Jan 14, 2008 You can safely use the cleaner on all three, with a clean microfiber cloth. Just be gentle (don't push!) and don't clean if you don't need to. Even the right cleaner can slowly wear away the coating. Oh, and not all eyeglass cleaner is for anti-glare lenses. Just make sure you have the right stuff.
So you are trying to wake your Mac from sleep and it just wouldn’t. All you see is black screen on your MacBook Pro no matter what keys you are pressing. Below you’ll find a couple of solutions (mostly based on users’ cases) to bring you Mac back to the light.
Reasons your Mac screen goes black:
- 3rd party apps that expand the screen
- Recently upgraded operating system
- Corrupted display and energy settings
- Cables not connected
Easy fixes for Macbook black screen
1. Adjust your display’s brightness
It’s possible you had accidentally pressed the brightness keys on the keyboard so your screen dimmed down. Could it be your cat stepping on keys? Use F1 and F2 buttons to light black screen on your Mac.
2. Check if the Power is on
Examine your charger cable is intact and if your Mac is charging. Is the green light on? To rule out the power issues, check if your Mac produces any noise — from the hard drive or fans. If you still see black screen on Mac, read on.
3. Disconnect all peripherals
Remove all external devices like printers or external drives. These devices may start their own dialogues which could interfere with your display settings.
More solutions if your MacBook Pro won’t turn on
Force restart your Mac
In most cases forcing your Mac to restart helps to fix it if your Mac won’t boot. The variance of this issue is your Mac not waking up after sleep. Try to open and close MacBook lid and press a few keys on a keyboard. It might help, but if it doesn’t in no way you should panic — first let’s perform a quick force restart.
1. Hold down the Power key for about 6 seconds.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down and press the Power key again.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down and press the Power key again.
Reset your Mac’s NVRAM settings
NVRAM stands for non-volatile RAM and is basically a functionality that stores in memory settings for display, speakers, primary startup disk etc. Everything even remotely connected with boot process (like your MacBook won’t turning on) can be set back to factory settings during the NVRAM reset.
To flush NVRAM settings:
- Shut your Mac down.
- Press the Power key.
- Wait for your Mac to start loading.
- When you hear a startup sound, hold down Cmd + Option + P + R.
- Keep pressing the keys until you hear a second startup sound
Do basic Mac maintenance: disk permissions and Login Items
Did resetting NVRAM make the trick? Now, that your display is back to the light, you should be able to do a bit of maintenance under the hood of your Mac. In many reported cases, removing old cache files and broken login items helped to prevent the “black screen” problem. Oftentimes, the reason for your Macbook black screen problem is broken disk permissions not allowing your Mac to boot normally. A good solution for this is to use the app called CleanMyMac on your machine and run Repair Disk Permissions command.
- Download the app (it’s free to download)
- Install it and go to Maintenance module
- Tick Repair Disk Permissions and click Run
From my experience, it’s the easiest way to optimize hardly-accessible parts of your Mac.
Another possible culprit — the corrupted Login Items. Truth is, some apps like antivirus software would inadvertently sneak into the list of your startup programs; if something goes wrong with the app, it will then affect your Mac’s booting. So, it makes sense that you check your Login Items list and uninstall the unwanted app — both too can be done with CleanMyMac’s free version.
Zap your Mac’s SMC settings
SMC is System Management Controller. What it controls is temperature, lights, keyboard, fans, and many other side-processes. According to Mac support forums, resetting SMC helps in 90% of the cases when your Mac’s screen goes black. To perform this trick follow the tips below.
For a MacBook with a non-removable battery:
- Shut your Mac down.
- Connect your Mac to a power outlet.
- While your Mac is still shut, Press Shift + Option + Control and Power key at the same time.
- Let go of the keys and boot your Mac again.
For a Desktop Mac: iMac, iMac Pro:
- Unplug the power cable.
- Wait for about 15 seconds.
- Plug your Mac back in and leave it for about 5 seconds.
- Start your Mac in a normal fashion.
Enter your password — a surprising trick that works
Though it looks counter-intuitive you may try this solution when your Mac screen goes black. Still with your Mac’s black screen on startup, enter the password — as if you would do normally. Now press the Return key. Lots of users have reported that this option helped to bring their Macs to life.
A variance of this trick has been found on many Mac forums. Once again it implies that you press the keys on your Mac in a “blind” mode, hoping that it will light up.
- Press the Power key — just once to summon the restart dialogue.
- Press S key to send your Mac to sleep.
- Press and hold the Power key to perform a forced shut down.
- Wait for about 15 secs and start your Mac as usual.
MacBook asking you to reset password on bootup?
It may happen that your Mac became unresponsive and asks you to reset password. However, after following all the on-screen instructions and changing your password, nothing happens — you still see the black screen. Don't worry, there is an easy fix.
When the screen is black, shine the light behind the display through the Apple. This will help you see the login icon and put the cursor in the correct place. Then just login and the screen will come back.
The last-ditch solution to MacBook black screen
Re-install the macOS
The lion’s share of issues we deal with on our computers are software-related. MacBook display not working is not an exception. So it makes sense that you update all your apps to their latest versions including the macOS.
Here is the guide on how to quickly re-install the macOS:
For macOS Sierra
For macOS High Sierra
For macOS Mojave
For macOS Sierra
For macOS High Sierra
For macOS Mojave
If all of the above didn’t work, let go of it and take your Mac over to the service — you’ve done all you could. We hope this article was fun and helpful — feel free to share.
These might also interest you:
It’s natural for a MacBook Pro, or any Mac for that matter, to become warm during normal use. But, if your MacBook is running very hot, it’s probably not okay.
There are many possible reasons for such an issue. In this article, I’m going to show you some common causes for a Mac overheating. More importantly, I’ll also share with you practical solutions on how to fix a Mac overheating issue.
I’ve been using an old MacBook Pro and have experienced this problem many times. Hopefully, you’ll be able to overcome the overheating problem by applying some of the techniques listed below.
But First, Why Does Mac Overheating Matter?
Nobody is comfortable working on an overly heated computer. It’s a psychological thing: We tend to be worried and panic when it happens. In reality, the main consequence is that your hardware (CPU, hard drive, etc.) can get damaged when exposed to constant overheating. Typical symptoms of this include slowdown, freezing, and other performance issues.
Even worse, your MacBook could shut down automatically if the temperature is really high. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is that it protects your hardware from potential damage. The bad thing is that it can cause data loss. If this does happen to you, see if you can use a free data recovery tool to rescue your lost files.
How to Know Whether Your MacBook is Overheating
Frankly, there is no definitive way to know if your MacBook is overheating. The best way is to trust your instincts. When your Mac warms up to a point that makes you uncomfortable, it’s probably overheating.
Another way to quickly validate your judgment is by looking up the CleanMyMac Menu. You’ll know if it shows a “High disk temperature” warning. By the way, CleanMyMac is a fantastic Mac app that allows you to free up memory, remove unused apps, disable unnecessary login items, plugins, etc. which could help ease overheating issues and improve the overall performance of your Mac. See my CleanMyMac 3 review.
Get CleanMyMac 3 to Health Check and Clean Your Mac
You might have been told to use a third-party app such as iStat or smcFanControl to monitor your Mac system stats, CPU temperature, or manage fan speed. Personally, I think that’s not a good idea for two reasons. First, they may not be accurate as you think. Here’s what Apple officially said in a support ticket:
“…these utilities are not measuring the external case temperature. The actual case temperature is much lower. Never use third-party applications to diagnose possible hardware issues.”
Secondly, fan speed control software actually has the potential to damage your MacBook. Because your Mac knows how to adjust the fan speed on its own when needed, manually overriding the speed setting could cause problems.
MacBook Pro Overheating: 10 Causes & Fixes
Please note: the solutions below apply to a Mac that is still operational when it heats up. If your MacBook shuts down itself due to overheating and won’t turn on, wait for a couple of minutes until it cools off and then restart the machine.
1. Your Mac’s Got Malware
Yes, Macs can get spyware and malware. Although macOS has integrated security protection against malware, it isn’t perfect. Plenty of junk crapware and phishing scam software targets Mac users by bundling useless apps or redirecting you to fake websites. Apple names a few here. While it’s unlikely they cause serious system issues, they will tax your system resources, which can lead to overheating.
How to Fix It: Remove Malware.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it sounds because it’s unrealistic to manually review each app and file you’ve stored on your MacBook Pro. The best option is to use Mac antivirus software like Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac.
2. Runaway Apps
Runaway apps, in other words, third-party apps that demand more system resources (especially CPUs) than they should. These apps are either poorly developed or caught in a loop, which can drain battery power and CPU resources. When that happens, it’s just a matter of time before your MacBook starts overheating.
How to Fix It: Pinpoint the “Culprit” via Activity Monitor.
Activity Monitor is a built-in utility on macOS that shows the processes that are running on a Mac so users can get an idea about how they affect a Mac’s activity and performance. Click here for more info. You can open the utility via Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, or do a quick Spotlight search to launch the app.
Here’s how it works. To figure out what is to blame for the increase in your MacBook Pro’s temperature, simply click the CPU column, which will sort all the apps and processes. Now pay attention to the percentage. If an app is using close to 80% of the CPU, it’s for sure the culprit. Feel free to double-click on it and hit “Quit.” If the app becomes unresponsive, try Force Quit.
3. Softer Surfaces
How often do you use your Mac laptop on a pillow or on your bed? What’s comfortable for you may not be wise for your MacBook. It’s a bad idea to put your Mac on a softer surface like that, as there will be inadequate air circulation under and around the computer. Even worse, because the fabric essentially absorbs the heat, it will make your Mac even hotter.
How to Fix It: Adjust Your Computer Habits.
Remember, sometimes the best solution is also the easiest. Place your Mac on a stable work surface. The four rubber feet on the bottom will ensure there is enough air circulation to dissipate the heat your Mac generates. You may also want to get a laptop stand (recommendation: Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand, or this X-stand from Steklo) to elevate your MacBook and cool it off better. Check the “Pro Tips” section below for more tips.
4. Dust and Dirt
Similar to softer surfaces, dust and dirt in your Mac — especially in the fans — will make it warmer. This is because Macs rely on vents to dissipate heat. If the vents of your MacBook are filled with a lot of stuff, it’s bad for air circulation. Don’t know where the vents are? On older MacBook Pros, they’re located in the hinge area right under your display and above the keyboard. The Retina MacBook Pro also has vents on the underside.
How to Fix It: Clean Fans and Vents.
First, you can use a little brush to remove dust and dirt. You can also try compressed air (recommendation: EasyGo CompuCleaner), but be careful as it might damage your Macbook’s components. Be sure the compressed air doesn’t spit out any water. If you have time and the right tools, consider opening it up and cleaning internal components like fans and CPUs. This video shows how:
5. Webpages with Flash Ads
How many times have you visited news/magazine websites like NYTimes, MacWorld, CNET, etc., and noticed your MacBook Pro fans run faster almost instantly? I experience this all the time. Don’t get me wrong; the content on these sites are great. But one thing that really annoys me is that pages on these websites tend to contain lots of flash ads and video content. They also auto play, which uses up more system resources than you might think.
How to Fix It: Block Flash Ads.
Adblock Plus is an amazing plugin that works with all major web browsers including Safari, Chrome, Firefox and more. Once you add it, it automatically blocks web ads from displaying. Another perk is that it helps speed up slow Internet on your Mac. Unfortunately, by the time I wrote this guide, I noticed some big news sites learned this trick and blocked their plugin, asking visitors to remove it in order to view their content…ouch!
6. SMC Needs to be Reset
SMC, short for System Management Controller, is a chip in your Mac that runs many physical parts of the machine including its cooling fans. Typically, an SMC reset helps resolve hardware-related issues, and is harmless. See this article for more indicators that your SMC might need to be reset.
How to Fix It: Reset SMC on MacBook Pro.
It’s quite easy and it takes less than a minute. First, shut down your MacBook and plug in the power adapter, which puts your Mac in charge mode. Then hold Shift + Control + Option on your keyboard and press the power button at the same time. After a few seconds, release the keys and turn on your Mac. If you want a video tutorial, check this out:
7. Spotlight Indexing
Spotlight is a convenient feature that allows you to quickly search all the files on your Mac. When you migrate larger files, or your MacBook gets upgraded to a newer OS X (for example, macOS Sierra), it might take a while for Spotlight to index content on the hard drive. This might cause your MacBook Pro to become hotter due to high CPU usage. How do you know if Spotlight is under index process? This thread has more.
How to Fix It: Wait Until Indexing Completes
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop Spotlight indexing process once it starts. Depending on your hard drive usage and other factors, it may take up to several hours, so be patient. By the way, if you have folders that contain sensitive data and you don’t want Mac to index them, you can prevent Spotlight from doing so. Learn how from this Apple tip.
8. Fan Control Software
As I said above, using fan control software to change the speed of your MacBook’s cooling fan is a bad idea. Apple Macs know how to adjust the fan speed automatically. Manually controlling the fan speed could cause extra issues, even damage your Mac, if done inappropriately.
How to fix it: Uninstall Fan Speed Software/Apps.
Removing apps on a Mac is usually very easy. Just drag and drop the app to Trash and empty the Trash. In rare cases, you may need to manually clean up the associated files. If you have some apps to remove, you can also use CleanMyMac, as the Uninstaller feature allows you to do so in batch.
9. Fake MacBook Charger
A normal charger for a MacBook Pro includes three main parts: AC power cord, MagSafe Power Adapter, and MagSafe connector. It’s always good practice to use the original ones that came with your Mac. If you bought one online, it could be fake and might not work well with your MacBook Pro, thereby causing overheating problem and other issues.
How to Fix It: Shop from the Apple Online Store or Local Retailers.
It’s often not so easy to spot a fake MacBook charger, but this YouTube video shares a few awesome tips. Check it out. Also, try to avoid shopping from online marketplaces, other than the official store, for Apple components. Don’t be lured in by lower prices. I can’t stress this enough.
10. Bad Computer Habits
Every computer has its own limit. You should know what your MacBook Pro is and isn’t capable of. For example, if you are holding a 2010 model MacBook Pro with 2GB RAM and a spinning hard disk drive, chances are it won’t be powerful enough to deal with too many processes at the same time. If you run photo/video editing software as well as other apps simultaneously, it won’t take long for your Mac to heat up.
How to Fix It: Know your Mac and Treat It Nicely.
First of all, check Apple logo > About This Mac > System Report to get an idea of your computer’s hardware configuration, especially Memory, Storage, and Graphics (see the screenshot below). Try not to run too many apps unless you have to. Turn off fancy animations that may tax precious system resources. Restart more often, and let your Mac sleep for a while as you do.
Pro Tips to Prevent MacBook Pro from Running Hot
- Avoid using your MacBook on a bed, fabric surface, or on your lap. Instead, always try to place it on a hard surface like wood or glass made desk. This is good for your computer as well as your health (source).
- Check your MacBook vents and clean your Mac on a regular basis. Make sure there’s no dirt or dust stuffing up the keyboard and vents. If you have time, open the hard case and clean the inside fans and heatsinks. iFixit has lots of great guides.
- Get a cooling pad for your MacBook Pro (like this portable ultra-slim cooler from TeckNet) if you use it mostly at home or at work. These laptop pads usually have built-in fans to help improve airflow and reduce the heat generated on your Mac.
- Consider elevating your MacBook with a laptop stand (check out Rain Design mStand). Since the rubber feet on a MacBook Pro is very thin, it might take longer for the heat to go away. A laptop stand will raise your Mac off the desk surface so that heat can escape more efficiently.
- Try not to run multiple apps at once, especially those that tend to consume more system resources than others — for example, photo/video editing programs, project management tools, etc.
- Have good web surfing habits. These days it’s hard to not visit news websites or magazine sites to access information. However, it’s a bad habit to load tons of web pages with flash ads, only to find your MacBook Pro fans run loudly instantly.
- Always download software and apps from their official websites or the App Store. This is important because many third-party download sites bundle crapware or malware into the programs you want to get, and they run quietly in the background without you knowing.
I hope you find this troubleshooting guide helpful. For Apple fans, MacBooks are like our working partners. Overheating issues aren’t good for your computer, surely you’re not happy about them. Fortunately, the problem doesn’t occur for no reason. I’ve shown you then of those above, and their respective fixes. It’s unrealistic that you’ll implement all these solutions, and it’s very unlikely you’ll have to do so. However, they should give you some clues about what might be causing your MacBook Pro to run hot. Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below!