Press the power button and wait for the startup screen

To turn on an Apple computer, locate the power button and press it once. On most Mac models, the power button is in the top-right corner of the keyboard. On older iMacs and Mac minis, it may be on the back or side of the machine. Press firmly but do not hold it down — a single press is all you need.

After you press the button, you will see the Apple logo appear on your screen within a few seconds. The computer will then display a loading bar or spinning globe as it starts up. This process typically takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your Mac model and how long it has been since the last shutdown.

If nothing happens after you press the power button, check that the computer is plugged in and the power outlet is working. Try pressing the button again. If your Mac still does not respond, the battery may be completely drained — plug it in and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button on most Macs is located in the top-right corner of the keyboard, though the exact location varies by model.
  • Press the power button once and release — you do not need to hold it down or press it multiple times.
  • The startup process takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and you will see the Apple logo appear first.
  • If your Mac does not turn on, verify it is plugged in and the outlet has power before trying again.

Finding the power button on different Mac models

The location of the power button depends on which Mac you own. On MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, the power button is integrated into the Touch ID sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard. On iMac computers, the power button is usually on the back of the monitor, near the bottom. On Mac mini, the power button is on the back of the unit. On Mac Studio, you will find it on the back as well.

If you are unsure where the power button is on your specific model, look for a small circular or rectangular button with a power symbol (a circle with a line at the top). You can also check the manual that came with your computer or visit Apple's support website and search for your model number to see a diagram.

What happens during startup

When you press the power button, your Mac goes through several stages before it is ready to use. First, the Apple logo appears and the startup sound plays (if your volume is turned up). Next, you may see a loading bar or a spinning globe icon, which indicates the computer is loading its operating system.

After the loading completes, you will see the login screen. If you are the only user on the computer, you may be taken directly to the desktop. If multiple users have accounts on the Mac, you will need to select your user name and enter your password. Once you log in, your desktop will appear with your apps and files ready to use.

Troubleshooting when your Mac will not turn on

If you press the power button and nothing happens, start by checking the power connection. Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into both the computer and the wall outlet. If you are using a MacBook, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the charger in and wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again.

If the Mac still does not respond, try a force restart. On a MacBook with an Apple silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or newer), press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release. On an older Intel-based Mac, hold down Command + Control + Power at the same time for 10 seconds. Wait a few seconds and then press the power button normally to start up.

If your Mac turns on but gets stuck on the Apple logo or loading screen for more than 5 minutes, it may be experiencing a startup issue. In this case, try restarting by holding the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then press the power button again to restart.

Understanding startup vs. wake from sleep

There is a difference between turning on a Mac that is completely shut down and waking a Mac from sleep mode. When your Mac is in sleep mode, the screen is dark and the computer uses very little power, but it is not fully shut down. To wake a sleeping Mac, you can press any key on the keyboard, click the trackpad, or move the mouse.

A full startup from a powered-off state takes longer than waking from sleep because the computer has to load the entire operating system. If your Mac is in sleep mode and you want to fully shut it down instead, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select Shut Down, and confirm. Then when you press the power button, you will be doing a full startup rather than just waking the computer.

Restarting your Mac instead of a full shutdown

Sometimes you may want to restart your Mac rather than turn it off completely. To restart, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen, select Restart, and confirm. Your Mac will shut down and then automatically turn back on. This process takes about 1 to 2 minutes and can help fix minor software issues.

Restarting is different from a full shutdown and power-on cycle. When you restart, the computer goes through a faster process because some systems remain active. If your Mac is running slowly or acting strangely, a restart often solves the problem without requiring you to wait for a full shutdown and startup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the power button on a MacBook?

On MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models made in 2016 or later, the power button is in the top-right corner of the keyboard and doubles as the Touch ID sensor. You will see a small circle or oval with a power symbol. Press it once to turn on the computer.

Why does my Mac take so long to start up?

Startup time depends on your Mac model, how much storage you are using, and how many apps are set to open automatically. Newer Macs with Apple silicon chips start up faster than older Intel-based models. If startup is taking more than 3 minutes, you may have too many apps launching at once — you can disable startup apps in System Settings under General, then Login Items.

Can I turn on my Mac by opening the lid?

On MacBook models, opening the lid will wake the computer from sleep, but it will not turn on a completely shut-down Mac. You still need to press the power button for a full startup. However, if your Mac is already in sleep mode, straightforward opening the lid or pressing a key will wake it without needing the power button.

What should I do if the power button is stuck or broken?

If the power button is physically stuck or broken, you can still turn on your Mac by plugging in the power cable and waiting a few seconds — some Macs automatically power on when connected to power. If that does not work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for repair options.