2018 MBP won't power on first time I press the boutton

This has always been an issue, but I just decided to ask. I have a 2018 MBP with the Touch ID/power button. I have never gotten this to power on the first time I press the button. Either it does nothing or shows me a picture of the state of the battery. Then the second time I press the button, it usually powers on. Is this expected behavior and if not, what's the secret to powering it on the first time I press the button?


>Thanx... Jon

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Oct 16, 2024 11:44 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 17, 2024 7:33 PM

This is unfortunately somewhat "normal" behavior for these 2016-2020 Intel Macs (especially the 2018-2020 models) at least from my own personal observations while supporting my organization's Macs.


I believe part of the problem lies with the Logic Boards losing connection to the battery. When the battery is disconnected during repairs, most times it is necessary to connect the power adapter before the laptop will power on. I have seen this issue occur even with a brand new Apple OEM Battery installed, so to me that leaves a hardware issue with the Logic Board. I've never looked any further since people were not complaining about it.....it is just my own personal observations while supporting my organization's Macs.


You can try an SMC Reset to see if that makes any difference (read the instructions carefully since they have changed from the older models). I sometimes find that it may be difficult to power on some of the 2018-2020 Apple Intel laptops immediately after the SMC Reset, so don't be surprised if you have to wait even five minutes before it powers on. In some cases I have had to unplug the charging cable and reconnect it in order to have the laptop power on the first time after an SMC Reset.

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 17, 2024 7:33 PM in response to jhyieslame

This is unfortunately somewhat "normal" behavior for these 2016-2020 Intel Macs (especially the 2018-2020 models) at least from my own personal observations while supporting my organization's Macs.


I believe part of the problem lies with the Logic Boards losing connection to the battery. When the battery is disconnected during repairs, most times it is necessary to connect the power adapter before the laptop will power on. I have seen this issue occur even with a brand new Apple OEM Battery installed, so to me that leaves a hardware issue with the Logic Board. I've never looked any further since people were not complaining about it.....it is just my own personal observations while supporting my organization's Macs.


You can try an SMC Reset to see if that makes any difference (read the instructions carefully since they have changed from the older models). I sometimes find that it may be difficult to power on some of the 2018-2020 Apple Intel laptops immediately after the SMC Reset, so don't be surprised if you have to wait even five minutes before it powers on. In some cases I have had to unplug the charging cable and reconnect it in order to have the laptop power on the first time after an SMC Reset.

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


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2018 MBP won't power on first time I press the boutton

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