Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

7 points

iMac screen is black and won't turn on

I got a 27" iMac (intel) a couple months ago (mid-year 2010) and sometimes the screen won't start up after it goes to sleep. Most of the time, I will leave the computer and the screensaver will start then the display will turn off and go black. When I return and hit a button on the bluetooth keyboard or move the Magic Mouse around, the computer will come out of sleep, display will turn on, and everything works the way it's supposed to. However, every now and then, the screen will go to sleep (turn black) and it won't turn back on when I hit the keyboard and move the mouse. I can just barely hear the fan still working, so I know the computer is on but asleep. Even when I hit the power button or hold it nothing happens, it won't even restart. I have to physically unplug the power cord and replug it back in then hit the power button to get the computer to start up again. I have moved the computer around to different outlets and even tried it at a different house, but this issue still occurs. Am I doing something wrong with the Energy Saver settings or is there just something wrong with my computer?

Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on May 22, 2011 3:07 PM

Best reply

2000holmes

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Mar 29, 2017 11:53 AM

Just wanted to say I had this issue as well! I was looking at a website and hadn't touched the mouse for a little bit (truth be told, I was texting someone!), when the display turned off. I thought that was normal, until I couldn't wake it up! I tried multiple reboots with no effect...

I looked at Apple's support files and found this page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204267

There are quite a few suggestions for fixing the problem, and the first one I tried (holding down the power button for ten seconds and then rebooting), fixed the problem for me! Hope this helps you guys!

(Using a 2007 Aluminum iMac)

View in context

20 replies

Speed_45

Level 1

14 points

Oct 1, 2015 4:15 PM in response to shoehsu

Same issue - iMac 27" (mid-2011) - everything was working great.. seems my issue started after the latest SMC "update". This is not a good experience. Need help - soon!

tyrnanoc

Level 1

0 points

Oct 8, 2015 2:50 AM in response to Speed_45

i had a similar problem on my iMac especially after updating the software.This is my workaround for it.i coupled a spare monitor to the mac by connecting to one of the rear ports, then booted up. a;though the mac screen stayed black the monitor was fine.i installed a memory manager(dr cleaner a free program) to see how much memory i was using. when it first happened i had 4 gig.99% of the memory was in use, so i made sure i was only using one program at a time, i then adjusted the screen brightness on the mac by turning it down.and then rebooting.i repeated the process of lowering the screens brightness until the mac rebooted with the screen restored.i have since put another 4 gig into it but with the latest update to el capitan it again went black when i was multi tasking.whenever the ram use goes above approximately 60% the screen blacks out.this to me suggests a hardware issue with either the ram or the graphics card.i think for now ill just boost the ram to the max, and leave multi tasking alone.

Raym92

Level 1

12 points

Apr 20, 2016 8:16 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

hi i updated to el capitan from mountain lion all updated through internet as fresh install but when i turned the computer off and turn it on again it shows a black screen after the apple chime start sound there is no power on the keyboards no cursor it is pitch black need help thanks in advance

May 4, 2016 12:39 AM in response to Raym92

My iMac 27" late 2009 went black screen starting last week with no prior warning issues. Issues I read in the discussion communities about histories of heat-damage, left-side darkening or lines did not apply to my machine. I performed repeated SMC and PRAM resets to no avail. The only way I could keep the screen from going black was to keep the brightness on low. If brighter, the screen would stay bright for only a few seconds.

On a whim yesterday, I did a D-key hold-down restart taking it into diagnostic-mode from which I ran first-aid on the disk. From that instant the screen has performed fine. 24-hours later so far, so good.

Just before the diagnostic restart, I performed the umpteenth SMC, which may have really been responsible for providing the fix. I don't know, for sure though I think it was the first-aid that worked.

DrNouf

Level 1

4 points

May 6, 2016 2:35 PM in response to shoehsu

have the same problem, i bought mine from NJ and i live now is Saudi Arabia. how can i fix it. I'm not good with computers i use mine for work and watching movies thats it.

please help

iMac screen is black and won't turn on