Don’t feel stuck if your Mac has run into trouble. Instead, here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you get back on track in no time. Let’s go.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Common problems on Intel-based Macs can be quickly resolved by resetting the NVRAM/PRAM. However, please note the following steps are not applicable on Apple Silicon-based machines because the system’s NVRAM is automatically reset during the start process.
To reset NVRAM/PRAM, shut down your device and restart it. When your system starts, press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys on the keyboard. Release the keys after twenty seconds.
Apple Diagnostics
Run macOS diagnostics to determine problems and prevent system crashes quickly. The test checks the power controller, RAM, battery, logic board, and other wireless modules.
If your system is shutting down randomly or running extremely slow, you must run the diagnostics to determine the root cause of the problem.
You can run the diagnostics by disconnecting all the peripherals except the mouse and keyboard. Then, shut down your computer and switch on your computer while continuously pressing the power button to see the startup options. Then, press the Command + D keys on the keyboard.
These steps apply to Apple Silicon Macs. If you have an Intel Mac, check the steps on Apple’s support page.
Reset the SMC
Resetting the SMC is a possible solution on Intel-based Macs. Shut down your Mac to get started, and then follow these directions.
- If you have a desktop Mac, disconnect the power code and wait fifteen seconds before plugging it back in. Then, wait five seconds before turning your Mac on.
- Laptops with T2 chips need to be shut down and hold down the power button for ten seconds. Release the button and then start your computer.
Reboot
Rebooting is one of the first solutions you must try whenever you think your system has a problem. Whether your device is running slow or has encountered performance issues, click the Apple menu > select Restart or Shut Down.
If your device is not responding, you can perform a force restart or shut down by holding the power button for a few seconds.
Force Quit
If an app is unresponsive or frozen, you can quit the application by pressing Command + Option + Escape. Alternatively, you can click the Apple menu > select Force Quit.
In the window that opens, choose the app you want to exit and click Force Quit. Then, reopen the application to check if the issue is resolved.
OS Update
If you want bug fixes and up-to-date protection, you must run the latest macOS version of the OS. First, go to System Preferences > Software Update and follow the instructions on the screen.
In addition, you must keep all the apps updated. If you have installed them through the App Store, head to the App Store > click Updates and then check for updates. If there are any pending updates, install them.
Safe Mode
Sometimes, the apps at startup may give you a headache and cause your system to perform slowly or crash. To find out which one of the applications is causing trouble, you can use Safe mode.
Safe mode is a stripped-down version of macOS, and the apps listed in Login Items do not load in this mode.
In Safe mode, your computer will automatically check the startup disk and repair all the corrupt file systems.
You can enter safe mode in macOS on an Apple Silicon Mac by holding the power button when powering until you see the startup options on the screen. Then, select your startup disk and hold the Shift key. Then, click Continue in Safe mode.
On Intel-based Macs, enter the Safe mode by holding the Shift key when your computer boots, and you can see the Apple logo on the screen.
Erase and Restore
If you have tried all the solutions mentioned above and they have failed, your last choice is to erase everything to get a fresh start. It would be best if you went back to macOS factory settings. However, before doing this, you need to back up all the essential files and documents using Time Machine or other alternatives on your Mac.
Open System Preferences to start the factory reset process and then choose Erase All Content and Settings. Then, follow the instructions on your screen to start wiping the startup disk.
Once you erase the startup disk, all settings and data will be cleared on your Mac, and then you must reinstall macOS from scratch.
Conclusion
Memorizing this troubleshooting guide ensures you don’t remain stuck whenever your Mac gives you trouble. However, if these fixes do not work, you must take your system to the nearest Apple service center and let the technicians give you the best solution and recommend the right steps.