Troubleshooting a MacBook Pro 2019 that refuses to power on can be a frustrating experience. In this article, we will delve into the common causes behind this issue and explore potential solutions to revive your beloved device. So, let’s dive in and unravel the mystery behind a non-responsive MacBook Pro!
Troubleshooting Steps for a MacBook Pro That Won’t Turn On
1. Check the power connection: Ensure that your MacBook Pro is properly connected to a working wall outlet and that the power cable is securely plugged in.
2. Reset the SMC: On MacBook Pros with a non-removable battery, press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button. Release all keys and the power button simultaneously, and then press the power button again to turn on your MacBook Pro.
3. Check for display issues: Adjust the brightness on your MacBook Pro by pressing the brightness up key (F2) repeatedly. If the screen remains black, connect your MacBook Pro to an external display to determine if the issue is with the internal display.
4. Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to diagnose and resolve any underlying hardware problems.
Testing Power and Charging for a Non-Responsive MacBook Pro
- Check the power adapter
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to the MacBook Pro and the power outlet
- Inspect the power adapter for any physical damage or frayed cables
- Try using a different power adapter or charging cable, if available
- Check the charging port
- Inspect the charging port on the MacBook Pro for any debris or obstructions
- Clean the charging port gently using compressed air or a soft brush
- Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
- Shut down the MacBook Pro
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard along with the Power button for 10 seconds
- Release all the keys and power button
- Press the Power button to turn on the MacBook Pro
- Perform a power cycle
- Disconnect all peripherals and power cables from the MacBook Pro
- Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds
- Release the Power button
- Connect the power adapter and press the Power button to turn on the MacBook Pro
- Test with a different power source
- Try plugging the power adapter into a different power outlet or power strip
- Ensure the power source is functioning properly
Resolving Boot Issues on a MacBook Pro
If your MacBook Pro (2019) won’t turn on, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
First, make sure your device is properly powered. Ensure that it’s connected to a functioning wall outlet and that the power cable is securely connected to both the MacBook Pro and the outlet.
If your MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). To do this, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release it and wait a few seconds before pressing it again to turn on the device.
If resetting the SMC doesn’t work, try booting your MacBook Pro into Recovery Mode. Hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys while pressing the power button to turn on the device. This will bring you to the macOS Utilities screen, where you can try various troubleshooting actions.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.
Utilizing Safe Mode and Recovery Mode for a MacBook Pro That Won’t Turn On
If your MacBook Pro won’t turn on, you can try utilizing Safe Mode and Recovery Mode to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue. To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the Shift key while pressing the power button. This will disable any third-party extensions and only load necessary software. If your MacBook Pro turns on in Safe Mode, it indicates that a third-party extension may be causing the problem.
Alternatively, you can try entering Recovery Mode by pressing and holding Command + R while pressing the power button. This will boot your MacBook Pro into macOS utilities, where you can perform various troubleshooting actions such as repairing the disk, reinstalling macOS, or restoring from a Time Machine backup.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on a MacBook Pro
If your MacBook Pro (2019) is not turning on, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can help resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:
1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
2. Connect the power adapter to your laptop.
3. Press and hold the following keys simultaneously for about 10 seconds: left Shift, Control, and Option.
4. While still holding the keys, press and hold the Power button as well.
5. Release all the keys and the Power button.
6. Wait for a few seconds, then press the Power button to turn on your MacBook Pro.
Note: If your MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, the process is slightly different. After shutting down your laptop, press and hold the right Shift key, the left Option key, and the left Control key for about 7 seconds, then press the Power button.
By performing an SMC reset, you can often resolve issues related to power management, battery, and other hardware functions. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Removing RAM or Secondary Drive to Address MacBook Pro Power Issues
- Shut down your MacBook Pro by holding down the power button until it turns off completely.
- Unplug the power adapter and any other connected cables.
- Place your MacBook Pro on a flat and clean surface.
- Flip your MacBook Pro over so that the bottom is facing up.
- Locate the screws securing the back cover of your MacBook Pro.
- Use a suitable screwdriver to unscrew the screws, keeping them in a safe place.
- Gently remove the back cover by lifting it off.
- Locate the RAM or secondary drive module inside your MacBook Pro.
- If you are removing the RAM module, carefully push the retaining clips away from the module to release it.
- If you are removing the secondary drive, disconnect the data and power cables connected to it.
- Once the module or drive is released or disconnected, carefully remove it from its slot.
- Clean the contacts on the module or drive using a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Inspect the slot where the module or drive was installed for any debris or dust.
- If necessary, use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris or dust from the slot.
- Reinsert the RAM module or secondary drive back into its slot, ensuring it is properly aligned.
- If you removed the RAM module, push it down until the retaining clips secure it in place.
- If you removed the secondary drive, reconnect the data and power cables securely.
- Replace the back cover of your MacBook Pro and screw it back into place.
- Plug in the power adapter and any other cables that were disconnected.
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook Pro and check if the power issues are resolved.
Additional Tips for Troubleshooting a MacBook Pro That Won’t Turn On
1. Check for any physical issues: Inspect the power cable, adapter, and port for any damage or loose connections. Also, ensure that the battery is properly inserted.
2. Perform a power cycle: Disconnect all peripherals and the power adapter. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release and press it again to turn on the MacBook Pro.
3. Reset the SMC: If the power cycle doesn’t work, reset the System Management Controller (SMC) by following these steps:
– For MacBooks with a non-removable battery: Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power buttons for 10 seconds, then release them and press the power button to turn on the MacBook Pro.
– For MacBooks with a removable battery: Shut down the MacBook Pro, remove the battery, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, reinsert the battery, and turn on the MacBook Pro.
4. Seek professional assistance: If the MacBook Pro still won’t turn on, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further diagnosis and repairs.
Remember, these tips are not exhaustive and may not solve all MacBook Pro power-related issues.

Darrell Friedman is a seasoned technology writer for helptechportal.com, with a keen interest in cybersecurity and privacy. Holding a degree in Information Systems and Security, Darrell’s expertise allows him to provide readers with valuable insights on protecting their digital lives. When not writing about tech, Darrell enjoys hiking, photography, and building custom PCs.