Dealing with a frozen Mac can be a nightmare, especially when you’re in the midst of important tasks. Before succumbing to the frustration and heading to the Apple Store, try these practical fixes that can potentially save you time and money. Whether you’re using a MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, or any other Apple computer, these troubleshooting steps are designed to help you regain control of your frozen Mac.
- Force Quit Unresponsive Apps: If your Mac becomes unresponsive, the culprit might be a misbehaving app. Try force quitting the problematic application by Ctrl+clicking its icon in the Dock and selecting Force Quit. Alternatively, press Opt+Cmd+Esc to open the Force Quit window and select the app to close. If all else fails, press Ctrl+Opt+Cmd and the power button simultaneously to reboot your Mac.
- Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): The SMC manages various aspects of your Mac, and a reset might resolve freezing issues. For Macs without a T2 Security Chip, shut down the device and press Shift+Ctrl+Opt and the power button simultaneously. Hold for 10 seconds, then power on the Mac. For T2-equipped Macs, turn off the device, hold the power button for 10 seconds, release, and then press it again to turn on the Mac.
- Reset PRAM/NVRAM: The PRAM and NVRAM store critical settings, and resetting them could address freezing problems. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press Opt+Cmd+P+R. Hold for 20 seconds, and if your Mac plays a start up sound, release the keys when it repeats. T2-equipped Mac users should release the keys when the Apple logo appears and disappears a second time.
- Boot Up in Safe Mode: Booting your Mac in safe mode can help identify and fix issues causing freezes. Shut down your Mac, turn it back on, and press and hold the Shift key until the login window appears. If you’ve encrypted your start up disk with FileVault, you may need to log in twice. If your Mac operates normally in safe mode, the issue may be related to login items, Wi-Fi networking, or an external device.
- Run the Apple Diagnostic Test: To rule out hardware issues, run the Apple Diagnostic Test. Disconnect external devices, except essential peripherals, and shut down your Mac. Turn it back on while holding the D key until prompted to select your language. The test will identify any hardware issues and provide reference codes for potential solutions.
- If All Else Fails: Take Your Mac to an Apple Store: If none of the above solutions work, and your Mac continues to freeze, it’s time to seek professional help. Visit locate.apple.com to find the nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. Alternatively, locate a third-party repair shop with Apple Authorized Service Provider certification for expert assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you unfreeze a Mac? To unfreeze your Mac, press Command-Esc-Option simultaneously. This brings up a new window allowing you to close any problematic programs. Simply select the troublesome one and press “Force Quit.”
What should you do if your Mac isn’t responding? Consider the following steps:
- Force quit unresponsive apps: Press Command-Esc-Option simultaneously.
- Reset the System Management Controller: Turn off the device, hold the power button for 10 seconds, release, and then press it again to turn on the Mac.
- Reset PRAM/NVRAM: Shut down your Mac, turn it on, and immediately press Opt+Cmd+P+R.
- Boot up in safe mode: Shut down your Mac, turn it back on, and press and hold the Shift key.
Why did my Mac completely freeze? Possible causes for a frozen Mac include issues with open software, problematic hardware, or insufficient RAM or storage space. Refer to our guide to common MacBook problems and solutions for further assistance in identifying the root cause of your computer’s issues.
