How to Turn On a Mac Monitor

Checking the Physical Connection

Before trying any troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to check the physical connection between your Mac and the monitor. A loose or faulty connection can prevent the monitor from turning on. Follow these steps to ensure a secure and functional connection:

Inspect the cables: Start by examining the cables connecting your Mac and monitor. Ensure that the cables are securely plugged into both the Mac’s video output port and the monitor’s input port. If using an adapter or converter, make sure it is properly connected as well.
Remove and reattach the cables: Sometimes, a loose connection can be fixed by simply removing and reattaching the cables. Disconnect the cables from both the Mac and the monitor, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in firmly.
Try a different cable: If reattaching the cables didn’t work, it’s possible that the cable itself is faulty. If you have access to another cable of the same type, try using it to connect your Mac and monitor. This will help determine whether the issue lies with the cable or not.
Test on another Mac: If you have access to another Mac, you can try connecting your monitor to it. This will help identify whether the problem is with the monitor or your Mac. If the monitor works fine when connected to another Mac, it means the issue lies within your Mac.

By checking the physical connection between your Mac and the monitor, you can ensure that there are no loose or faulty cables causing the display to not turn on. If the issue persists after performing these steps, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

Pressing the Power Button

If your Mac monitor is not turning on, one simple troubleshooting step you can try is pressing the power button. Sometimes, the monitor may be in a sleep mode or have a power-saving feature enabled, causing it to appear off. Here are the steps to follow:

Locate the power button: Depending on the model of your Mac, the location of the power button may vary. Generally, it can be found on the front or back of the monitor.
Press and hold the power button: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds (around 3-5 seconds) until you see signs of the monitor coming to life. Look for any visual indicators, such as the screen lighting up or the power LED turning on.
Wait for the monitor to fully power on: After releasing the power button, give the monitor a few moments to fully power on and display the image. It may take a few seconds for the monitor’s startup process to complete.

If pressing the power button successfully turns on your Mac monitor, ensure that you adjust the power-saving settings so that it doesn’t enter sleep mode too quickly. However, if the monitor still doesn’t respond, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Adjusting the Brightness Settings

If your Mac monitor is turned on but appears dim or completely black, it might be due to incorrect brightness settings. Follow these steps to adjust the brightness and enhance the display:

Use the keyboard shortcuts: On your Mac keyboard, look for the brightness adjustment keys. Typically, they are labeled with sun icons and can be found on the top row (F1 and F2 keys). Press the F1 key to decrease brightness or the F2 key to increase brightness. Keep pressing until the desired brightness level is achieved.
Adjust brightness in System Preferences: If the keyboard shortcuts don’t work or you prefer a more precise adjustment, you can change the brightness level in System Preferences. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select System Preferences, and then choose Displays. In the Displays settings, you’ll find a slider to adjust the brightness. Slide it left or right to decrease or increase the brightness, respectively.
Disable auto-brightness: Auto-brightness is a feature that automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. Sometimes, this feature may not work correctly, causing the screen to appear dim. To disable auto-brightness, go to System Preferences, select Displays, and then click on the Display tab. Uncheck the box next to “Automatically adjust brightness.”

By adjusting the brightness settings, you can resolve issues related to a dim or blacked-out Mac monitor. If the problem persists even after adjusting the brightness, move on to the next troubleshooting method.

Restarting the Mac

If your Mac monitor is not turning on or displaying any images, restarting your Mac can often resolve the issue. Restarting can help refresh the system and clear any temporary glitches that might be causing the problem. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

Save your work: Before restarting your Mac, make sure to save any unsaved work to prevent data loss.
Click on the Apple menu: Locate the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and click on it.
Select Restart: In the drop-down menu that appears, click on the Restart option. Your Mac will begin the restart process.
Wait for the Mac to restart: Give your Mac some time to shut down and boot up again. Depending on your computer model and the number of applications you have open, the restart process may take a few minutes.

After your Mac restarts, check if the monitor is now turning on and displaying the screen. Restarting can often fix minor software-related issues that may be preventing the monitor from working properly. If the problem persists, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

If your Mac monitor is still not turning on or showing any signs of activity, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) might help. The SMC is responsible for managing various hardware functions on your Mac, including power-related issues. Resetting it can often resolve issues related to the monitor not powering on. Follow these steps to reset the SMC:

Shut down your Mac: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select Shut Down. Wait for your Mac to completely turn off.
Disconnect the power source: If your Mac is connected to a power adapter, unplug it from the power outlet. If you’re using a MacBook, make sure to disconnect the power adapter from both the Mac and the power outlet.
Wait for 15 seconds: Leave your Mac disconnected from the power source for at least 15 seconds. This allows the SMC to reset completely.
Reconnect the power source: After 15 seconds, plug your Mac back into the power source. If you have a MacBook, reconnect the power adapter as well.
Turn on your Mac: Press the power button on your Mac to turn it on. Check if the monitor is now powering on and displaying the screen.

Resetting the SMC can resolve various power-related issues, including problems with the monitor not turning on. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Checking for Software Updates

If your Mac monitor is not turning on or functioning properly, it’s important to make sure that your software is up to date. Outdated or incompatible software can sometimes cause issues with the display. Here’s how you can check for software updates on your Mac:

Click on the Apple menu: In the top-left corner of your screen, click on the Apple logo to open the drop-down menu.
Select System Preferences: From the drop-down menu, select System Preferences.
Open Software Update: In the System Preferences window, click on Software Update. This will open the Software Update settings.
Check for updates: Click on the Check Now button to check for any available software updates for your Mac. If updates are found, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install them.
Restart your Mac if prompted: After the software updates are installed, you may be prompted to restart your Mac. It’s important to restart to ensure that the updates are fully activated.

Updating your software can address any compatibility issues and fix software-related bugs that may be affecting the monitor’s functionality. After performing the software update, check if the monitor is now turning on without any issues. If the problem persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Connecting to an External Display

If your Mac monitor is not turning on, one troubleshooting step you can try is connecting your Mac to an external display. This will help determine if the issue lies with the monitor itself or with the Mac’s internal hardware or software. Follow these steps to connect your Mac to an external display:

Prepare the external display: Make sure the external display is properly set up and powered on. Ensure that the necessary cables are connected and that the display is functioning correctly.
Connect the cables: Depending on the available ports on your Mac and the external display, use the appropriate cables to connect the two devices. Common connection options include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA.
Switch to the external display: Once the cables are connected, you may need to manually switch your Mac’s display output to the external display. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays. In the Display settings, click on the Arrangement tab and select the “Mirror Displays” option to mirror your Mac’s display to the external monitor.
Check the external display: Look at the external display to see if it powers on and displays the image from your Mac. If the external display works fine, it indicates that the issue is with the original monitor. If the external display is also not working, it suggests a problem with the Mac’s hardware or software.

Connecting your Mac to an external display can help diagnose whether the issue is with the monitor or the Mac itself. Based on the results, you can proceed with further troubleshooting steps or seek assistance from a professional if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Mac monitor is still not turning on or displaying properly, there are some common issues you can troubleshoot to narrow down the problem. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to consider:

Check the power source: Ensure that the power source for both your Mac and the monitor is working correctly. Try plugging the devices into a different power outlet or using a different power cable.
Reset the NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve issues with display settings. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time. Then release the keys and check if the monitor turns on.
Check the display settings: Go to System Preferences > Displays and check the settings for the display. Ensure that the resolution, refresh rate, and scaling options are set correctly. Try adjusting these settings to see if it makes a difference.
Run built-in diagnostics: Some Mac models have built-in diagnostic tools that can help identify hardware issues. Restart your Mac and hold down the D key until the diagnostics utility launches. Follow the on-screen prompts to run the diagnostics and check for any hardware problems.
Try using Safe Mode: Booting your Mac in Safe Mode can help identify if third-party software or extensions are causing the problem. Restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears. Release the key and let your Mac boot into Safe Mode. Check if the monitor works correctly in Safe Mode. If it does, consider troubleshooting or removing recently installed software or extensions.

By troubleshooting these common issues, you can identify any underlying problems that may be preventing your Mac monitor from turning on or displaying correctly. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Contacting Apple Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier and your Mac monitor still does not turn on or function properly, it may be time to seek assistance from Apple Support. The experts at Apple Support can provide specific guidance tailored to your Mac model and help you resolve the issue. Here’s how you can contact Apple Support:

Visit the Apple Support website: Open a web browser and go to the Apple Support website.
Select your issue or topic: Navigate through the available options to find the category that best matches your issue. Apple Support covers a wide range of topics including hardware, software, and general troubleshooting.
Choose the contact method: Once you have selected the appropriate category, you will be presented with contact options. Apple Support offers various methods including phone support, live chat, and email support.
Follow the instructions for your chosen contact method: Depending on the contact method you have selected, follow the instructions provided on the Apple Support website to get in touch with a support representative. This may involve filling out a form, initiating a chat session, or obtaining a phone number for direct support.
Provide relevant details: When contacting Apple Support, be prepared to provide details about your Mac model, the specific issue with your monitor, and any troubleshooting steps you have already taken. This will help the support representative assist you more effectively.

Remember, Apple Support is there to assist you and troubleshoot any technical issues you may be experiencing with your Mac monitor. They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the steps needed to resolve the problem. Reach out to Apple Support for further assistance if the previous troubleshooting methods did not solve the issue.