How to Turn On a Mac Desktop GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple
How to Turn On a Mac Desktop
The power button is usually on the back of the device
By Jon Martindale Jon Martindale Writer Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 3, 2022 Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Turn on a Mac Desktop Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions What to Know
Press your Mac's power button. It will be located somewhere different depending on the device.For Mac Pro: On the top. Mac minis, iMacs, Mac Studios: On the back.Look for the Power symbol on the button. This article will walk you through how to turn on your Mac with the power button and what to do if that doesn't work.
How to Turn On a Mac Computer
As long as your Mac is plugged into a power outlet, you should be able to turn it on by simply pressing the power button. That power button will be located somewhere slightly different depending on which Mac you're trying to power on, however. How to Turn Your MacBook on or Off Mac Studio
To turn on a Mac Studio, press the power button located on the rear left-hand side (from the front), located next to the 3.5mm headphone jack. It's a circular button with a power symbol on it.
Apple Mac mini
The power button for the Mac mini is located on the rear right-hand side (from the front) next to the power cord port. It's a color-coded button with a white power symbol on it. Apple For a more detailed look at the Mac mini and its power-on functions, check out our guide on how to turn on the Mac mini **(Ed: add link when that article goes live)**. iMac
The latest-generation iMac also has a power button on the rear. It's located on the left-hand side (from the front) and is isolated from the other ports. It will be the same color as the chassis and feature the typical power symbol. Apple Mac Pro
Older Mac Pros feature a power button on the front, but the latest generation Mac Pro has a power button on the top. It's located next to the carry handle and the other I/O ports. Apple What to Do If Your Mac Doesn' t Turn On
The power button on your Mac should be all you need to do to turn it on. If it powers up but doesn't turn on as it should, you'll want to look at our Mac start-up troubleshooting article. If it doesn't turn on at all, though, there are some things you can try. The first step should be to check the power cable is plugged in properly to the Mac and the wall. If in doubt, unplug them and plug them in at both ends to be sure. Also, make sure the wall socket is turned on, if necessary. If you're using a power strip, try testing it with a device you know works to see if that's the cause of your Mac not turning on. The same goes for any multi-port power adapters or surge protectors you use. Is your Mac particularly hot? If you're trying to use your Mac in the middle of a heatwave, it might not be turning on to conserve its components' health. That's unlikely, but in extreme conditions may cause a Mac not to power on. If that is the case, wait until it's cooled down and try again. For more help, check out our article on fixing a Mac that won't turn on. FAQ How do I power off a Mac? The easiest way to turn off a Mac is through the Apple menu in macOS. Open it and select Shut Down to turn off your computer. How do I turn on a Mac desktop without the power button? You have a few options to turn on a Mac without the power button. One popular choice is Wake-on-LAN, which lets you power on your computer over the internet. If your power button is broken, you may need to get it serviced. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Turn On a Mac Mini How to Restart a Mac in Recovery Mode How to Turn Your MacBook on or Off How to Upgrade to macOS Ventura How to Turn on Bluetooth on a Mac How to Fix an Apple Watch That Won't Turn On How to Turn on Location Services on a Mac How to Turn Off an iPhone 13 How to Set Up Dual Monitors on a Mac How to Turn on AirDrop on a Mac How to Turn On Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 How to Reset Network Settings on Mac How to Check for Loose Monitor Power Cable Connections How to Fix It When Your PS4 Won't Turn On How to Fix a Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone and Mac MacBook Pro Won't Turn On? 6 Ways to Fix It Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies