Gray screen when restarting

I restarted my computer because my touchpad and keyboard wasn’t responding so I couldn’t log in. However, when I did it, it took me to the main login area with all the other accounts. I still couldn’t tap or move my courser so I just held down on the touch id button until it restarted. But now it’s stuck on this screen showing what’s underneath a mouse and a side of a computer. I don’t know how to get out of it, and I’m starting to get anxious.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Jan 23, 2022 8:31 PM

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

155,288 points

Posted on Jan 24, 2022 6:17 AM

That screen appears when a Mac is unable to find an input device (mouse or trackpad). That's a concern because your Mac has a built-in trackpad, so you should never encounter it.

Exhaust all the options in If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support.

Since the images you describe are not shown in that document, please follow the instructions linked in "Learn what to do if your Mac starts up to a blank screen, such as an empty gray, black, or blue screen."

There are a number of possible remedies so be sure to research all of them. If you reach the end without resolving anything, they conclude with:

"If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."

Apple may want you to schedule an appointment to have it fixed.

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Gray screen when restarting

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