Mac

Mac won't wake from sleep

A Mac that stays black or unresponsive after sleep is usually a temporary software freeze rather than a hardware failure, and a forced restart almost always brings it back.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15–30 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$80–$150

Symptoms

  • Screen stays black after pressing a key or clicking the trackpad
  • Mac doesn't respond to any input after being left idle
  • Fan may still be running even though the screen is unresponsive
  • Problem happens more often after connecting certain external devices

Likely causes

  • CommonA software glitch during the sleep/wake transitionThis is a well-known and generally temporary macOS quirk.
  • CommonAn external display, dock, or peripheral interfering with wakeCertain accessories are known to cause wake issues on specific macOS versions.
  • PossibleAn outdated macOS version with a known sleep-related bugApple periodically fixes sleep/wake issues in updates.
  • PossibleAutomatic graphics switching (on dual-GPU Macs) getting stuckThis can occasionally cause a black screen specifically on wake.
  • Less commonA more serious hardware fault, less commonlyRepeated failures across many contexts point more toward hardware.

What to do

  1. Wait about 30 seconds after trying to wake it, since sometimes the display just takes a moment.
  2. Try pressing a key, clicking the trackpad, and also briefly pressing the power button (not holding it) to see if any input wakes it.
  3. If nothing works, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a restart.
  4. After it restarts, check for macOS updates, since sleep/wake bugs are commonly addressed there.
  5. Disconnect external displays, docks, or peripherals one at a time to see if a specific one is causing the issue.
  6. Reset the SMC using the method appropriate for your Mac's chip type, which often resolves sleep/wake glitches.
  7. Check System Settings > Lock Screen / Battery for any sleep-related settings that might be misconfigured.
  8. If it happens repeatedly and consistently, even with accessories disconnected, note the frequency and consider professional diagnosis.

Tools and parts

  • None required

When to call a pro

If the Mac repeatedly fails to wake even after updates and an SMC reset, an Apple Store or authorized repair shop can check for a hardware-related cause.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.