Basic Mac Troubleshooting
9 tips for resolving common issues
Bryan Gibson
Last Update 3 ปีที่แล้ว
The following troubleshooting steps are common ways to resolve common issues experienced on Mac computers. The effectiveness of each tip will vary greatly depending on the issue, so we recommend consulting with the Service Desk if you are not comfortable troubleshooting on your own.
1. Create a new standard user account.
2. Reset your Mac's SMC.
What: How to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support Article
Why: Resets fans, keyboard backlight, status indicator, battery indicator, display backlight, power button, close/open the lid, sleep or shut down, the battery doesn't charge, or MagSafe indicator light shows an incorrect status.
3. Reset your Mac's NVRAM or PRAM.
How: At boot-up, hold down the <option><command> <R> keys.
4. Boot up your Mac in Safe Mode.
What: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support Article
5. Run either the Apple Hardware Test (AHT) (pre-2013 Macs) or the Apple Diagnostics (2013+ Macs) to uncover any potential hardware issues with your Mac.
- How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac - Apple Support Article
- Apple Diagnostics: Reference Codes - Apple Support Article
- How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac - Apple Support Article
- About the "Apple Hardware Test does not support this machine" message - Apple Support Article
- How to Use Apple Hardware Test to Diagnose Mac Problems - OSXDaily
6. Check your Mac's hard drive for errors.
How:
- For Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <command><R> keys until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release the keys.
- For Internet Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <option><command><R> keys until the spinning globe appears on the screen, then release the keys.
- When at the initial Recovery Mode screen, select the Disk Utility option. Run Disk Utility > First Aid
Why: To verify the startup disk integrity using the Disk Utility's First Aid option.
7. Boot up your Mac in Single-User Mode.
What:
- Startup your Mac in single-user mode or verbose mode - Apple Support Article
- Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck - Apple Support Article
- How Can I Repair My Hard Drive If My Mac Won't Start? - Lifewire
How: At the command prompt, type: /sbin/fsck -fy <return>
- If fsck makes any repairs, you will get a message that says: Files System was modified. If you do, run fsck again until you get the "The volume <volumename> appears to be OK" message.
- Exit messages: Issues found = "File system was modified" OR No issues found = "The volume <name> appears to be OK"
- Type reboot <return> at the prompt to exit Single-User Mode.
8. Reinstall macOS.
How:
- For Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <command><R> keys until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release the keys.
- For Internet Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <option><command><R> keys until the spinning globe appears on the screen, then release the keys.
- When at the initial Recovery screen, select the Reinstall macOS option.
Why: To re-install fresh copy of macOS.
9. Make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple-Authorized Service Provider.
- Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support Article
- Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
- To contact Apple Support directly.
- Note: You can only make 1-week ahead appointments either via the web link above or with an AppleCare+ phone call. The time frame is longer if you go to the Apple Store in person to make the appointment.