for me also.

Dan Hamer says: February 13, 2016 at 5:20 am

This worked a treat!! Used the PRAM method. Sorted it immediately. Cheers guys.

Teresa says: February 14, 2016 at 6:30 pm

PRAM reset worked – the other two didn’t. Thanks for the article!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Doug says: February 15, 2016 at 4:56 pm

My 2013 MBPR 15 screen goes blank when running imovie. After this I hard shut it down. Sometimes it will come back and others it boots to a blank screen.

Another oddity is the boot chime does not come on even when it boots properly.

I have tried resetting the SMC and PRAM and it seems to be more stable but Imovie always crashes it.

I also Ran AHT (extensive test) and found no hardware problems.

Any advice??

Ben says: February 17, 2016 at 3:44 am

Looking at all the comments on here this isn’t a rarity as the article states. I have tried everything and no success even tried apple support. Top of the range mid 2015Mac book Pro and its dead. Going back to the shop tomorrow hopefully this is an easy fix our I’m going to lose it.

Swabs says: February 18, 2016 at 8:46 am

PRAM worked for me on a MacBook Air, tried the first two solutions which you offered open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com they didn’t work. Thank you for the PRAM solution.

bob says: February 23, 2016 at 9:47 am

13 month old macbook pro retina display. Black screen but managed to get it working with PRAM reset for 2 days. Now black again and no amount of suggested solutions work. Apple support not at all helpful, suggesting graphics card needs replacing but not offering to do so. Not convinced and I still think it’s a software issue associated with the sleep function when the lid closes. Unfortunately can’t get into recovery or safe mode.

me says: February 24, 2016 at 10:29 am

@bob Haha, pretty funny, got the EXACT same error today… same MacBook Pro (14 months old), same behavior at booting up, same suspicion about the closed lid… It happened when I was 5 minutes away and my Mac was in Closed-Lid- Standby. Haven’t got it to work yet, but i would suggest connecting a external monitor to sort out a broken display. And try to boot into Target-Disk Mode to get your data from your drive (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201462). I’ll reply if i get it to work. LG me

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Matt says: February 24, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Finally the third option, resetting the PRAM, is what worked for me.

Thanks.

chris says: February 26, 2016 at 4:37 pm

I like Mac OS and Windows machines alike, find them to be so similar I could care less which operating system I’m using. Low-end windows machines are garbage. Macs and regular to high-end windows machines are great… but could we just stop pretending Mac’s “just work” already? The ridiculously careful wording to pretend that all these issues are extremely rare drives me nuts. In the first two paragraphs, the author mentions that it’s issues are rare THREE TIMES probably out of fear that an army of fan boys will start screaming ‘Macs just work!” at the author. You know what? They don’t. Mac OS gets viruses. Mac OS needs to be reinstalled. Mac OS crashes. Mac Apps crash. Macs get error 36 interacting with any non-mac computer. Macs need plist files remove to fix software issues. Macs need to be restarted to solve issues. Accept it! It’s ok. Computers are complicated. It would be a huge step forward for all Mac users as forums could stop being filled with fanboys demanding a problem doesn’t exist and instead would just focus on solving problems for the user.

Chris says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com February 28, 2016 at 4:23 pm

Did all 3… Still black. Then did step 2 and back to normal. Thank you

Katie Brugger says: March 1, 2016 at 9:27 am

I have a 2008 MacBook Pro (with removable battery) and the first step worked for me. Thanks!

Megan says: March 1, 2016 at 7:28 pm

Thanks so much for this post, the PRAM reset worked for me.

Fred says: March 2, 2016 at 1:15 pm

I went straight to the 2nd option because I was worried I wouldn’t do the first one correctly hehe and it worked!!!! Thank you so much I was about to cry because this happened to me a few months ago and I panicked and went to the apple store and payed around 600$ to get it fixed :(

Cori says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com March 4, 2016 at 3:56 am

Thanks a million this absolutely saved me! The third option took a 2 min but if your patient it will come back.

Annina says: March 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Last one worked!!!! Thanks so much. Such relief !

Sanyam says: March 6, 2016 at 10:03 am

Third option worked for me ☺ Thank you so much!

Julie says: March 7, 2016 at 10:36 am

First time, nothing worked.

Back to PRAM, with patience it worked a treat!

Many Thanks for sharing.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Rico says: March 7, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Thanks! the PRAM RESET really worked for me too! You are my savior!

Ad says: March 9, 2016 at 2:21 am

APRAM reset worked for me! Thank you!!!

Abhipsha says: March 10, 2016 at 10:51 am

The Power button-S button-hold the power button thingy worked for me!! Basically I had gone full screen on YouTube and then it had these flashy blurred screen and then a blackout….Cool…thanks…

DE says: March 11, 2016 at 12:56 am

My MacBook Pro after a shut down came back up with a black screen… Turned back off I would see a flicker of white and then shut down. I noticed that the panel did not have the lights on the keys and it was getting very hot real fast while in the black screen mode. I tried the first solution, hold down the shift, control, option and power for a few seconds then release. I did that and my Mac is back to normal again. THANK YOU!!! I’m going to open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com print out these instructions for any future problems. Can’t thank you enough…saved me time, money and lots of heartache!!! :-)

Andre says: March 12, 2016 at 3:10 pm

Thank You very much Guys!!! It worked in the last try, the PRAM stuff! God bless you!! lol

mackbeezy says: March 15, 2016 at 8:42 pm

thank gawwwwwwd! i was freaking out and thought i would have to sent my mac book pro back to apple for a 2nd time. The PRAM resolved my issue.

Helen says: March 19, 2016 at 12:22 pm

PRAM reset worked for me! Thanks so much! I’ve had black screen issues before on my current and an older macbookpro and had to have repairs done due to graphics card overworked. Interestingly 2 days before this occurence happened I switched my desktop and screen saver to be from an album of extremely hi-res photos. Wonder if this is possibly linked?

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com libi K says: March 19, 2016 at 1:23 pm

PRAM reset worked for me AFTEr I adjusted the brightness. I also changed the setting for the screensaver to run continuuously. I think for my particular MAC it actually got too hot which began this prob. I unplugged it from the power source, let it cool down for a day and then tried the various solutions listed here. The Power button plus the S key helped shut it all the way down. I waited at least 15 seconds for it to be totally off then hit the power source and waited for the start up chime. I then hit the PRCommand/option and brightness buttons. I held these down through three or for blackouts the computer whent through. Then it finally rebooted correctly so I released all the buttons and let it finish rebooting properly.

joelk says: March 21, 2016 at 6:31 am

My wife’s mid-2014 rMBP had a similar problem. The display didn’t come on after waking, and still didn’t come on after rebooting. I tried multiple times resetting the SMC, resetting the NVRAM, booting in safe mode, single user mode. None of these seemed to help. When I connected an external monitor to the hdmi port (with the MBP already booted up) nothing changed. But when booted with the external monitor already on and connected, the external display worked perfectly. But System preferences/Displays didn’t show the LCD display at all. Also in System Information it seemed that the LCD wasn’t open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com recognized at all. We were resigned to an expensive trip to Apple Store but for some reason I tried booting with the external monitor turned OFF but connected to the MBP by hdmi cable and surprise, surprise the LCD display turned on. Maybe this was just a coincidence but I thought I would mention it in case it might help someone else.

Dave says: March 23, 2016 at 7:36 pm

PRAM Reset did the trick, thank you!

Michele says: March 26, 2016 at 4:49 pm

The PRAM reset worked for my Macbook Pro!!

Dinx says: March 27, 2016 at 4:47 am

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I reset the SMC – the first option and all is well again. Much appreciated. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again.

hey says: March 30, 2016 at 1:07 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com PRAM worked

Steven says: March 31, 2016 at 2:50 pm

PLEASE HELP!!!!! I have tried every single thing known to man and still have the same issue. I have a 13′ mid 2009 MBP and have tried everything on here and just replaced the whole top assembly. No apple lit up and screens not coming on…. It’s not my graphics card cause I can still run it through my tv and everything else runs fine

JB says: March 31, 2016 at 5:44 pm

PRAM worked, but now I’m in a death loop where the whole system needs to reset, and it’s making me reset my password — but there’s no wifi . . . so stuck

JB says: March 31, 2016 at 6:03 pm

Workaround involved lying and pretending my keyboard didn’t work, and it let me reboot in unencrypted mode — bypassing password. So now I’m in, and it’s all working. Thanks for the help — this was awesome

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Jon Dough says: April 3, 2016 at 8:33 am

The 3rd option worked thank you so much for these tips it was a life saver!

Peter says: April 5, 2016 at 10:10 am

I had reoccurring issues every couple of weeks with these symptoms and related startup issues. Since disabling Filevault on my Mid 2012 Macbook Pro I’ve not had these issues.

Betsy Alvarez says: April 10, 2016 at 3:04 pm

THANK YOU!!! The PRAM option worked for me. You are a star!

Geoff says: April 13, 2016 at 2:57 am

Option #3 worked like a charm. Thanks!

Mr. Cobbs says: April 18, 2016 at 7:43 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I tried the three options and it didn’t work. When using an external display via the the Thunder cable, I was able to see the login options, my account and guest account. When I typed in my password it started to load. The bar came up and then at 40% of the load, it glitches and goes dark even on the external. I tried logging into the guest account and it was the same thing. I was using the computer yesterday, opened it today and black screen of death. Any suggestions?

Gabbi says: April 19, 2016 at 7:18 pm

The first 2 options didn’t work and I don’t know how to get the 3 option to work since I keep my volume on mute when I’m in school. When I came home after school this black screen happened. Every once and a while I on the bottom of the screen I get a little white line flashing. Is there another way? I can’t get my volume working?

lokesh patidar says: April 20, 2016 at 5:38 am

macbook pro has something wired problem. When I turn it on, it’s boot up with blank screen and also no light show on back side apple logo. when I pass Capslock key the LED light turn on and off, it mains machine is on then I put display down after sometime (2 Mins) open display again, it comes up and ask for login. Same happens after shutting down. I have tried SMC and PRAM. these did’t work. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Please help me.. thanks

Victoria says: April 21, 2016 at 4:52 pm

I tried the PRAM reset and the second boot chime never happens. Instead there’s a male voice that says “to use English as the main language, press the return key.” I do but nothing happens. The screen is completely black but it still is illuminated and the brightness keys work for it. This happened after waking from sleep mode to a frozen screen, which just went dark when I rebooted it. Help?????

okta says: April 21, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Reboot the computer, and turn up your screen brightness

PRAM reset has nothing to do with language selection, you may have pressed the wrong keys

You can try rebooting it into Recovery Mode with a reboot and holding down Command + OPTION/ALT + R keys together, see if the screen shows up.

The “to use English as the main language, press the return key” voice dialog on boot startup is unusual, that should not happen out of nowhere. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Another option would be attempt to use an external screen, like a TV or a monitor, if you have the cable to connect it to another display. Sometimes that works.

May be a trip to the Apple Store to have them run a diagnostics test on it, there is a small chance of GPU failure or hard drive going bad.

Victoria says: April 21, 2016 at 5:04 pm

Update: got the second boot chime through the PRAM reset, but it still has the illuminated black screen. The apple and keyboard light up as well, but the screen doesn’t show anything.

Lauren says: April 25, 2016 at 12:23 am

Option+command+PR worked here. Thank you! That was a very scary ten minutes

Adeeb says: April 27, 2016 at 1:08 am

Many thanks :) :) :) :) it worked for me

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Pedro Sahui says: May 2, 2016 at 2:10 pm

The PRAM resetting method solved the issues on a 2015 Macbook Air. Thanks a lot

Dallas says: May 2, 2016 at 5:49 pm

I have a mid ’09 Macbook Pro 13-inch and the screen is black. you can tell it’s on because there is a light in the screen and the power light comes on. There is no chime, no picture on the screen, its just black, it runs OS X El Capitan. Pls help!!! I need it for work!!! Help me pls!!!

Samantha Vittorioso says: May 3, 2016 at 4:05 am

Turned on my Mac, black screen of confusion ensued. Found this website, tried all three to no avail. Then freaked out a little bit, moved the computer to where it’s plug was and TADA!!! The first step worked. I guess I should have started with it plugged in like the directions said. Thanks for the help!!

Tom Parke says: May 5, 2016 at 2:38 am

The PRAM reset worked for me. Thank you soooo much. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Life saver.

Tom

Christine says: May 6, 2016 at 3:30 am

Tried all of it for few hours and non worked :( Still showed a grey screen. Only difference is when I tried connecting the macbook pro with an extended display, the apple logo and progressing bar showed up. But after reaching around 40% the apple logo disappears and the bar is stuck at 40%. And the laptop is able to start in safe mode / recovery mode when connected to an extended display. Anyone might know whats the problem or have any solutions? :c

PRAM says: May 6, 2016 at 1:07 pm

PRAM

Worked once, then the screen died five minutes later.

Ablo says: May 6, 2016 at 1:09 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com If your Mac continues to boot to a black screen after resetting PRAM and SMC, your computer may have a hardware problem. You should take it to a Genius Bar or certified Apple support center to get it looked at. Hopefully no water was spilled on the MacBook, that damages a computer. Best of luck, update back when you have a resolution!

PRAM says: May 6, 2016 at 1:10 pm

Thank you for your suggestion! No water damage. I’ll just take it into the Genius Bar and see what they suggest. All the best!

Haris says: May 10, 2016 at 10:23 am

I had also the same problem, I could´t use my mac many months, I did all resets pram smc many times, and I tried many other solutions. Then I read on some forum, that a problem sometimes is graphic card. So I opened my mac, and graphic card was so dirt, from the heat dust was like a chewing cum. I cleaned slowely, now its working as a new :)

Cocoa says: May 12, 2016 at 3:03 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com hi, i tried 3 of them but i still got black screen but i shine a flash light on my window is shadowed. what else could i do the brightness is on high already.

hope you can help bring my mac book pro to life.

Nick says: May 12, 2016 at 9:38 am

SMC worked!! Thank you!!

Nick says: May 12, 2016 at 9:44 am

And Tanj’s solution worked for me with the password screen popping up!

Marco says: May 15, 2016 at 9:57 am

Thanks! The 3th option did it

Amy says: May 16, 2016 at 2:29 am

The PRAM reset worked for me. Thanks! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Jonathan says: May 16, 2016 at 11:33 am

PRAM reset did the trick – thanks!

Hapreet says: May 17, 2016 at 9:05 pm

I’ve tried all of these, and it still doesn’t seem to turn on?

Khaya says: May 21, 2016 at 8:24 pm

Listen heh, you guys f***ing Rock! Number 3 did the trick for me. So thank you so so much!

Mandla says: May 24, 2016 at 12:28 am

Tried these reset methods number of times… There was some improvement, like the Apple logo at the back switching on. But the screen was still black.

Another improvement was that I was able to use the mac by connecting an external open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com monitor via HDMI. But the mac screen was still black.

Decided to ‘accidentally’ drop the mac on my carpet a couple of times (after reading one of the comments about someone dropping theirs accidentally), and… voila!!!

thomas says: June 2, 2016 at 4:54 am

I was in panic mode for greater than a day because my MacBookPro screen was black upon rebooting the computer. Thanks so much for the great suggestion above about turning off and again rebooting…fixed the problem. I can not thank you enough. TH

Francisco says: June 5, 2016 at 10:26 am

The PRAM reset worked for me, thanks !

Kam says: June 7, 2016 at 6:17 pm

The last option worked!

Krystina says: June 13, 2016 at 9:13 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I have had the black screen twice now and as someone who’s lost three MacBooks to fried logic boards, I panicked each time.

This time I tried option 1 and it didn’t work. I tried turning it on again and waiting for the invisible dialogue box like option 2 said, and tried turning my volume up to see if I could get any noise. The black screen disappeared and the normal boot-up screen returned. I have NO idea why this worked and I have no idea if it can be replicated, but it worked for me!

Daniel says: June 16, 2016 at 1:18 am

I love u

Its my work Laptop and we use macs because things like that are unheard from unless you experience it.

Third way worked for me !!

Kyle says: June 16, 2016 at 2:57 pm

After reading someone else’s solution, I just decided to drop my MacBook Pro a few inches onto the floor. It worked.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Jeff says: June 16, 2016 at 9:15 pm

Believe it or not, dropping it from an inch above the desk solved it for me. None of the resets did.

Not sure if the problem first arose because my laptop bag with the computer took a spill. Two wrongs might make a right.

Emz says: June 17, 2016 at 12:37 am

Had blank black screen, then flashing folder, PRAM reset worked for me, thanx

Kw says: June 18, 2016 at 3:50 pm

Third option worked!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

Yura says: June 19, 2016 at 12:15 pm

In a past PRAM work but not this time, none of the suggestions worked. I thought all is lost as I recall my daugter dropping my MBP last week. But….. I unscrewed the back and diconnected battery from 30 seconds and once I reconnected and powered it on, I saw open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com the screen light up and all was saved!!! Hope this can help someone, who tried all suggestions above and below. MBPr2014

Rebecca says: June 22, 2016 at 1:16 am

Third option OMG thank you!!!

Suzan says: June 23, 2016 at 4:20 pm

The third, PRAM worked for me

George says: June 23, 2016 at 8:30 pm

2013 MacBook Pro, last few weeks black screen after chime. I’ve tried all the combinations. Sometimes it works and I use my MacBook with no immediate problems and then it just goes back to black screen again. This is so frustrating. I should have kept my old non-apple laptop. I called Apple Support. They got me loading OSX Yosemite or something. The loading bar says it would take 1 hr and 40 mins but suddenly I heard a chime. Guess what? Black screen again with my MacBook running. The Apple Support person closed for the day while I was still loading the software. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I need my MacBook. Can anyone help please?

Chris says: June 25, 2016 at 12:48 pm

I got the dreaded black screen on my MacBook Pro purchased 2011. None of 3 solutions worked for me after several attempts and reading suggestions provided. I contacted Apple Support who for the most part had me do the same things but none worked. I was desperate since I hadn’t backed up to the external drive for 6 months. The Support Tech was kind enough to help me schedule an appointment at my local Apple Store and got me in the same day. Again no luck at the store but my screen was beginning to get more white screen when rebooted to the point of a scrambled like screen this was about 6 hours after getting nothing but black. (Prior I would get a white screen for a second at reboot and the it went black where it stayed.) the support at the store told me I would need a part (sorry I can’t remember what it was). The part was going cost at a flat rate $283. Being an older laptop I have been already having problems with it. My main concern was my photos and videos which he was able to show me that they were still there by connecting to another Mac laptop. His suggestion was transferring my files to another Mac device which I do not have and would need to purchase. I thought my Mac was done but after waiting 24 hours (100%charge and left unplugged for the night) I tried rebooting it again and screen came back. It seems to be working fine but believe me the first thing I did was run backup! I don’t trust it. Someone mentioned they drop theirs and it worked and another recommended letting cool down… mine wasn’t overheated when I had plugged it in and got the black screen. It did have a 0% charge when I plugged in and open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com immediately turned it on… Apple support online/phone is free and the in store support is free until they begin doing work on your device. Just be aware you do want an appointment if you go to store…they are known to be booked up to 2 weeks at my location. Hope this helps.

Angie says: June 28, 2016 at 8:11 pm

So grateful for this post. I was panicking. The 1st solution worked for me. (Pressing shift, control, option, and power button at same time for a few seconds. Then, turning comp back on.) Everything is back to normal. ✌

Dorota says: July 2, 2016 at 2:07 pm

None of the options work for me :/ any ideas what else to try? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Lanre says: July 2, 2016 at 9:52 pm

zapping the pram worked for me.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Naomi says: July 8, 2016 at 3:24 pm

Option 3 PRAM reset was a lifesaver!! Thank you so much!!!

Esther says: July 12, 2016 at 3:36 am

Thank you so much!!

Emon says: July 18, 2016 at 10:21 am

1st option work for me , (MacBook, 2016) . Thank you so much .

Alan S. says: July 25, 2016 at 8:50 pm

PRAM reset worked Mid 2010 Macbook pro, thanks for the help!

Ele says: July 31, 2016 at 4:38 am

Used the PRAM solution and it worked! Brilliant thank you as I was worried that £1000+ worth of laptop (MacBook Air) hAd conked out and was close to getting very annoyed open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com indeed to put it mildly! (Ps tried the hold down control option etc but that didn’t work so just a note to try several solutions and not give up!!) thanks again to altruistic good internet Samaritan who took time to share this solution!

Ruby says: August 7, 2016 at 5:03 pm

Yay! Thank you! The third option worked for me! I am so happy!

Dennis says: August 9, 2016 at 4:46 pm

Awesome, resetting the PRAM worked to get past the black boit screen. Thanks!

MH says: August 9, 2016 at 5:33 pm

The third option worked great, thanks all.

Jye says: August 11, 2016 at 9:50 am

ATT!

I tried all of the soft reboot solutions and nothing worked. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I dug a little deeper and found information about the display cable and that it can become loose.

I simply tapped on the bottom of my MacBook a few times in the position of the cable and suddenly, there was life!

Ramesh says: August 14, 2016 at 10:29 am

The second option worked. This was after I tried all three options few times. The 3rd option I think set it up as immediately afterwards I tried the 2nd option and it worked!!!!.thanks a lot for posting these solutions!

Olly says: August 15, 2016 at 11:55 am

Nothing has worked for me!! Someone help!!! Emergancy!! :(

David T. Wong says: August 17, 2016 at 5:11 pm

Third method worked but it took me 5-6 times repeating the procedure. What happened what the second chime did not happen until the very last try. Thank you very much.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Jay says: August 17, 2016 at 5:12 pm

The first option worked for me! I was going to pay $100s to have it fixed but I couldn’t make my appointment. I rescheduled for another, in the meantime I decided to google the problem. This website was the first option! Thank you so much! I am so excited to see my computer come back to life. Saved me money and time! Yay!!

Samuel Williams says: August 18, 2016 at 10:35 am

Wow! I was scared there!!! Pram reset worked!! Thanks to the article writer and everyone on this thread!!!

Danna Apolloni says: August 20, 2016 at 2:43 pm

PRAM option worked for mine!!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!! MacBook Pro13

Nick Horn says: September 10, 2016 at 7:19 am

i use dual display (external and MacBook Pro built in display) and had this issue after using the laptop without the external display. Tried all these options and nothing worked! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Turns out somehow the display brightness was just all the way down which keeps the display off!

Priscillia says: September 15, 2016 at 7:16 am

Omg!!! Mahdi you saved my life! (I know that sounds a little dramatic. It honest to god I’m so happy I could die) I literally tried the all 3 techniques how it was described and noting worked so I look through all the comments thankfully and came across this one you left

“Mahdi Taghizadeh June 13, 2015 Thank you Will! Holding Option+Command+P+R and then holding power to boot up worked for me while I didn’t have a boot chime.”

Basically just do it exactly that way option+command+p+r BEFORE holding down the power button and voila!! Omg I tried the initial technique the way it described for hours and it didn’t work but you saved my bacon I guess your steps was more coherent.

Thank you!!!

Phillysim says: September 19, 2016 at 7:54 am

MacBook Pro 17, 2010. Black screen on recovery from hibernate mode and from restart after being turned off. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Resetting PRAM did not work. Resetting the SMC worked.

Many thanks.

DS says: September 19, 2016 at 6:48 pm

The RAM reboot really safe my day on MBA thank you

Siena says: September 25, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Resetting the PRAM worked perfectly. Thank you so much you saved my life !

Nicole says: October 1, 2016 at 5:42 pm

I the first two didn’t work but the PRAM reset worked immediately with my MacBook Air (2015). Thank you! Phew!!

Raju says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com October 2, 2016 at 9:29 am

Worked for me also option:-3 thanks a lot

Jenny Tovar says: October 4, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Thank you that help me, I was so scared about my computer.

REINALDO DESOUZA says: October 12, 2016 at 4:59 pm

PRAM reset worked on my wife’s air. THANKS A MILLION!

Carol says: October 13, 2016 at 7:48 pm

Thanks it worked no more black screen. Much appreciated!!!!

francis says: October 18, 2016 at 11:55 pm

None of the options worked for me, any advice on what to do, i go so many files and documents i want to access from my mac book pro

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Mobeen says: October 19, 2016 at 4:43 am

PRAM Reset Mehthod worked for me :-) Bundle of Thanks (y)

Eve says: October 19, 2016 at 8:04 pm

Omg! I was scared that the first two options didn’t work and then the last one didn’t work also but I was doing it wrong. So what I did is first shift, control, option and power then when I pressed the power button immediately did the third step before the usual sound and it worked. Thank you to whoever is credited on this

Chips says: October 24, 2016 at 5:38 pm

I had to hold option + Command + Power for a while.

Chime came back, then I had to do a PRAM Reset.

Took a few goes to figure it all out.

This came about from trying to troubleshoot a FileVault password issue where the keyboard and mouse became unresponsive on boot up while asking for a password. It was here the user held down the power button which caused the black screen problem. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

someamar says: October 28, 2016 at 7:45 am

Option 2 worked …Magically the screen came back to life!

Morgane says: October 29, 2016 at 10:12 am

It has been 1 month or 2 that I have this problem regularly. Sometimes resetting the PRAM works (alt-cmd-P-R at the start of your mac), sometimes it’s resetting the SMC (plug your mac, shift-ctrl-option-power, then only power button). Today, none of these solutions worked…

What worked: press CMD-S when your mac is booting. You will see code appear (yeah, the screen is still alive!). When all the code is loaded, simply type “reboot” and press enter. It will restart your computer and hopefully bring your screen back to life.

Stavros Georgiou says: October 30, 2016 at 2:20 am

PRAM Reset worked! You are awesome!!!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Cyrus says: October 31, 2016 at 11:07 am

Kayla says: October 31, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Yay! Thank you so much! I tried all three options and they didn’t work. Then, I tried again; this time making sure to unplug at first, then plugging it back in before turning it on. Then I made sure to press all the keys at the same time and it worked :)

David Boudreau says: November 3, 2016 at 8:03 am

2nd option fixed my 2012 MacBook Pro

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Cindy says: November 4, 2016 at 6:55 am

Thank you!!!! The last trick worked for me :)

Michael says: November 12, 2016 at 5:27 am

Hi! I have macbook pro 2010 and PRAM method worked. Thank you very much! Michael

Naia says: November 16, 2016 at 4:31 am

What a nightmare with the back screen!!! 1st time it happens in the nearlz 3 years I have the MacBook Pro … scary!! 2 hours trying the 3 options, 2,5 hours shut down, 15 minutes trying again and cha chan! it worked! how???? not sure… it was after a cmd+option+p+r WITHOUT the computer being plug to the electricity !!!!!!!!??????? THANK YOU FOR THE POST you defenetely safe my day and work!

Rahul says: November 29, 2016 at 11:22 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Wonderfully the last PRAM technique worked fine, thanks a lot

Craig Blair says: December 3, 2016 at 7:29 am

I tried all the options except the dropping of the device(macbook air). I have dropped iPads before to get the screen working. Anyways, on this Macbook Air which I had connected to an external monitor, I went into displays and opened the arrangement tag and changed the white bar from one monitor to the next to make the external monitor my primary monitor. Suddenly my screen came to life, after sitting here writing this up for a couple of minutes the screen went black again, I thought it may have just gone to sleep, but no…. bugga.

Jacquelyn L. says: December 11, 2016 at 10:59 am

So lucky I found this thread!

I am working with a MacBook Pro mid- 2012

Yesterday, I booted my Mac to be greeted by this dreadful black screen.

Hurried to the net to find a quick solution and came across this thread.

The first two tricks didn’t work and I was getting worried.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com And then I tried the PRAM reset and it worked like a charm!!

Also, I have been greeted by a black screen before only to realize I had turned the brightness all the way down lol!!

Thanks so much for this information!

Kelli Ders says: December 11, 2016 at 1:02 pm

I have a late 2011, MacBook Pro. I tried everything and didn’t have any luck until I tried the PRAM reset and bingo! It worked! Thanks for the advice

Brandon says: December 14, 2016 at 9:12 pm

The first option worked for me except instead of control I held down Shift + Command + Option + Power button and then boom it came back on and rebooted fine!

Blue.Box says: December 15, 2016 at 8:27 am

PRAM-Reset worked for me and my mac mini 2014. Yes, not just laptops boot into black screens.

Reply open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com erok says: December 15, 2016 at 2:52 pm

None of this stuff worked for me. So I booted to safe mode. Went in under a guest. Set the login options so that it does not auto-login. Logged out and rebooted. Booted to a nice login screen where I was able to login successfully and use my computer again. Apple is the worst.

Sven Bergmann says: December 18, 2016 at 8:11 pm

THIS WORKED!!!! Had to go all the way to the third trick, but it worked!!!! Well done and save myself a trip to Genius Bar!!! Thank you

Cheeky says: December 19, 2016 at 2:23 am

A bit of trial and error for me.

SMC and PRAM resets did not work. Once I got into safe mode for 50% of the login process then the screen went black.

After reading various articles I relaxed a little as it was unlikely to be a hardware problem, and I tried different combinations of connections during startup.

Situation: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com – keyboard lights up – apple logo not lighting up – OS is loaded as i can press keys and get audio (error) response

What worked for me was: – Hard shutdown (hold down power for 5 seconds – disconnect power – disconnect cinema display – hit power then quickly close the lid – wait a couple of mins – open lid DISPLAY!! – once it booted there was a GPUPanic error report.

Cipria says: January 26, 2017 at 9:34 am

THANK YOU!!! That thing of closing laptop right after pressing ON button worked! I was getting crazy because none of the others sugestions worked! Thanks!!

Esther says: March 10, 2017 at 7:02 am

I tried the four given solutions multiple times, and I was going to give up until I read this post and thought, what do I have to loose? I turned on the computer, shut the lid open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com quickly, and opened it. Actually, I did this twice. The second time it worked. It’s like a miracle. I did notice that my Macbook pro 2015 decided it was dark enough to turn on the keyboard lights, and my screen – though still black – was brighter. I don’t know if this was part of directing the laptop back to lighting the display correctly. And closing the opening the lid a couple of times. This was a lifesaver, thanks!!!!!

hardrock says: December 21, 2016 at 9:12 am

I tried all of these and no immediate luck. I’m using a Mac desktop also, fyi.

After many failed attempts, I turned on the Mac. It loaded and the black screen was still there. I then took a shot in the dark and typed in my password to login. The screen flickered on and then quickly back to black. Then I typed in the password again and the screen came back to life!!!

Maybe the 3 steps did help it? I don’t know. But if all else fails, I recommend doing all three steps and then trying anything you can on the keyboard. Might just get lucky and wake up the sleeping part of the computer that doesn’t want to wake up.

THANKS A TON FOR THIS POST! Best solution online I could find.

Jen says: December 22, 2016 at 10:35 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you so much. The Pram reset plus typing my password in randomly when the black screen came back, as a comment above suggested worked. It is three days until Christmas and buying a new computer was not in the Christmas budget. I’m thrilled this worked. Thank you so much.

Mike says: December 31, 2016 at 5:46 am

I did all the three options but to no avail, did not work for my Macbook Air. :(

But when I tried hardrock’s solution of typing your password in the dark screen, IT WORKED! Needed to type my password only ONCE!

Even at the last minute, 2016 still f’ us all. Haha!

Scottm4321 says: December 31, 2016 at 8:19 pm

I had the problem of my mac starting and the screen being blank but with the longer showing. I could 4 finger scroll and the dock would appear then disappear as soon at I moved the pointer. Simple fix was restart to the black screen and type my password in and hit enter. It worked. It looks like the login screen was there. It not showing.

James says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 2, 2017 at 4:02 pm

Another Solution:

If both resets do not work for you and you’ve been using an external monitor, try resetting the menu bar back to your local device.

Go to: SYSTEM PREFERENCES > DISPLAYS > ARRANGEMENTS > then drag/relocate menu bar.

Worked for me.

Nick says: January 4, 2017 at 11:08 am

None of these worked for me… Finally got the display back on by simply shutting the lid and reopening it…

Georgia says: January 4, 2017 at 8:20 pm

All those 3 options didn’t do anything for me, my screen is still black but the motor is working.

Does anyone know what this could potentially be ?

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com esteban says: January 9, 2017 at 10:59 am

a mi me paso lo mismo, no me funcionaron las 3 soluciones esas, abre la macbook y desconecte la batería y la volví a conectar y así me volvió a funcionar

en una macbook pro mf840

i can read english fine, but no write

Sean says: January 9, 2017 at 11:26 pm

My girlfriends 2010 macbook pro had this happen. I could log in but then the screen was black. Checked all the basics, screen brightness etc. Did PRAM, Safe Mode, and SMC. Did not fix. I knew the desktop was running because I got a notification in the top right corner about “No backups for 379 days” on top of the black screen.

After all those I simply plugged the mac into the printer she had been using and the screen came back on.

Not sure exactly the glitch, was trying to find a external monitor chord to try but couldnt find it so tried to USB and hey it worked.

Edward R says: January 12, 2017 at 11:25 am open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I own a late 2013 MBP. My screen was black but I could hear the startup chime. I tried all 3 of your options to no avail. I knew my monitor was not simply too dark because I have it hooked up to an external monitor as well. The answer was that I had to un-connect my (OEM) Ethernet adapter that connects to the USB. As soon as I unhooked it my screen showed up. I hope this helps someone else. Simply un-connect everything.

Mamusfa says: January 13, 2017 at 12:52 pm

Guys you are awesome. I can’t thank you enough. You have taken a huge weight off on shoulders. The third method worked perfectly on my MacBook Air. The first two didn’t. Thanks agin

Erin says: January 14, 2017 at 6:20 pm

I called Apple since the above didn’t work. They told me to hit RETURN, my user password, and then RETURN again and my computer came back! It was as if there was something blocking the login screen.

CS says: January 14, 2017 at 7:35 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thank you so much. The last one worked after multiple attempts. As someone else mentioned you need to do it precisely before the screen light comes on right with the second chime.

Julian says: January 15, 2017 at 7:46 pm

3rd option P-RAM worked great. I just did bootcamp before this happened so i thought i messed up my HD. THX!!!!!

Scott says: January 16, 2017 at 7:09 am

When my wife’s 2012 macbook pro does this I just plug in an external dvi video adapter and the video comes right back. It’s a whole lot quicker and easier than resetting everybody.

Derek says: January 17, 2017 at 9:05 am

After none of the 3 options worked, I turned my MacBook Pro back on and as soon as I got back to having a black screen with just the cursor , I just clicked on the screen (any place should work) then blindly typed in my password and hit enter. This brought me right back to where I was at before the problem and it hasn’t happened since. Hope this helps open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com at least one person.

Arnaud says: January 19, 2017 at 12:48 pm

I repeatedly tried all the options listed above to no avail. I finally booted in Safe Mode (hold Shift for a few seconds while pressing the Power button just once). In a Guest user session, I performed a quick scan of the system with Disk Utility, and finally I enabled FileVault in Preferences which prompted a reboot that took me back to normal.

Zack says: January 19, 2017 at 2:47 pm

None if the 3 worked, occasionally my background was popping up, tried the extra screen, kept reading what everyone did, eventually read someone said shift+s I think it was, had to use apple id to get back in, had issue with keychain for a bit, still checking to be sure everything is ok

X. Kim says: January 21, 2017 at 4:48 pm

Thanks for these great tricks. My MacBook Air 2013 wasn’t rebooting when turned on and it kept showing only a black screen. Of course I was feeling bummed and thought about open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com going to the Apple Store but your help allowed me to fix it myself. The first two suggestions did not work but luckily the last one did! Thank you!!!

Sarina says: January 23, 2017 at 8:29 am

I tries all of the above with no luck. Funnily, what worked was to leave it on while the screen was black, close the lid and then open the lid again. It’s back to normal now.

James Merson says: January 23, 2017 at 10:30 am

PRAM reset worked for me after I got the black screen following a software update. Thanks a million!!!!

Jacob says: January 24, 2017 at 3:17 am

I tried all the usual pram smc resets without success. In the end I shined a torch through the apple logo on the lid of my computer. I saw the login box faintly through it and then I logged in as normal and my MBP came alive again and the black screen disappeared

Shelyn says: open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com January 25, 2017 at 8:24 pm

RESET PASSWORD WORKED FOR ME

This happened after I put my macbook to sleep. Tried first 2 solutions, did not work. All I could see whenever I restart or reboot is the login screen. Before trying PRAM reset, I decided to try a password reset instead.

On login screen > select the little “?” icon next to the field box, which will show the hint to your password > forgot / reset password through itunes.

It opened a new window to login to my itunes account to reset to a new password. When new password is in changed, the screen came back as usual.

Jennifer says: January 27, 2017 at 3:38 pm

PRAM reset worked. Thanks so much!!!

Julie D says: January 29, 2017 at 12:29 am

Hey guys.. Thanks for all the tips! I tried all 3 and none worked. When scrolling through the comments I saw something about trying to log into iCloud. That still wasn’t it. So I clicked around until I saw the blinking type key pop up and I typed in my password. VIOLA! I can see my screen again. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Cyran says: February 6, 2017 at 2:59 pm

The PRAM Rest worked for me like a charm!

anon says: February 6, 2017 at 8:24 pm

thank you so much! third option (pram reset) worked for me on my 2012 macbook pro. Cheers!

Frederik says: February 7, 2017 at 8:44 am

Nothing worked for me…until I removed my Transcend 128Gb JetDrive from the SD-slot. I do not know why and how but my screen is back!

Swisslet says: February 8, 2017 at 1:03 pm

None of these worked for me, but I had a software update dialogue box on the blank screen but couldn’t interact with it. On a whim, I tried just typing in my system password onto the blank screen and it then just came to life. No idea what happened, but very relieved to see the screen light up. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

Emma says: February 12, 2017 at 9:08 am

I did the same and that’s what got me back in!

Emma says: February 12, 2017 at 9:07 am

Hey there,

I tried all of the above and they didn’t work for me, BUT I got really frustrated and typed in my password, hit enter and voila I was is. I have the new Mac OS on a 2012 MacBook Air, so I am guessing there are some software incompatibility issues that is causing this problem I’ve never seen before.

So…my theory is that the black boot screen is just your password screen and if you treat it as such, you will get in!

Just saw the above commenter did the same, so there you are!

Jim says: February 13, 2017 at 9:32 am

None really worked for me… but just logging in normally finally worked out for me…it open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com made the “you can’t do that sound” and and I and I turned the the brightness the brightness up the brightness up a bit…the brightness up a bit but it was already already at already at half mass…..weird but it works now

.mac4best says: February 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

Nothing helped for me on top. But i solved it differently and i guess it has to do with booting with my usb stick connected in. It somehow stuck and the black scrern never gone away even after all solutions and restarts. So i choose to boot in recovery mide option R. Reinstalled Sierra on top of old System. I rebooted and it worked again. Then i saved all my files. Downloaded fresh new sierra from appstore. Made a new usb stick of it. Then i booted into it and wiped the old system wholy and reinstalled a fresh copy of sierra and all important apps i need mostly for now…

alysia says: February 15, 2017 at 2:05 pm

nothing working so far to get the black screen to go away, but resetting the pram did something; it shut up the voiceover. This is the Imac running Sierra, 8 yrs. old. my cat knocked it off the table so I suspect a hardware problem. it starts up in text mode it says. no screen, says it’s running Chrome in the back ground. checking with flashlight I see nothing. I’ve been doing these tricks in case it wasn’t a hardware problem, but it did hit the floor pretty hard on one corner…soo..I bought a new Imac. still I’d like to get the old one open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com working if I can learn how. It also makes funny noises now, so must be hardware.

alysia says: February 15, 2017 at 2:26 pm

question: trying to blindly login, and was wondering if my apple ID password is the same for both computers? I tried both the new password for the new computer and the old password on it. it didn’t work. it keeps saying there’s a problem with my ID. My apple ID is the same for both computers insofar as the email address.

NP says: February 17, 2017 at 8:51 pm

After a lot of trial and error what worked to get rid of the black screen of death on my MacBook Pro 2013 was the following:

Hold power button until you hear the chime… Immediately plug in the power adapter at the sound of the chime

Do it a few times if it doesn’t work immediately.

Apple Store wanted to charge me 475 for a replacement and this fixed it for free..

Ali says: February 20, 2017 at 3:14 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I tried many things and nothing worked, until I simply entered my password and hit enter! I waited for a bit and then the screen turned on! Thanks a ton!

Alejandro says: February 21, 2017 at 12:03 am

Resetting the PRAM worked like a charm, I appreciate so much taking your time to write this post and sharing your knowledge.

Thank you!

macuser says: February 21, 2017 at 4:48 pm

I first tried all the options but none of them worked. I then tried SMC again and held a bit longer this time more like 10 seconds. Then released and same time and pressed power button and bam.

The mac started and it was good to go.

Ron Mox says: February 22, 2017 at 11:20 am

I tried every thing, resetting the PRAM, SMC, Safe Mode..etc…nothing worked. Finally, I unplugged the power cord and turned on the the blank screen and let the battery run down open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com completely. I plugged it back in on the power source, and within 1 hours, the computer came on by itself..problem solved. I have seen others with similar experience, so this was not an original idea.

Dave C says: March 6, 2017 at 7:54 pm

The thing that seems to work the quickest, and the most times for me, is a 2nd screen. Use the HDMI port on the side of you mac and plug it into an external monitor. The external monitor will show your macs contents. Log in and wait a few seconds. Once in, just unplug the external from the Mac and your screen and your screen should work again.

This is a software issue and I have ran into it multiple times with different systems. That seems to work. I have never had any of the other options work except the blind log in. That gets tricky if you have more than one user because you do not know which user you are on or you must first click a user.

Good Luck everyone!

Nick says: March 11, 2017 at 9:24 am

Problem: black screen and could when I reset the SMC a screen would come up, but normal boot was a black screen.

Solution: resetting PRAM then hard booting off and back on. open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Thanks for this article

Kakshil says: March 12, 2017 at 1:21 pm

Just can’t thank you enough!!!!

Joe P says: March 17, 2017 at 3:07 am

The “Finally; Enter Password, Hit Return”

Worked! Thank you.

namely : with black screen enter your regular login password and hit the Enter/Return key, and the Mac booted up!

Pavel Diatchenko says: March 22, 2017 at 2:09 pm

This is what worked for me:

1. Start up the mac (hear the chime) 2. After about 30 seconds you will be at the login screen. You can tell this by pressing backspace a few times and hearing a sound (make sure to turn the sound on and off to open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com make sure you haven’t muted it). 3. Close the laptop lid to put the macbook into stand by mode. 4. After 40 seconds open the lid and force shut down by holding the power button for 10 seconds. 5. Press the power button and the screen should function as normal.

I did it on a Macbook Pro (Late 2012, retina). Hope this helps.

Venkat Krishnasamy says: March 29, 2017 at 6:31 am

Second option worked for me. I have MacBook Sierra OS. Thanks.

Patty S. says: March 31, 2017 at 10:08 am

OMG, THANK YOU for such a thorough list of suggestions for the black screen boot! Was starting to have a mild panic attack, since I could not get the laptop to start in either Safe or Recovery Mode (or, it may have, but the screen was still black, so not the solution, clearly). I had to reset the PRAM twice, to get the screen to come up, but that fixed the issue.

HeatherM says: April 7, 2017 at 4:01 pm open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Nope. Nothing worked. And it was just fine 2 hours ago.

Towby says: April 10, 2017 at 10:55 am

Nothing has worked for me either…so bummed!someone please help me

Alex of London says: April 17, 2017 at 2:31 am

Happened to me Easter weekend 2016 – The third worked for me but I did it 2 or 3 times then closed the lid and waited a few minutes.

Brad H says: April 23, 2017 at 8:42 pm

Okay, here’s one more thing to try because while the solutions published in the article above did not work for me, a different procedure got my wife’s mid-2009 MBP running again.

Symptoms: black display, no startup chime, apple logo on back of display not illuminated, keyboard backlighting not working, and caps lock key not lighting up. Could not reset PRAM, SMC, or do anything else. All keys were unresponsive and I could only hear the HD spinning if the computer was on. So after forcing power off by holding the power butter open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com I tried turning on power and immediately closed the laptop case. After 30 seconds or so the apple logo lit up. I waited a few more seconds, opened the laptop and like magic everything was working again. Was then easily able to reset PRAM and even got the startup chime working again.

Tony says: April 23, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Thanks a mill guys!! PRAM worked for me!!

Jon says: April 25, 2017 at 10:42 am

Thanks for the great article! I accidentally let my Macbook Pro 2011 run completely out of power on the battery. I knew my black screen was a software related backlight issue. I made it through step 1 and 2 with no success and then tried shining a flashlight through the Apple logo on the back side of the screen. Sure enough, I saw my user icon, clicked it, entered my password, and everything came back just fine. Sounds like step 3 would have probably worked too…but sometimes a flashlight helps :)

Laura says: May 4, 2017 at 3:38 pm

Resetting the system management controller worked for my computer. Thank you!!! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com Reply

David says: May 9, 2017 at 8:26 pm

Another fix is to boot while holding down the option key, those lets you select which drive to boot from. Simply repointing the boot to MacHD caused it to boot properly the next time.

tom says: May 11, 2017 at 4:41 am

second methode worked for me! i tried many things, after i reinstall the system i still had this problem! after this simple trick , no blackscreen anymore! saves me alot of money! thx alot!

Jazzbat says: May 14, 2017 at 10:02 am

This happened to me as well. Actually, weirdly enough, this happened out of the blue while the mac was *open and *working! It turned into a black screen. I checked the brightness, and it wasn’t related to hitting the brightness button accidentally. Then I forced a re-boot; still black. So I forced it to reboot a couple times…

Eventually after about 5-6 failed reboots, it worked fine. It’s weird cause the black screen booted after about one third of the loading bar was done?! open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com My MacBook Pro is a 2011 i7 2,7gig dual-core processor, Inted HD 3000 graphic card, 4gb of RAM, 750gb standard harddisk; loads of plug-ins (667 pro audio plug-ins to be exact), heavy profesionnal applications, gamin clients, etc – but the hardisk is hardly two thirds full!

I was gaming when this happened so I don’t know is this is related.

Kris says: May 15, 2017 at 9:32 am

Thank you!! The 3rd option worked for me on the second attempt. This has happened once before as well, it seems to happen when I shit down my laptop overnight vs letting it sleep. So grateful, thank you!!

Spizygingin says: May 27, 2017 at 11:54 am

Resetting PRAM helped solve my issue.

Cdiaz3 says: June 1, 2017 at 7:03 pm

The third option worked for me. THANKS!!!!!

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