The Apple Macbook Pro would turn on, but the screen would not. The screen would stay black. I could tell the computer was on because when I hit the “caps lock” key, the green light on the key would turn on and off.
I fixed this the following way (this is basically resetting the Power Management Unit — PMU):
I disconnected the computer from the power cord, and from all other cables.
I held down the power button for several seconds to turn off the computer.
I let it sit 5 minutes.
I restarted the laptop while holding down the Shift key. This restarted the computer in Safe Mode, with the screen visible again.
After I logged in (in Safe Mode) to make sure everything was ok, I simply restarted the computer the normal way, and the screen behaved normally again.
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If that doesn’t work for you, you could try these steps, documented at apple.com:
Holding down Command, Option, P, and R to reset your PRAM and NVRAM
This is a new trick to me! before I used the Command, Option, P, and R method and my Mbpro was ok! Now this keeps repeating! one or twice in a week.
Any method to completely avoid this mess?
I have tried everything listed, including Christopher’s suggestion and still no luck! I can still the desktop if I shine a torch n the screen or toggle between F1 and F2. The other day the screen even came on randomly but then when I closed my computer it was gone again. Are there any other suggestions??? The Mac store suggested that I replace the screen completely.
I have very new MacBook Pro — and this recommendation worked exactly as you said it would. Thank you.
Thanks!!!
So refreshing to see a nuts and bolts how to solution.
None of the above worked. so I tried using a different power pack since my battery is dead:(
And that was it I had gotten lazy and was using my Mac Air power cord and it was just not strong enough for the pro 🙁 So if al else fails try More Power…LOL
Thank you so much…. I know nothing about macs & just fixed my daughters thanks to your tip. You’re a GENIUS!!!
thank you so much for this! My screen would not wake up and I was freaking out!
Thanks so much. This worked great. I dropped my computer, and experienced the problem. Resetting the PRAM worked great.
Wow, thanks! This really helped me out.
I’ve tried this so many times and its just not working for me. I know my computer is working, I can still turn up the volume and hear it but the screen is solid black. I just bought this one too after my last Mac wouldn’t turn on at all. I’ve tried restarting the PRAM but idk if anything is happening. I don’t know much about computers but I need it for work and school and can’t afford to replace another one. I’m using a 15′ Mac Pro which has Windows installed. Anymore tips or tricks or ideas? Hopefully I’m doing this right, just hold down shift and then the power button right? :/
I had this same problem and I found out what was wrong. I had my stylus for my iPad next to my laptop. The magnet in the stylus was putting the laptop to sleep. Simple problem with a simple solution that almost gave me a heart attack.
This totally worked for me. Thank you!
Thanks for u r sopport
I just experienced this today and have been trying all steps suggested and nothing works. Keyboard lights on but black screen.
For those who have tried steps and have worked how long did you press buttons to get results? For those who did not did you find another solution. I’m traveling and need it for work. No apple store here.help?!!
I was in Sys Pref/ Display adjusting screen brightness and accidentally clicked the slider on the far left causing it to black out. I tried to undo/ delete . . but it did’t work and I can’t figure out how to reset it. Can’t see a thing . . . any suggestions?
God bless u. Thank u.
Thanks!! I was about to go crazy 😉
Thank you so much. Was gutted when got black screen as need computer for work. Thought it would cost me a fortune and loads of hassle to get fixed. So pleased this worked!
THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I teach and your advice worked and saved my lesson and my time! 🙂
Thank you. Was about to take to expensive computer shop. Wow! Xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! Kiss kiss kiss
I tried all of the above to no avail. Read about the magnet keeping screen in sleep mode and decided to unplug the headphones. Screen came right back on. Was scared there for a second!
THANK YOU SO FREEKIN MUCH I WAS GETTING SUICIDAL
Thank you so much. I only bought mine yesterday and it freaked me out a bit that my new laptop wasn’t working!
yayyyyu it worked !
All I did was turn it off and turn it back on.