iMac hangs up when starting up
What should I do about my iMac that hangs up when starting up?
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
Question marked as
If your Mac doesn't start up all the way
If your Mac starts up to an Apple logo or progress bar
Your Mac shows an Apple logo when it finds your local startup disk, then shows a progress bar as the macOS startup or installation process continues.
Your Mac shows an Apple logo when it finds your startup disk, which is usually the disk built into your Mac. As startup continues, you should see a progress bar, with or without the Apple logo. This screen might alternate with a blank screen several times.
If you're installing macOS, the Apple logo or progress bar might persist for much longer than usual. As installation continues, the progress bar might move slowly and pause for long periods. That's why Apple recommends beginning macOS installation in the evening—so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If your Mac is stuck on this screen
If you think you've waited long enough to know that your Mac is stuck on this screen, follow these steps.
- Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off. Then turn your Mac back on.
- If the issue persists, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables. Then turn your Mac back on.
- If the issue persists, once again press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
- If Disk Utility found no errors, reinstall macOS.
- If Disk Utility found errors and repaired them, restart your Mac. If the issue returns after restarting, reinstall macOS.
- If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.
