What to Do When Your MacBook Pro Is Stuck on the Loading Screen

When a MacBook Pro is stuck on the loading screen, there are several steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Force Restart the MacBook Pro:
   • Shut down your MacBook by pressing the power button for a few seconds until the computer turns off​​.
   • After the screen goes black, press and hold the power button again to turn your MacBook Pro back on​​.
2. Reset the MacBook NVRAM:
   • NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) stores certain settings like sound volume, display resolution, and startup disk selection. Resetting it can help if your MacBook is stuck on the loading screen.
   • To reset NVRAM, press the power button, then immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys for about 20 seconds​​​​.
3. Reset the MacBook SMC (System Management Controller):
   • This applies only to Intel-based MacBooks. The SMC controls physical components like cooling fans and the power supply.
   • To reset, press and hold Control, Option, Shift, and the power button for about 10 seconds, then release all keys and turn on your Mac​​​​.
4. Start the MacBook in Safe Mode:
   • Starting in Safe Mode can help check for other issues.
   • To start in Safe Mode, turn off your MacBook Pro, wait for about 10 seconds, then press the power button and immediately press and hold the Shift key until the login window appears​​.
5. Repair the MacBook Disk:
   • The hard drive issues can cause your MacBook to get stuck on the loading screen. Disk Utility’s First Aid can help repair the disk.
   • Restart the computer and hold the Command and R keys to enter Recovery Mode. Select Disk Utility, then First Aid, and run it on the startup disk​​​​.
6. Reinstall macOS:
   • If other methods fail, reinstalling macOS can repair the operating system and fix damaged files. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for this process.
   • Restart the MacBook and hold down Command and R keys until the macOS Utilities menu appears. Then select “Reinstall macOS”​​.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to take your MacBook Pro to a repair shop for professional diagnosis and repair.

FAQ Answers:

• Causes for MacBook Pro Getting Stuck on Loading Screen: Hardware issues, software problems, and firmware issues can cause this problem.
• Force Restarting MacBook Pro: Hold down the power button for 10 seconds.
• Safe Booting MacBook Pro: Hold down the shift key while starting the MacBook Pro.
• Checking Startup Disk: Use Disk Utility’s First Aid.
• Reinstalling macOS: Access Recovery Mode by holding the option key while starting the MacBook Pro, then choose Reinstall macOS.
• If Unable to Fix: Take the MacBook Pro to a repair shop.

Eric Chan

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com.  You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.

When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.

Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.