Can't find your MacBook's power button, or getting no response when you press it? On current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, Touch ID doubles as the power button. Start there, then check the power connection and follow the troubleshooting steps below if your Mac stays unresponsive.
Press Touch ID to turn on your MacBook
Use this method to start a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with Touch ID. The fingerprint sensor is also your power button.
Find Touch ID at the top-right corner of the built-in keyboard.
Press and release it to turn on your MacBook. Give it an actual press: resting your finger lightly on the sensor is for fingerprint authentication.
Open the lid for automatic startup
On an Apple-silicon MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, lift the closed display to start the computer. Automatic startup on lid opening must be enabled.
Connect your MacBook to a compatible power source to start it through power connection. This automatic startup trigger must also be enabled.
For another way to start a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, press any key on its built-in keyboard.
Alternatively, click the built-in trackpad. Keyboard and trackpad startup remain available even when automatic startup on lid opening and power connection is disabled.
Check the power connection if nothing happens
A faulty cable, adapter, or outlet can leave your MacBook without the power it needs to start.
Check the charging cable for damage.
Securely connect the charging cable to your MacBook and a working outlet.
Try another compatible charging cable or power adapter.
Press and release Touch ID again to retry startup.
Try a power-button cycle when it won't respond
If a normal press does nothing after you check the power connection, try Apple's power-button cycle. A forced shutdown risks losing unsaved work if the Mac is already running.
Hold Touch ID or the power button for about 10 seconds.
Release the button.
Press and release it normally to try starting your MacBook again.
Wake a sleeping MacBook
A dark screen doesn't always mean your MacBook is shut down. To wake a sleeping MacBook, open the display, press a keyboard key, or click the mouse or trackpad.
Enter your password or authenticate when required. Waking the computer and unlocking it are separate actions.
If your Mac is already running and you want a fresh start, choose Apple menu > Restart.
Click Restart to confirm.
Remove accessories if startup still fails
Connected accessories can prevent startup. Disconnect drives, printers, USB hubs, and mobile devices from your MacBook.
Hold Touch ID or the power button for about 10 seconds.
Release the button.
Press and release it normally to retry startup.
If your MacBook still won't start, follow Apple's startup troubleshooting and service guidance. A blank screen also occurs when a Mac is powered on but has a startup or display problem.
Restore automatic startup after it was disabled
This restores lid-opening and power-connection startup on an Apple-silicon MacBook running macOS Sequoia 15 or later.
Start your MacBook using Touch ID, a built-in keyboard key, or the built-in trackpad.
Open Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Enter sudo nvram -d BootPreference.
Press Return.
Authenticate as an administrator when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn on my MacBook with an external keyboard?
Apple documents connected keyboards and mice as controls for waking a sleeping MacBook. To start a shut-down MacBook, Apple's instructions cover Touch ID, any key on the built-in keyboard, the built-in trackpad, opening the lid, and connecting power; they don't list an external keyboard as a startup method.
Can Siri turn on a shut-down MacBook?
Apple documents Siri only for a MacBook that is asleep or locked, not for starting one that is shut down. On supported MacBooks, Siri responds during sleep or while locked when the lid is open, voice activation is configured, and Allow Siri when locked is enabled.
Should I hold Touch ID until startup options appear?
Use a quick press and release for normal startup. To open startup options on an Apple-silicon MacBook, begin with the Mac shut down and hold Touch ID until the startup disks and Options appear. That screen provides access to a different startup disk, safe mode, and macOS Recovery.
Do I need to reset the SMC on an Apple-silicon MacBook?
Apple says the SMC resets automatically on Apple-silicon Macs. For power-management troubleshooting while macOS is running, connect power. Then choose Apple menu > Restart.