Black screen on startup?

Since last night I've been getting a black screen whenever I start up my MBP. It started when I was using my laptop normally and out of nowhere (as far as I could tell) the screen went black, and restarting didn't solve it. The only way I've found to restore the display is to close the laptop for about a minute and re-open it.


Resetting my SMC and PRAM hasn't helped. I can't connect to an external display with HDMI (both when the screen is black and when it's normal), nothing is detected. The computer is clearly on when the screen is black - the keyboard light is on, and if I press certain keys I can hear sounds. By pressing the play/pause button (F8) I was even able to get iTunes to play a random song 🙂


Any thoughts on how to fix this? There's clearly something wrong with the display - I'd like to not have to get the black screen on startup, and also be able to connect to an external display again.

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Aug 9, 2017 2:42 PM

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1 reply

Aug 9, 2017 2:49 PM in response to ramparts

Should none of the below work for you then the display may be the problem. Make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If you need to find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple. Also, see 2011 MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues.

Possible Fixes for El Capitan or Later

You should try each, one at a time, then test to see if the problem is fixed before going on to the next.


Be sure to backup your files before proceeding if possible.


  1. Resetting your Mac’s PRAM and NVRAM
  2. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
  3. Start the computer in Safe Mode, then restart normally. This is slower than a standard startup.
  4. Repair the disk by booting the from the Recovery HD. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Utility Menu appears. Choose Disk Utility and click on the Continue button. Select the indented (usually, Macintosh HD) volumeentry from the side list. Click on the First Aid button in the toolbar. Wait for the Done button to appear. Quit Disk Utility and returnto the Utility Menu. Restart the computer from the Apple Menu.
  5. Create a New User Account Open Users & Groups preferences. Click on the lock icon and enter your Admin password when prompted. On the left under Current User click on the Add [+] button below Login Options. Setup a new Admin user account. Upon completion log out of your current account then log into the new account. If your problems cease, then consider switching to the new account and transferring your files to it - Transferring files from one User Account to another.
  6. Install Combo Updater Download 10.12.6 Combo Update and install.
  7. Reinstall OS X by booting from the Recovery HD using the Command and R keys. When the Utility Menu appears select Reinstall OS X then click on the Continue button.
  8. Erase and Install OS X Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the CommandandRkeys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
  1. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on Continue button.
  2. When Disk Utility loads select the drive (out-dented entry) from the Device list.
  3. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  4. Set the Format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  5. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  6. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  7. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

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Black screen on startup?

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