My macbook randomly shuts down several times a day

My macbook keeps randomly shutting down. It had started shutting down every 7 minutes. It's not overheating.

There is a message that pops up when it comes back on

"your computer shut down because of a problem"

I would have liked to take it in to an apple shop but in Kenya we do not have apple stores. I have tried posting in the apple support app, etc and I keep being asked to take it to an apple store near me.


Can anyone help me troubleshoot the problem?

I have made all software updates, deleted any duplicate or unnecessary files. I tried to download Big Sur but there isn't enough space due to this "other" section in storage which I cannot seem to delete.


Please help!!!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 9:20 PM

Reply
7 replies

Oct 7, 2023 9:35 PM in response to wanita88

wanita88 Said:

"My macbook randomly shuts down several times a day: My macbook keeps randomly shutting down. It had started shutting down every 7 minutes. It's not overheating. There is a message that pops up when it comes back on"

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Reply with a Photo of the Message:

Using your iPhone, record a video of the Mac as you power it on. Then, take a screenshot of that video while it play in the Photos App when the message shows. From there, reply back with a screenshot of that message. You'll find the both video and screenshot inside the Photos app of your iPhone.


Other things to try...

Troubleshooting "Your computer was restarted because of a problem":

Two Thoughts:

A. Boot in to Safe Mode:

Try booting in to Safe Mode [Hold Down the Shift Key upon boot]. In Safe Mode, only necessary items load (i.e. the caches), and new preferences are set aside.


B. Try a New Administrator User:

What happens when you create a new administrator user? Do you stop getting this error? If so, then it is something configured in you current user. Delete this administrator you've just created, when desired.


C. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Based Macs Only) Sometimes changes (i.e. Installations) are made to the system and then settings (i.e. Keyboard) become corrupted, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. So, reset the SMC and reset the NVRAM or PRAM. It might take three tries. to fix this. So, be certain you have the time to do so.

Refer to these Two Links:


D. Troubleshooting Power:

Oct 27, 2023 12:27 AM in response to wanita88

Hello TheLittles, I have tried all the suggestions you gave. It didnt work. So I did a hard reset after painstakingly backing up my files with the constant shutting down.

The macbook was now able to install sonoma cause there was more space and it worked fine for 2 days. Today the same problem is back. It is quite frustrating. Any other ideas?

Again, we dont have apple stores in Kenya and I am unable to get phone support even from the US but will see if I can call a friend to get me the number.

Oct 27, 2023 2:07 AM in response to wanita88

wanita88 wrote:

Hello TheLittles, I have tried all the suggestions you gave. It didnt work. So I did a hard reset after painstakingly backing up my files with the constant shutting down.
The macbook was now able to install sonoma cause there was more space and it worked fine for 2 days.

Computers has a Limited Drive Capacity and once it falls below a certain level of Empty Space


It will auto shut down because there is no Empty Space to work with


If this condition, lack of Empty Space is not Managed by the User ( you )


It is possible the computer to Cease to Boot-up at ALL


The only areas of the Operating System we users have control over is the User Account Folder ( Home Folder )


All other areas are not accessible 


It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 20% to 25% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space.


Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences including what is is experiencing Now


There is Purgeable Space and there is Empty Space.


Purgeable Space which is Controlled by the Operating System. When the Operating Systems decides the computer needs additional Empty Space, it will move a portion of the Purgeable to Empty space


AFAIK - there is no User Actions to hasten this transition from Purgeable to Empty Space


It can day or longer before this will occur.


The links below will assist in identifying what is taking up space on the Internal Drive and provide possible ways to remove data that is under the direct control of the User ( Home Folder ) . 


Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac


What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?


Free up storage space on your Mac


GrandPerspective 


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac.  


Often caused if the Time Machine Drive has not been attached  to the computer and TM Backup is set to run on a Schedule. 


TM Backup will make Snap Shot on the Internal Drive awaiting the TM Backup Drive to be attached. 


Only then will the Snaps Shots be transferred to the External Drive and deleted the Internal Drive.


See used and available storage space on your Mac


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Is there a Suite of Adobe Applications  used on this computer ?


They may create some very large cache files that can be removed. Though, the Adobe cache files will be recreated as the Applications needs them.


https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/premiere-pro/kb/clear-cache.html


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other/ System Data “ Category


Other / System Data: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins.


You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.





Oct 27, 2023 4:28 AM in response to wanita88

If as you say 40% Empty Space is in fact accurate, then this is some Other Possibly Hardware issues with this computer .


In which case, Hardware Issues are best left to the Expertise


1 - Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions


2 - Make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer


3 - Contact Apple for support and service




Then " The macbook was now able to install sonoma cause there was more space and it worked fine for 2 days. Today the same problem is back. It is quite frustrating " issue is no longer the issues


My macbook randomly shuts down several times a day

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