If you are new to using a MacBook Pro or have just taken one out of the box you might be wondering how to turn it on. While most Apple devices are designed to be intuitive the power button on a MacBook Pro is not always immediately obvious. Whether your MacBook Pro is brand new or has been powered off this guide will explain exactly how to turn it on and what to do if it does not start as expected.
This article covers different MacBook Pro models including those with Intel chips and the newer Apple Silicon M1 and M2 versions. You will also learn a few tips for troubleshooting if your device remains unresponsive.
Where Is the Power Button?
On most MacBook Pro models the power button is part of the Touch ID sensor. If your MacBook has a Touch Bar the power button is located at the far right end of the Touch Bar. On models without a Touch Bar the power button is typically located on the top right corner of the keyboard.
The button may be marked with a small circular symbol or simply integrated into the Touch ID sensor. Press and hold it briefly to start the machine.
Turning On a MacBook Pro
To turn on your MacBook Pro make sure it is charged or plugged into power using the USB-C charging cable and power adapter that came with it. Then press the power button once and release it. The screen should light up and you should see the Apple logo followed by the login screen.
If your MacBook Pro was recently shut down it may take a few seconds to boot up. If you have enabled FileVault encryption it may also prompt you to enter your password before fully loading the desktop.
Automatic Start When Opening the Lid
Most modern MacBook Pro models automatically turn on when you open the lid even without pressing the power button. If your MacBook Pro has enough battery power it should start as soon as the screen is lifted. This feature is enabled by default on models with Apple Silicon and many Intel-based versions as well.
If your MacBook Pro does not turn on when you open the lid check the battery level by plugging it into power and looking for the charging indicator.
What to Do If It Will Not Turn On
If your MacBook Pro does not respond at all try the following:
First check the charging cable and power adapter. Make sure they are firmly connected and not damaged. Try a different USB-C port on your MacBook and wait a few minutes to allow the battery to charge.
Next press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. This may force the Mac to shut down if it is frozen then you can press the button again to start it.
If the screen stays black but you hear sounds or feel the fan running try adjusting the brightness or connecting an external monitor to check if the display is working.
As a final step you can reset the System Management Controller or SMC on Intel-based models. For Apple Silicon models just press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen then choose Macintosh HD to boot normally.
When to Contact Support
If your MacBook Pro still does not turn on after following the steps above you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorised service provider. A hardware issue such as a faulty battery or logic board could be the cause.
Make sure you have your serial number ready which can be found on the bottom of your MacBook or on the original packaging.
Final Thoughts
Turning on a MacBook Pro is usually straightforward once you know where the power button is. Newer models are designed to wake up automatically when you open the lid or press any key which adds convenience. If your MacBook does not turn on immediately do not panic. It could be a simple fix such as charging the battery or restarting the system.
Once powered on your MacBook Pro offers a fast reliable experience for work study and entertainment.