Here are the top 4 troubleshooting steps to take on a MacBook before taking it to a repair shop:
- Restart your MacBook: Sometimes, simply restarting your MacBook can solve the problem. If you're experiencing an issue with your MacBook, try restarting it first and see if that resolves the issue.
- In case of a frozen laptop or a laptop with no video output, a hard shutdown can be performed by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds.
- Check for software updates: Updating your MacBook's software can fix bugs and improve performance. To check for software updates, click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences" > "Software Update". If there are any updates available, install them and see if the issue is resolved.
- Reset the SMC or PRAM: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) can solve various issues with your MacBook's hardware and settings.
There are different ways to reset the SMC (System Management Controller) or PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) on a MacBook, depending on the model you have. Here are the general steps to follow:
Reset SMC:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard.
- While holding those keys, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.
Note: If you have a MacBook with a T2 security chip, you'll need to do a slightly different procedure.
Reset PRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press the power button to turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys.
- Keep holding those keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
- Release the keys and let your MacBook finish starting up.
Note: On newer MacBook models with a T2 security chip, you'll need to release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.