Lightning bolt and arrow on MacBook Air startup screen

I had to restart my MacBook Air and a lightening bolt and arrow came up on the screen, how can I turn on my Mac?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: i tried to start my macbook air and got a blank screen, then an arrow and lightening bolt

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 5:13 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 7:55 PM

That indicates it is booting into Target Disk Mode.


If this is an Intel Mac, then you should just be able to hold the power button down until the laptop powers off. Then power on the laptop & it should boot normally. If not, then try performing a PRAM Reset (hold it for 2 chimes if possible). The laptop should now boot normally. If it does not, then most likely the "T" key is stuck.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 11, 2025 7:55 PM in response to Rebfrey

That indicates it is booting into Target Disk Mode.


If this is an Intel Mac, then you should just be able to hold the power button down until the laptop powers off. Then power on the laptop & it should boot normally. If not, then try performing a PRAM Reset (hold it for 2 chimes if possible). The laptop should now boot normally. If it does not, then most likely the "T" key is stuck.


Lightning bolt and arrow on MacBook Air startup screen

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