Common MacBook Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

A MacBook is a common and usually reliable piece of technology, yet like all tech, it can be prone to playing up and having issues from time to time. Some of these issues will result in replacing your current MacBook with a new one purely because of age and general wear-and-tear, but this is not always the case. It may also be because you have accidentally clicked on an unsafe link and now need to rid your MacBook from a virus as it is causing issues and damage. 

There are numerous common MacBook problems that you may be aware of, and if you happen to experience some of them, you need to learn how to troubleshoot them so that you can get the most out of your MacBook. 

Below are a few common problems you may experience and the best way to fix them. Of course, you may also need to take your MacBook to a professional if the issue seems unsolvable and you are afraid of causing more harm to your piece of tech. 

Battery Suddenly Dying

This can be a troublesome problem as it can stop you from working while unplugged and not charging. This is an irritating and unfortunate problem as you will not want to be constantly charging or having to find a plug or charging dock if you are hoping to work somewhere around the house or in a café, or even at an airport.

Firstly, you need to check whether your battery is charging properly. It could be that your battery is being kept level as opposed to increasing. And if this is the case, then this is a different issue entirely (and we will touch on that later in the article). However, if your MacBook is powering down randomly when you have a high battery percentage, then this is certainly an issue. 

After your MacBook unexpectantly shuts down, you will need to power up your MacBook and load MacOS. Once MacOS is loaded, you need to choose the restart option as this allows your MacBook to shutdown properly. Once you have performed these tasks, reset your System Management Controller (SMC) – this part of your MacBook software will allow you to see if there were any changes to your SMC, and restarting the settings will ensure that it has reverted back to normal. 

If restarting your SMC does not work, then you may need to take your MacBook to a professional. Head to your nearest Apple Store if this is the case. 

Not Charging When Plugged in

As mentioned above, if your MacBook is not charging when plugged in, this is an issue on its own. Firstly, check whether the outlet is working – it may be that it has been damaged and this is the sole reason why your MacBook isn’t charging. You may also need to check whether there is dust and dirt blocking the charging port, and if so, you need to clean this. Furthermore, also check to see if your charger or MacBook is running hot when charging. If this is the case, then it could be a simple overheating problem. To counter overheating, you will need to cool it down and allow your charger and MacBook to rest and take a break. 

If none of these seem to help, then you can easily check to see whether your battery needs to be replaced or serviced. While this can be an expensive fix, it may be the only one that will fix the issue at hand. You can check this by pressing the Option key on your keyboard. You will then want to click on the battery icon on your menu in succession, bringing up the battery menu. 

Still unsure on how to fix this problem? Setapp has a handy guide that can help explain the common issues surrounding MacBook not charging when plugged in. Take a look at the guide and see if it is of any use, and if you have any other issues, then be sure to look at their useful blog that focuses on offering technological advice. 

Startup Shows a Blank Screen

What does it mean when your MacBook shows a black screen? Typically, this means that your MacBook encountered a problem when trying to open and load a troublesome app. You can counter and fix this issue why restarting your MacBook by pressing and holding the power button for six seconds. However, if this does not work, you will need to try entering Safe Mode. To stop this from happening, remember which app caused the issue and remove them. The app is not compatible with your MacBook. This is also the issue when you encounter a blue screen, so if this happens to you, you will need to follow the same process. 

External Devices Will Not Connect

As always, you need to check whether the device you are attempting to connect is working properly but is also compatible for a MacBook. If the answer is that the device works and is MacBook-friendly, you will need to check whether the port is undamaged and clean. If the device continues to cause problems and fails to connect, restart your MacBook and device. 

If it continues to fail, then you will need to check whether the settings in your SMC and the PRAM/NVRAM are correct. If not, reset them and see if this fixes the problem. Sometimes it could be an issue with the device, which can be difficult to check. You can always contact the company and manufacturer of the device and see whether this is a common problem and double check about its compatibility with the MacBook. 

MacBooks are great, and many people say there are many more benefits to having a MacBook than a Windows PC. This is an ongoing debate, much like the debate between which is best – the iPhone or Android smartphones. Of course, it all comes down to personal preference. If you ever have any issues with your MacBook, however, be sure to look up reliable guides online, and if you are unable to fix the issue yourself, contact your local Apple Store for more advice.