MacBook Pro is not only a PC, it’s an experience. Those that go MacBook Pro are never satisfied with any other device. But it does come with its share of cons. The dreaded MacBook Pro White Screen of Death is one of them, and your MacBook shutting down randomly is another.
The White Screen of Death on a MacBook Pro indicates an error with an operating system that causes the device to stop working and instead displays only a white screen. It’s concerning and can induce panic but there are solutions.
We’ll be discussing both of these today so you can have a solution at your fingertips the next time the issue presents itself.
How do I fix MacBook Pro White Screen of Death?
Reset the SMC and NVRAM
First and foremost try to troubleshoot the issue by resetting your SMC and NVRAM.
- Turn your MacBook Pro off and on again
- When you press the Power button with one hand, maneuver your fingers to press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys
- Once you hear the startup sound a second time, or if the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time, release the keys
Use the Safe Mode
Another way to bring your MacBook back from the Screen of Death is to use the Safe Mode instead.
- After you restart, press and hold the Shift key
- After the login window appears you can release the Shift key
- Login by entering your credentials if required
You can always exit the Safe Mode afterward and reboot normally. If the problem still persists, try this:
- Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences
- Navigate to Users & Groups
- Select account name
- Select Login Items
- You will be presented with a list of login items
- Write these down on a piece of paper
- Use the Remove button to take off all the login items from the list
- Now, restart your MacBook
- Add the items, one by one, to identify which one is causing the problem
Repair Disk for MacBook Pro White Screen Error
Another option is to fix the White Screen of Death by repairing the disk.
- Reboot the MacBook
- Press and hold the Command and R keys
- Once the Recovery Mode starts, navigate to Disk Utility
- Click System Drive
- Click First Aid Now
- Select First Aid option
MacBook Pro White Screen of Death Random Shutdown
So, you’ve avoided the White Screen of Death but you’re still facing issues like your MacBook Pro shutting down on its own. And, as if to spite you, it chooses the worst moment to do so. There could be many causes:
- Software errors
- The old version of macOS
- Malware
- Peripheral devices
Fortunately, there are many ways you can fix these issues. Here’s how:
Conduct a complete shutdown
One of the basic and most effective troubleshoots is conducting a complete shutdown. Unexpected, sudden, and random shutdowns can never replace the restorative powers of a complete one that manages to end background programs and processes safely, reducing the risk of bugs and glitches.
- After your MacBook Pro’s sudden shutdown power the PC up again
- Now, press the Command-Option-Esc keys to Force Quit applications that are not responding
- Navigate to the Apple menu
- Place your MacBook to sleep
- Restart your MacBook Pro
This should be basic practice to troubleshoot any and all issues.
Check your MacBook Pro for malware
A major issue for random shutdowns is malware on your Mac. It can wreak havoc on your Mac. Use a malware detector and cleaner on your MacBook Pro to run regular checks. Simply download your preferred malware cleaner. Conduct a scan of your MacBook Pro to detect any viruses, and instruct the software to remove them for you.
Reset the SMC settings on your computer
Just as you did with the Whiter Screen of Death issue in the section above, similarly, conduct a reset of your SMC settings to eliminate a random shutdown issue. The SMC controls components of your computer like the battery, fans, and other features. Resetting the SMC allows the system to recalibrate and remove any glitches.
We’ve outlined actions you can take for different types of MacBooks.
Non-removable battery
- Shut your MacBook down
- Make sure to use the built-in keyboard for this process
- Press the Power button as well as the Shift-Control-Option keys at the same time
- Continue to hold 10 seconds
- Release
- Use the power button to start your Mac again
Removable battery
- Conduct a shutdown and disconnect the power adapter
- Safely remove the Mac battery
- Press and hold the power button
- Do this for five seconds
- Now, connect the battery and power adapter again
- Finally, turn your Mac back on using the power button
MacBook with the T2 chip
- Conduct a shutdown
- Press and hold the Shift, Option, and Control keys for 7 seconds
- Keep the keys pressed as you hold the power button down
- Do this for 7 seconds
- Wait 10 seconds after you release the keys
- Restart your Mac
What causes MacBook Pro White Screen of Death?
Check the health of your battery
One more thing to look out for when troubleshooting a random shutdown is the battery health of your MacBook Pro. Though the perception is that batteries last forever, the reality is that they are good for a limited number of charges and their lifetime varies from model to model. To check if your Mac needs new batteries conduct the following check:
- On the top left, you’ll find the Apple icon
- Click it and select About This Mac
- In the choices provided select System Report
- Go to the Hardware section
- Click the Power option
- You’ll find the details of the current cycle count under Battery Information
- If the Condition detailed in your Cycle Count is Normal you may continue with the current battery
- If it is reaching its 1000th cycle then it needs to be replaced
Conduct software updates
The MacBook Pro needs to be fully updated to function at its most optimal. If your MacBook Pro is giving you grief you should look into its update status and try to conduct a manual update.
- Open the Apple menu
- Click About This Mac option
- Select Software Update.
- You will be intimated within this option if a software update is pending
- Select the update and let it install
- Once installation is complete restart your MacBook Pro
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