smith_beta SM
@smith_beta
macOS Oct 26, 2026

MacBook shows it's charging but won't turn on

The charger light comes on and the battery icon flashes for a second when I plug it in, then nothing. Holding the power button does nothing either. M1 Air, no drops or spills. Is there a reset I can try before taking it in?
mac charges won
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1 Answer

R
ravir Oct 29, 2026
smith_beta
Leave it on the charger a good half hour first. A completely flat battery can sit there doing nothing for a while. Then hold the power button a full 10 seconds, let go, press it again. On M1 Macs that's basically the SMC reset, there's no separate key combo anymore. Also check it isn't actually on with a dead screen. Press caps lock and see if the light comes on, or plug in an external monitor. If it is on, it's the display, not power. Still nothing and you have another Mac? Apple Configurator can revive the firmware over a USB-C cable. Otherwise it's a trip in.
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