Mac shuts off instantly

My Mac Book (Retina, 13 inch, Early 2015) running OS 10.13.6 just shut off instantly while in use, just one millisecond all was fine, the next the computer was completely shut down.


I pressed the start button and it rebooted without issue. I am concerned if this is a sign of a future failure.


Any ideas welcome.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, MacBook 2010 and original iPad

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 1:18 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 2:45 PM

Please try the following, in order. Stop at any step where the issue is resolved:

  1. Reset your Mac's SMC.

    Why: Resets fans, keyboard backlight, status indicator, battery indicator, display backlight, power button, close/open the lid, sleep or shut down, battery doesn't charge, MagSafe indicator light incorrect status.

  2. Reset your Mac's NVRAM or PRAM.
    • What: How to reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
    • How: At boot-up, hold down the <option><command><P><R> keys.
    • Why: Resets sound volume, display resolution, startup-disk selection, time zone, & kernel panic information.
  3. Run Apple Diagnostics to uncover any hardware issues with your Mac.
  4. Boot up your Mac in Recovery or Internet Recovery Mode.
    • What: About macOS Recovery- Apple Support
    • How:

      For Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <command><R> keys until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

      For Internet Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <option><command><R> keys until the spinning globe appears on the screen.

      When at the initial Recovery Mode screen, select the Disk Utility option. Run Disk Utility > First Aid to verify the startup disk's integrity.

    • Why: To verify the startup disk integrity using the Disk Utility's First Aid option.
  5. Make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store.
  • You can only make 1-week ahead appointments either via the web link above or AppleCare phone support. The appointment timeframe is longer if you go in-person to an Apple Store.
  • 6 replies
    Question marked as Top-ranking reply

    Sep 10, 2018 2:45 PM in response to Memoire

    Please try the following, in order. Stop at any step where the issue is resolved:

    1. Reset your Mac's SMC.

      Why: Resets fans, keyboard backlight, status indicator, battery indicator, display backlight, power button, close/open the lid, sleep or shut down, battery doesn't charge, MagSafe indicator light incorrect status.

    2. Reset your Mac's NVRAM or PRAM.
      • What: How to reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
      • How: At boot-up, hold down the <option><command><P><R> keys.
      • Why: Resets sound volume, display resolution, startup-disk selection, time zone, & kernel panic information.
    3. Run Apple Diagnostics to uncover any hardware issues with your Mac.
    4. Boot up your Mac in Recovery or Internet Recovery Mode.
      • What: About macOS Recovery- Apple Support
      • How:

        For Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <command><R> keys until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

        For Internet Recovery Mode: Immediately after pressing the power button, hold down the <option><command><R> keys until the spinning globe appears on the screen.

        When at the initial Recovery Mode screen, select the Disk Utility option. Run Disk Utility > First Aid to verify the startup disk's integrity.

      • Why: To verify the startup disk integrity using the Disk Utility's First Aid option.
    5. Make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store.
  • You can only make 1-week ahead appointments either via the web link above or AppleCare phone support. The appointment timeframe is longer if you go in-person to an Apple Store.
  • Sep 12, 2018 7:31 AM in response to Tesserax

    Hi Tesserax, I haven't tried the suggestions yet because the computer now seems stable. I was apprehensive to go through the various actions without knowing which issue is at fault. In all the years I have used Mac's I haven't experienced a case whereby the computer instantly shuts down which out a warning or a process of closing down; I've had computers crash, but not like this. I was planning to run through what you suggested should the same instance occur again.
    Have you come across this instance before?

    Sep 12, 2018 12:31 PM in response to Tesserax

    My last computer became completely wrecked with an overheating issue 18 month ago, so perhaps overheating could have been an issue this time. With the other computer, it didn't shut down it crashed but the screen remained on; this time it was an instant black screen shut down. I have a two fan stand, but it gets hot here. I will try to follow the reset the SMC as a precaution.

    I appreciate your very swift and informative reply Tesserax, thank you for your help.

    This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

    Mac shuts off instantly

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