If your Mac screen stays black even though the system seems to be running, you’re not alone. At Imfixed, we regularly help customers experiencing this frustrating issue. Whether your iMac screen isn’t turning on, or your Mac Pro display is blank, there are a number of causes and reliable solutions you can try before bringing it to us for expert help.
Start with power checks
The most common cause of a Mac desktop black screen is a power problem. First, make sure your power cable is securely connected to both your Mac and a working socket. Also check the cable for damage, fraying or wear could stop it delivering power correctly.
If you’re using an external monitor, ensure it’s switched on, plugged in, and the input source is correctly set. If the display still won’t show anything, try using a different monitor or cable to rule out display hardware failure.
Mac is on but nothing on screen?
Can you hear the startup chime or fan? Is the power light on? If yes, your Mac may be turning on, but the screen remains black. This could be caused by software issues, startup disk errors, or a display detection problem.
Try these steps:
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Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shut down, then press again to restart.
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Unplug any accessories (USB devices, printers, hubs) and try restarting again. Faulty peripherals can sometimes block the boot process.
- If you’re using multiple monitors, disconnect them and try with just one.
Try resetting SMC and NVRAM (Intel-based Macs)
If you're using an Intel-based Mac, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM/PRAM can help.
- For SMC: Shut down your Mac, unplug the power cord, wait 15 seconds, plug it back in, then turn the Mac on.
- For NVRAM: Turn on your Mac and immediately press Option + Command + P + R, holding for around 20 seconds. Your Mac will restart.
These resets help with power management, display settings, and startup processes, which often cause screen issues.
Software & display problems
Sometimes, an update or faulty software can cause the screen not to turn on properly. Try booting into Safe Mode by holding the Shift key as your Mac starts up. This will run diagnostics and may help resolve system conflicts.
If the screen works in Safe Mode, it's likely a third-party app or system extension causing the issue. We can help diagnose the specific conflict and remove it safely.
Also, go to System Settings > Displays and click “Detect Displays” (hold Option key if needed). If your Mac isn’t detecting the screen, this tool may help reconnect it.
Adjust your screen settings
If your Mac seems to be working but the screen is dim, blurry or flickering, try the following:
- Increase brightness using the keyboard or through Display settings.
- Change the screen resolution to match your display.
- Check the colour profile to ensure it's not corrupt.
- Ensure high-quality cables and adapters are used if you’re connecting an external screen.
If your display still doesn’t look right, it may be a hardware fault, especially if you see flickering, lines, or dark patches. In that case, it’s best to let us at Imfixed take a look before it gets worse.
Firmware revive or restore (Apple silicon models)
With newer Apple silicon Macs, occasionally a complete firmware revive or restore is needed. This isn’t something most users can do themselves, as it requires a second Mac and specialised software.
Instead of attempting this alone, bring your Mac to Imfixed. We have the tools and trained professionals to safely revive or restore your Mac firmware without data loss.
Still stuck? Let the experts handle it
If you’ve tried everything and your Mac screen is still black, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. At Imfixed, we carry out professional iMac and Mac desktop repairs, using genuine parts and expert diagnostics.
Whether it's a power fault, graphics issue, or firmware problem, we’ll find the cause and get your Mac working again quickly and affordably.
📍 Visit us or get in touch today:
📞 Call: 01204 520520
📧 Email: info@imfixed.co.uk
We don’t just fix Mac displays, we offer complete support for Apple desktop repairs of all kinds.
