You may encounter software or hardware problems now and then when using a MacBook. But there’s nothing to worry about because this troubleshooting guide outlines all the steps you can take to get back on track. Take a look.
Restore your System to an Earlier Data
If your system is running slow after a system update or you have mistakenly deleted an essential set of files you want to restore, you can restore my Mac to an earlier date.
Reverting your system to an earlier date means resetting to a specific date and time when everything is functioning correctly. You can do this using Time Machine.
Connect your device to the Time Machine disk and click shut down. Then, press the power button and hold down Command + R. Release the Command + R keys when you see the Apple logo. If prompted, type your admin username and password. Next, head to macOS Utilities and select Restore from Time Machine backup. After that, follow the instructions on the screen and choose the backup time and data to restore from.
Restart your System
The best solution to fix an unresponsive or frozen Mac is to give your system a fresh start. Click the Apple menu and choose Shut Down or Restart.
If your system is unresponsive and unable to register any clicks, hold the power button for a few seconds and force your system to shut down or restart. This will clear the memory and reload macOS.
Force Quit the Apps Behaving Strangely
You can force quit if an app has stopped responding or frozen. To do so, press Command + Option + Escape. Or click the Apple menu and select Force Quit. Choose the apps you would like to exit from the window that opens and click Force Quit.
Reopen those applications to see if the problem continues.
Install the Latest System and App Updates
It is essential to run the latest versions of applications and macOS to get updated protection and bug fixes.
Upgrade the macOS version on your system by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu > clicking the Software Update and then following the instructions on the screen.
You can update the applications on your Mac installed through the App Store by going to the App Store and clicking Updates. If you have installed apps outside the App Store, select the Check for Updates option in the application’s preferences window or main menu.
Reset PRAM/NVRAM
If the display resolution stays the same or your device starts with a question mark, it might be a configuration problem. Since Macs hold specific settings like trackpad references, the date and time, audio volume, etc., in a particular memory called PRAM or NVRAM, resetting it can solve the issue.
You can reset it by turning off your device > switching on the computer > pressing and holding the Command + Option + P + R keys before the startup sound is heard > pressing the keys until the computer restarts and the startup sound is heard for the second time > release the keys.
Reset the SMC
The system management controller (SMC) manages the charging, battery, MagSafe indicator light, fans, display, keyboard backlights, etc. Resetting the SMC fixes the issue of the battery not charging or the system refusing to power up.
Suppose you are using a Mac Mini, iMac, or MacBook. In that case, the SMC can be reset by powering down the device > unplugging the power cord > waiting for fifteen seconds > plugging the cord back in > waiting for five seconds > and pressing the power button to switch on your Mac.
If you are using a Mac with a non-removable battery, shut down your MacBook > unplug the USB-C or MagSafe power adapter > press Shift + Control + Option and the power button at the same time for ten seconds > release the keys > reconnect the power adapter > press the power button to switch on the device.
Run Apple Diagnostics
Apple Diagnostics is a tool users can use to diagnose issues with the device’s internal hardware, like wireless components, memory, and logic board.
To run Apple Diagnostics, boot up your Mac while holding down the D key and keep holding it until asked to select a language. If this doesn’t work, you must reboot your device while holding down the Option + D keys.
The tool will automatically check your system; if any issues are found, the test will show you reference codes. The utility will even suggest solutions.
If you are using an older system, the test will be called Apple Hardware Test.
The Bottom Line
These are some tried and true Mac troubleshooting tips to help your system function correctly. Apply these if your system behaves strangely. If these don’t work, you’ll have no option but to reach out to the Apple service center.
