Troubleshooting Guide: Mac Screen Frozen

Is your Mac screen frozen and unresponsive? Don't worry; you can try troubleshooting this issue yourself with the help of this comprehensive guide. Our experts have compiled a set of solutions to help you resolve a frozen screen on your Mac. Follow these troubleshooting steps, and if you need further assistance, feel free to contact us using the information provided below.

 

Table of Contents

  • Force Quit Applications
  • Restart Your Mac
  • Reset SMC
  • Reset NVRAM
  • Boot in Safe Mode
  • Contact Apple Support

 

Force Quit Applications

Unresponsive applications can cause the screen to freeze. Follow these steps to force quit applications on your Mac:

  1. Press the Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Escape (⎋) keys simultaneously. This will bring up the Force Quit Applications window.
  1. In the Force Quit Applications window, select the unresponsive application.
  1. Click on the "Force Quit" button to close the selected application.

By force quitting unresponsive applications, you can regain control of your Mac's screen.

 

Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the screen to freeze. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until the screen turns off.
  1. Wait for a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

Once your Mac has restarted, check if the screen freezing issue has been resolved.

 

Reset SMC

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac can help resolve power-related issues that may be causing the screen to freeze. Follow these steps to reset the SMC:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Depending on your Mac model, perform the appropriate steps:
        • For Macs with Apple silicon: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, then release it. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
        • For Intel-based Macs: Disconnect the power cord from your Mac and wait for 15 seconds. Reconnect the power cord, then wait for another 5 seconds before pressing the power button to turn on your Mac.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the screen freezing issue has been resolved.

 

Reset NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on your Mac can help reset certain settings and potentially resolve screen freezing issues. Follow these steps to reset the NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Option (⌥)-Command (⌘)-P-R keys simultaneously.
  1. Continue holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time, then release them.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the screen freezing issue has been resolved.

 

Boot in Safe Mode

Booting your Mac in Safe Mode can help identify and resolve software conflicts that may be causing the screen to freeze. Follow these steps to boot in Safe Mode:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  1. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
  1. Log in to your Mac.
  1. Once you're in Safe Mode, observe if the screen freezing issue persists. If the problem is resolved, it indicates that a third-party application or driver may be causing the issue.
  1. Restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.

If the screen freezing issue persists even in Safe Mode, it's recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

 

Contact Apple Support

If you've followed the above troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing screen freezing issues on your Mac, it is advisable to contact Apple Support. They have the expertise to help you in such situations and can provide personalized assistance to resolve the problem.