Press the power button on the back of your iMac
The power button on an iMac is located on the back of the machine, toward the bottom right corner. It is a small circular button that you press once. You will hear a startup sound, and the screen will light up within a few seconds.
After you press the button, the iMac will begin its startup sequence. You may see the Apple logo appear on the screen, followed by a progress bar. This process typically takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on how long it has been since the computer was last used.
If the iMac does not respond after you press the button, make sure the power cable is firmly connected to both the back of the machine and the wall outlet. If it is connected and still does not turn on, the computer may need to charge for a few minutes before it has enough power to start.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is a small circular button on the back of the iMac, toward the bottom right, and you press it once to start the computer.
- The startup process takes 30 seconds to two minutes, and you will see the Apple logo and a progress bar during this time.
- If the iMac does not turn on, check that the power cable is plugged into both the machine and the wall outlet.
- After startup completes, you may be asked to enter a password or select a user account before you can use the computer.
What happens after the startup sound
Once you hear the startup chime, the iMac is loading its operating system. The screen will show the Apple logo, and below it a progress bar will fill from left to right. This bar indicates how far along the startup process is. Do not turn off the computer during this time, as interrupting the startup can cause problems.
When the progress bar finishes, the login screen will appear. You will see one or more user accounts listed. If this is your iMac and you have set up a user account, click on your account name and enter your password. If no accounts exist yet, the iMac will walk you through creating one.
If the screen stays black or does not respond
A black screen after pressing the power button usually means the computer is starting but the display has not woken up yet. Wait 10 to 15 seconds. If the screen remains black, try moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard to wake the display.
If the screen is still black after 30 seconds, the iMac may not be receiving power. Check that the power cable is fully inserted into the port on the back of the machine. The port is located near the bottom right. Push the cable in firmly until you feel it click or seat completely. Then wait another 30 seconds and try moving the mouse again.
If you still see nothing, try unplugging the power cable from the wall outlet, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. Then press the power button again. If the iMac still does not start after these steps, the machine may have a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Entering your password after startup
Once the login screen appears, you will see your user account name and a password field below it. Click on the password field and type your password. iMac passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. If you enter the wrong password, you will see an error message and can try again.
If you forget your password, you have options to reset it. On the login screen, you may see a question mark icon or a "Reset Password" option. Clicking this will walk you through verifying your identity and creating a new password. The exact steps depend on how your account was set up and what recovery options you chose when you created it.
What to do if the iMac restarts unexpectedly
If the iMac turns on and then restarts on its own during startup, it may be installing updates or recovering from an unexpected shutdown. Let it complete this process without interruption. It may restart several times. This is normal and usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If the iMac keeps restarting in a loop and never reaches the login screen, the startup process may be stuck. In this case, hold down the power button for 10 seconds until the machine shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to start fresh. If the problem continues, contact Apple Support.
Checking that everything is connected before turning on
Before you press the power button for the first time, make sure the power cable is connected. The main power cable plugs into the port on the back of the iMac, near the bottom right corner. The other end plugs into a wall outlet or power strip. If you are using a power strip, make sure the strip itself is turned on.
You do not need to connect anything else to turn on the iMac. The keyboard and mouse are optional for startup, though you will need them to log in and use the computer. If you have a keyboard and mouse, you can connect them before or after startup. Wireless keyboards and mice will pair automatically once the iMac is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the power button on an iMac?
The power button is on the back of the iMac, toward the bottom right corner. It is a small circular button. If you are looking at the screen, turn the iMac around or reach behind it to find the button. You will feel it as a raised circle on the back panel.
How long does it take for an iMac to fully start up?
From the moment you press the power button to the login screen, startup usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. After you log in, the desktop may take another 10 to 30 seconds to fully load all your apps and files. Older iMacs or those with many programs may take longer.
What if I press the power button and nothing happens?
First, check that the power cable is plugged into both the iMac and the wall outlet. If it is, wait 30 seconds and try pressing the button again. If still nothing happens, unplug the power cable, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and press the power button. If the iMac still does not start, contact Apple Support.
Can I turn on an iMac using the keyboard instead of the power button?
No, you must use the physical power button on the back of the iMac to turn it on. The keyboard cannot wake a completely powered-off machine. However, once the iMac is on and asleep, you can press any key on the keyboard to wake it.
Is it safe to turn off an iMac by holding the power button?
Holding the power button for 10 seconds forces the iMac to shut down when ready without saving open work. This should only be done if the computer is frozen or not responding. For normal shutdown, use the Apple menu and select Shut Down, which closes programs safely first.