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 iMac and Mac mini computers, it is 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, followed by a progress bar. This is normal. Your Mac is loading its operating system. Do not press the button again or unplug the computer during this time. The startup process usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on how old your Mac is and how much is installed on it.
If your screen stays black or nothing happens after 30 seconds, make sure the computer is plugged in. Laptops need to be charged. Check that the power cable is firmly connected to both the wall outlet and the back of your Mac. Then press the power button again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button on most Macs is in the top-right corner of the keyboard, or on the back or side of the machine for desktop models.
- Press the power button once and wait — do not hold it down or press it repeatedly.
- The startup screen with the Apple logo should appear within a few seconds, and the full startup takes 30 seconds to two minutes.
- If nothing happens, check that your Mac is plugged in and the power cable is connected firmly to both the wall and the computer.
- Once startup is complete, you will see the login screen or your desktop, depending on whether your Mac requires a password.
What Happens After the Apple Logo Appears
Once the Apple logo and progress bar appear, your Mac is starting up normally. You will see the progress bar fill as the operating system loads. This is a good sign — it means the computer received your command and is working. Let it finish without interruption.
When the startup is complete, you will either see a login screen (if your Mac has a user account with a password) or your desktop (if it does not). If you see the login screen, type your password and press Enter. If you see the desktop right away, your Mac is ready to use.
Where the Power Button Is Located on Different Mac Models
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro: The power button is in the top-right corner of the keyboard, next to the Touch ID sensor (the small round button). It is the same button you use to unlock the computer with your fingerprint.
iMac: The power button is on the back of the machine, near the bottom-right corner. You may need to reach around the back to find it, or you can press it from the side if your iMac is positioned away from the wall.
Mac mini: The power button is on the back of the machine, on the right side. It is a small round button. Some older Mac mini models have the power button on the side instead.
Mac Studio: The power button is on the back-right corner of the machine. It is a small round button similar to the Mac mini.
Troubleshooting When Your Mac Will Not Start
If you press the power button and nothing happens, the most common reason is that the computer is not plugged in or the battery is completely drained. For laptops, plug the power cable in and wait a few minutes before pressing the power button again. For desktop Macs, check that the power cable is connected to both the wall outlet and the computer, and that the outlet itself is working (test it with a lamp or phone charger if you are unsure).
If the Mac is plugged in and you still see nothing, try pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds, then release it. Wait a few seconds and press it once more. This can help if the computer is frozen or stuck. If the screen remains black and you hear no fan noise or see no lights, the power supply may be faulty — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
If you see the Apple logo but the progress bar stops moving or the startup takes longer than five minutes, your Mac may be having trouble loading. Do not force it off. Wait at least 10 minutes to see if it finishes. If it does not, you can hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then try starting again.
What to Do If Your Mac Asks for a Password at Startup
When your Mac finishes starting up, you may see a login screen with a username and a password field. This is normal if your Mac has user accounts set up. Type your password and press Enter. If you do not remember your password, you can use your Apple ID to reset it — the login screen will offer this option after a few failed attempts.
If you do not see a login screen and go straight to the desktop, your Mac does not have a password set up, or it is set to log in automatically. Either way, your Mac is starting correctly.
Restarting vs. Turning Off Your Mac
Turning on your Mac is different from restarting it. When you turn on a Mac that is completely off, you press the power button once and wait. When you restart a Mac that is already on, you go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "Restart," and click the button that appears. Restarting shuts down the computer and starts it again automatically.
If your Mac is on and you want to turn it off completely, go to the Apple menu, select "Shut Down," and click the button. The computer will close all programs and turn off. To turn it back on later, press the power button again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should it take for my Mac to turn on?
A normal startup takes 30 seconds to two minutes from the moment you press the power button until you see the login screen or desktop. Older Macs or Macs with a lot of programs installed may take longer. If startup takes more than five minutes, something may be wrong.
Is it bad to force my Mac off by holding the power button?
Holding the power button for 10 seconds forces a shutdown, which is safe to do if your Mac is frozen or not responding. However, do this only when necessary. Forcing a shutdown can cause unsaved work to be lost. Use it as a last resort when the normal shutdown process does not work.
Why does my Mac take so long to start up?
Startup time depends on how much software is installed, how full the hard drive is, and how old the Mac is. Newer Macs with solid-state drives (SSDs) start much faster than older models with traditional hard drives. If your Mac suddenly starts much slower than before, it may need a restart or a software update.
Can I turn on my Mac from sleep mode instead of powering it off completely?
Yes. If your Mac is in sleep mode (the screen is dark but the computer is still on), you can wake it by pressing any key, clicking the trackpad, or moving the mouse. This is faster than a full startup. To put your Mac to sleep without turning it off, go to the Apple menu and select "Sleep."
What if my Mac makes a strange noise when I turn it on?
A quiet fan noise during startup is normal as the computer warms up. If you hear loud beeping, grinding, or clicking sounds, something may be wrong with the hardware. Stop using the Mac and contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for help.