3 beeps at startup

On a MacBook Pro I get 3 beeps at startup which usually indicates as problem with the RAM. But once I've got the Mac booted up everything looks and feels like it does usually. So what's really going on here?

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 12, 2020 8:08 AM

Similar questions

three beeps at startup I have a MacBook Pro A1502 Retina Late 2013 that beeps three times about every 5 seconds when trying to start. What to do?
932 2
One beep during startup? (It's NOT the chime.) What does it mean? My mac beeps 1 time at startup (and it's not the startup chime.) After apple appears, after progress bar appears, it beeps one time when progress bar is about half way, just before progress bar momentarily disappears and reappears. What is it telling me? After the beep, startup continues and all is well. What might I look for in the system log to give me a clue? Thanks!!!
2416 8
Three Beeps At Startup I am having startup issues with my 2012 13" MacBook Pro. Most of the time, I have the computer connected to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse, and I use it as though it were a desktop model. However, ocasionally I travel with the computer and use it like a typical laptop, without the external monitor., mouse and keyboard. When I use it this way, I sometimes get the three beeps at startup and have difficulty getting it to boot. I reset the SMC, zap the PRAM, and try starting up multiple times, and eventually I get it to boot normally. I understand this beep sequence indicates bad RAM, but given that this only happens when I take the computer out of it's normal configuration, and the fact that I can ultimately always get it to boot up, eventually, suggests that there may be some other explanation for this phenomenon, other that bad RAM. Any insight is much appreciated. Best regards, Dan
583 4

1 reply

May 12, 2020 8:51 AM in response to curly1

curly1 wrote:

On a MacBook Pro I get 3 beeps at startup which usually indicates as problem with the RAM. But once I've got the Mac booted up everything looks and feels like it does usually. So what's really going on here?

Try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

Try resetting the SMC https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

About Mac startup tones - Apple Support

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

3 beeps at startup

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up