My Mac mini screen won't turn on
my Mac turns on but the screen won't come on. I was using it and stepped away for a bit and the screen went dark. I've tried turning it on and off but no luck
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Mac mini, macOS 10.13
User profile for user:
Ben_Z1
User level:
Community Specialist
Hi there wolfvictory24,
If the external display you are using with your Mac mini is not turning on, the steps outlined here can resolve what's happening: If your external display is dark or low resolution
Alternatively, if your Mac mini is not powering on at all, follow these steps from If your Mac doesn't turn on to see if they alleviate this behavior:
1. Check power connections
Make sure that your power cable is undamaged and plugged securely into your Mac and a working electrical outlet.
If your Mac has no built-in display, make sure that your external display is connected to power, connected to your Mac, and turned on.
2. Press and hold the power button
Press and hold the power button on your Mac for about 10 seconds. (Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.)
Then press and release the power button normally.
3. Unplug accessories
You could have an issue with one or more accessories or their cables. Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and mobile devices. Then repeat step 2, above.
4. If you see something on your screen
If your screen shows a flashing question mark, circle with a line through it, or anything else, or if your Mac shows status indicator lights or other signs of power, your Mac is turned on but isn't starting up:
If your Mac turns on but doesn't start up all the way
5. If you see nothing on your screen
If your Mac seems to be turned on but the screen remains blank, the issue could be software related:
If your Mac starts up to a blank screen
6. Reset the SMC (Intel-based Mac only)
If you're using an older, Intel-based Mac, resetting the SMC might help:
Reset the SMC
7. Revive or restore firmware
Rarely, a Mac with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip might stop responding and need to be revived or restored by another Mac.
How to revive or restore Mac firmware
8. Contact us
If your Mac still doesn't turn on, or you need help with any instructions, contact Apple Support.
Take care!