How to Restart a Freezing MacBook: Troubleshooting and Fixing System Issues

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your MacBook suddenly locks up, making it unresponsive to any input? Don't worry; we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and restart a freezing MacBook. Whether it's a minor software issue or a sign of deeper hardware problems, these steps should help you regain control over your device.

Method 1: Force Quit Applications

If your MacBook is not responding to any input, the first step is to attempt to force quit any unresponsive applications. Here's how to do it:

Press Command Option Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select the application that is not responding. Click the Force Quit button to close the problematic application.

Method 2: Restarting the MacBook

If the entire system is unresponsive, you can force a restart:

Press and hold the Power button usually located on the top right of the keyboard. This may take about 10 seconds until the MacBook turns off. Wait a few seconds. Press the Power button again to turn it back on.

Method 3: Resetting the SMC if Necessary

If you experience frequent freezes, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) may help:

For MacBooks with the T2 chip:

Shut down your MacBook. Press and hold Control Option Shift on the right side and the Power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys and turn on your MacBook.

For older models:

Shut down the MacBook. Press and hold Shift Control Option keys on the left side and the Power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys and turn on your MacBook.

Method 4: Safe Mode

If the issue persists, consider starting in Safe Mode:

Restart your Mac and immediately hold the Shift key until you see the login window. This will start your Mac with only essential software running.

Note

If your MacBook continues to freeze frequently, it could be a sign of hardware issues or software conflicts. In such cases, consider the following additional steps:

Check for available software updates. Run diagnostics to identify if there are any issues with the hardware or software. Consult with Apple Support for further assistance.

If Safe Mode Doesn't Resolve the Issue

If Safe Mode does not resolve the issue, you may need to check your disk for errors. Here's how to do it:

Restart your MacBook and immediately press Command R to enter Recovery Mode. From the macOS Utilities window, select AFD (Apple File Desktop). Select your startup disk and click Continue.

By following these steps, you should be able to manage many instances of your MacBook freezing and get it running smoothly again.