MacBook Won't Boot? Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • About 50% of boot failures are software-related and recoverable
• • Different symptoms (Apple logo, question mark, prohibitory symbol) indicate different problems
• • Recovery Mode and Safe Mode can fix many boot issues without losing data
• • Hardware boot failures usually involve storage, RAM, or logic board
• • Your data is often recoverable even from non-booting Macs

Your Mac turns on, shows the Apple logo... and then nothing. It's stuck. Maybe there's a loading bar that never completes, or a flashing question mark folder, or just an endless spinning wheel.

Don't panic. Boot failures look scary but many can be resolved without professional help—and even hardware failures usually mean your data is recoverable. If your Mac won't turn on at all, that's a different issue.

Identify Your Boot Symptom

Stuck on Apple Logo

The Mac is booting but gets stuck. Common causes: failed update, corrupt system file, problematic login item. This is different from a Mac that's freezing after login.

Try Safe Mode

Intel Mac:

1. Shut down completely (hold power 10 seconds)
2. Turn on, immediately hold Shift
3. Release when you see login screen

Apple Silicon:

1. Shut down completely
2. Hold power button until "Loading startup options" appears
3. Select your drive, hold Shift, click "Continue in Safe Mode"

If Safe Mode works, restart normally. The issue may resolve itself, or you've identified a login item problem.

Loading Bar Stuck

Usually means macOS is checking or repairing the file system. Give it time (up to an hour for large drives). If truly stuck:

1. Force shut down (hold power 10 seconds)
2. Boot to Recovery Mode (see below)
3. Open Disk Utility
4. Select your drive and click "First Aid"
5. If repairs complete, try normal boot

Flashing Question Mark Folder

The Mac can't find a bootable drive. This is serious—it could mean:

• Startup disk was accidentally erased
• SSD/HDD has failed
• Drive cable has disconnected (older models)
• File system is too corrupted to read

What to Try

1. Reset NVRAM (Intel: Option+Command+P+R at startup)
2. Boot to Recovery and check Disk Utility
3. If drive appears, try First Aid
4. If no drive appears, it's likely hardware failure

Prohibitory Symbol (Circle with Line)

The Mac found a drive but can't boot from it—usually because macOS is incompatible with the hardware, or the system is too corrupted.

What to Try

1. Boot to Recovery Mode
2. Run First Aid on the drive
3. If needed, reinstall macOS (doesn't erase data by default)

Using Recovery Mode

Intel Mac:

• Command + R = Local Recovery
• Option + Command + R = Internet Recovery (latest compatible macOS)
• Shift + Option + Command + R = Internet Recovery (original macOS)

Apple Silicon:

• Hold power button until "Loading startup options" appears
• Click Options, then Continue

In Recovery, you can access Disk Utility, reinstall macOS, restore from Time Machine, and use Terminal for advanced troubleshooting.

When It's a Hardware Problem

If software solutions fail, hardware is likely the cause:

• SSD failure - Drive doesn't appear in Disk Utility (£149-399 replacement)
• RAM failure - Beeping sounds or blank screen (£199-349 if soldered, see RAM guide)
• Logic board - No response to Recovery attempts (£299-549 repair)
• Flex cable - Intermittent on MacBook Pro 2016-2017 causing flickering (£99-149 repair)

UK Repair Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data?

Not necessarily. Boot failures usually don't affect data—it's still on the drive. Even with SSD failure, data recovery is often possible. The key is not to keep attempting repairs that might make things worse.

How long should I wait for the Apple logo?

Up to 30 minutes is normal after a major update or if First Aid is running. Beyond that, something is likely stuck.

Should I try to reinstall macOS myself?

If you can get to Recovery Mode and your drive appears healthy in Disk Utility, reinstalling macOS is safe and doesn't erase data. If the drive shows errors or doesn't appear, seek professional help first. Our repair vs replace guide can help you decide whether repair makes sense for your Mac's age.