Why does my Mac's screen suddenly go black?

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Level 1

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Why does my Mac's screen suddenly go black?

Whenever I'm using my Macbook Pro, the screen will sometimes suddenly go black. It does it even if I'm doing different things. It' not hard to get it back on, I just have to click the mouse or press the space key a couple of times, but then the mouse doesn't work for a couple seconds. It's not that I'm not using it (I know that if you don't move the mouse for too long, the screen goes black), there's definitely something wrong with the computer. What should I do? Thanks!!

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 4:35 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 3, 2017 12:44 PM in response to nudibranch2

I can possibly replicate this issue reliably on mine. Do you happen to use a case that has magnets? and are you resting your macbook near it? or on it. If so for me at least, it's got something to do the case's magnets activating / tripping whatever mechanism is used to detect the lid being open or closed!

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Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jan 29, 2013 4:49 PM in response to nudibranch2

You could run an Apple Hardware Test which might give you a clue as to the problem. I suspect though that your best probability for a resolution lies with the Apple store genius bar.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

ciao.

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Answer 3

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 29, 2013 6:32 PM in response to nudibranch2

You can also check your Energy Saver "Display Sleep" options.

Depending on your model Macbook Pro, this may apply - MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010): Intermittent black screen or loss of video. Affected computers were manufactured between April 2010 and February 2011.

MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues. The affected computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008.

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Answer 4

Kalob

Level 1

85 points

Jan 29, 2013 10:11 PM in response to nudibranch2

Is it possible you have set a Hot Corner to put the Display to sleep?

I use this feature so that when I know I'm walking away from the comuter but need to it to stay on, I slide the mouse cursor into one of the 4 corners of the screen and it puts the display to sleep.

These are configured in System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver > Hot Corners

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Answer 5

Dec 16, 2013 3:31 AM in response to nudibranch2

MacBook Pro 13" 2.53 GHz unibody

After servicing the trackpad on this unit I noticed a random black screen that persisted shortly after startup. It was not a normal sleep - no way to wake the machine.

SMC reset by the recommended Apple procedure did not help the problem. To repair perform the following:

1) unplug MagSafe power supply

2) remove bottom case

3) carefully disconnect battery

4) plug in MagSafe power supply

5) open the laptop and rest it on the LCD case

6) perform Apple recommended procedure for SMC reset

7) restart

At this point you will (hopefully) notice that problem has vanished. In energy preferences you can slide all the controls for battery and power supply to never. Test it for a while on the MagSafe

8) plug in the battery (no need to power down)

Test the for the black screen issue running on the battery. For me at this point the problem had totally disappeared! Once your satisfied that its working:

9) power down

10) unplug the MagSafe

11) replace the bottom case

12) enjoy!!!

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