What To Do When MacBook Pro Turns Off When Unplugged

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Experiencing your MacBook Pro shutting down unexpectedly when unplugged can be frustrating. This issue may stem from battery problems or system issues. This article explores solutions for both Intel and Silicon MacBooks when facing this issue. Let’s dive in!

Fixes for MacBook Pro Turning Off When Unplugged

I have gathered all the methods and fixes below in detail so you can try fixing the error on your MacBook Pro. Try all the methods before contacting Apple support.

1. Check Battery Health And Cycle Count

Since your MacBook shuts down as soon as you unplug the charger, it could be because your battery health is left unattended. Here is how you can check this.

1. Go to the Apple icon on the top-left of your desktop screen.
2. Choose System Settings.
3. Click on General and choose About.

4. Then scroll down and select System Report.

5. On the left apple menu list, click on Power.
6. Under the Health Information section, you can check the Cycle Count, Condition, and Capacity.

If your cycle count is near 1000 or anything on a much higher level, then your battery is deteriorating, and it might be time to replace it for your system to be running smoothly again. Once you determine this, you can fix the issue above.

2. Reset SMC

If your screen going black than you should check your battery. And if your battery health and cycle count seem good, you can try resetting the SMC, which might fix the issue. Below are the steps you can follow:

For Intel MacBooks:

If you are still using an Intel chip MacBook Pro, you can follow the steps below to reset the SMC. The process is fairly easy, and within seconds, your system will reset.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Then, press and hold these keys.

Shift + Control + Options on the left side of your keyboard. Also, hold the power button along with it.

3. Wait for 10 seconds and release the keys.
4. Now, press the power button again to start the system.

You can now wait for your MacBook Pro to start normally and then check if the issue has been fixed.

For Apple Silicon Chip:

Well, there isn’t a lot that needs to be done if you have an Apple M1 & M2-based MacBook Pro. These systems do not need an SMC reset; hence, you can simply restart the system.

1. Plug in your charger.
2. Shut down your Mac
3. Press the power button to start again.

Or you can simply restart the system. Wait for the system to load and check for the issue.

3. Reset NVRAM Or PRAM

You can solve various hardware or software issues by resetting the NVRAM on your system. To reset, you can follow the steps below.

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
2. Press the power button to restart the system. Also, press and hold these keys along with it.

Option + Command + P + R

3. Keep pressing the keys for 20 seconds. You might hear a startup sound and the Apple logo appear on the screen.
4. Release the keys and allow your MacBook Pro to boot up normally.

Once you are done with resetting the NVRAM, wait for the system to start, and you can make proper settings for the same.

4. Run Apple Diagnostics

Another method that can check your Mac for hardware issues is by running Apple Diagnostics. Once the diagnostics have run their course, Apple then suggests solutions to fix these hardware issues.

Along with this, they can help you contact Apple Support for assistance if you are unable to do it by yourself. Here are the steps to run the check-up.

For Intel MacBook Pro:

1. Shut down your Mac and detach all devices.
2. Now, turn on your Mac using the power button and immediately press and hold the D button on the keyboard.
3. Release the button once you see an option to choose a language on the screen.

For Apple Silicon:

1. Shut down your Mac and detach all devices.
2. Press and hold the power button.
3. Release it when you see a Startup option or the gear icon.
4. Press the D on your keyboard.

After the set of steps, you will see a Progress bar on the screen where Apple diagnoses your hardware. Wait for the process to complete.

When the above process is done, Apple will show you the results and the solutions you can follow.

You can then fix the above issues found on the system. And then restart everything likewise.

5. Consult An Apple Authorized Service

The last method you can try is asking for professional help. You can still try updating your software to try one last aspect, but if nothing seems to be working, you can try speaking to an executive online or taking your device to the authorized provider.

They can further diagnose your MacBook and provide a proper repair solution to fix it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It can be both scary and frustrating when your Mac turns off as soon as it’s unplugged from a power source. Your work could get affected and your system will eventually face problems when being used like this. 

Fortunately, the fixes for this problem aren’t too complicated and you can do it in a few minutes by yourself. The only thing you have to make sure is to follow the instructions we’ve laid out to the T. 

Sometimes, simply checking the battery health and cycle count can fix the issue, but if it doesn’t you can always try out resetting the SMC or NVRAM/PRAM. 

We hope you were able to figure out what was causing your Mac to turn off when unplugged, and that you fixed it yourself. If not, we advise you to have your device checked out by an Apple Authorised Service. 

Eric currently uses a 15-inch MacBook Pro for both work and personal errands. He did all the research and testing to make sure all the fixes and optimization tips shared on the blog are relevant to Apple’s latest macOS updates as well as fact-checking.