If your Mac gets stuck on a loading screen after restarting, don’t panic! This common issue can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting steps to help you resolve it. Follow this guide to learn how to identify why your Mac is stuck on the loading screen after restarting and how to fix the problem. For more detailed assistance, consider reaching out to a professional Mac repair service.
Reasons Why Your Mac Stuck on the Loading Screen After Restart
Here is why a Mac is stuck on the loading screen after restart.
- Corrupted system files or software
- Outdated macOS version
- Hardware issues
- Malware or virus infection
- Disk errors or fragmentation
- Storage space issues
- Login issues with a user account
- Power management issues
- Graphics card problems
7 Steps To Fix Mac Stuck on Loading Screen After Restart
Restarting a Mac stuck on the loading screen can be frustrating, especially if you have urgent things to do. Such problems can be caused by various reasons, as mentioned in the previous heading. Luckily, here are some steps to show you how to solve the issue.
1. Check the Basics
Before trying more complicated troubleshooting methods, ensure that some basic elements are not the cause of this fault.
- First, ensure that your Mac is connected to a power source.
- The power adapter works properly.
- Sometimes, a loose connection, a bad power adapter, or a broken charging port may cause the Mac to be stuck on the loading screen after restart.
2. Perform a Hard Reset
A hard reset can sometimes rectify minor software glitches that might get your Mac stuck. Here’s how to execute a hard reset:
- Press and then hold down the Power button until your Mac powers off.
- Wait for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Press the Power button again to turn on your Mac.
- If you see the same load screen after a hard reset, proceed with the next step.
3. Boot in Safe Mode
Boot your Mac in Safe Mode. This will help determine if it’s an issue with the software or a third-party app. Here’s how to fix Mac stuck on the loading screen after restart:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the power button to turn it back on, and press the Shift key immediately.
- Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo and a progress bar.
- If your Mac successfully boots in Safe Mode, the problem is certainly linked to third-party software or startup items.
You can uninstall recently installed apps or update your macOS to the latest version.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) and Parameter RAM (PRAM) store system settings such as:
- Display resolution
- Sound volume
- Startup disk preferences
Resetting NVRAM/PRAM can sometimes fix the Mac stuck on the loading screen. To reset NVRAM/PRAM:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the power button to turn it on, then immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys.
- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them when you hear the startup chime for the second time.
Your Mac will restart, and hopefully, the loading screen issue will be resolved.
5. Run Disk Utility in Recovery Mode
Corrupted disk permissions or system files can cause your Mac to get stuck on the loading screen. Running Disk Utility in Recovery Mode can help repair the Mac stuck on the loading screen after restart. Follow these steps to access Recovery Mode:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the power button to turn it on, and immediately press and hold the Command + R keys.
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
Now, in Recovery Mode:
- Run Disk Utility from the MacOS Utilities window.
- Select your startup disk (usually called “Macintosh HD”).
- Click on “First Aid,” then “Run” to repair the disk.
If Disk Utility reports it has repaired your disk, restart your Mac and retest the problem.
6. Reinstall macOS to Fix the Mac Stuck on The Loading Screen
If all of the above steps fail, macOS may need to be reinstalled. Reinstalling the operating system will replace any corrupted files that are causing the problem. To reinstall macOS:
- Boot into Recovery Mode by holding Command + R during startup.
- Select “Reinstall macOS” from the macOS Utilities window.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Reinstalling macOS won’t erase your files, but you never know when the best time to back up might come.
7. Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, the issue might be hardware-related. In such cases, it’s best to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider like Tech City. They can diagnose hardware problems and perform necessary repairs.
Why Does My Mac Take Forever to Load?
Your Mac takes forever to load due to various reasons, including outdated software, a slow storage drive, a fragmented disk, malware, and hardware issues. Additionally, a large number of open apps or background processes can slow down your Mac’s startup process.
How Do You Fix a Mac Stuck on the Loading Screen?
To fix the Mac stuck on the loading screen after restart, restart your Mac in Safe Mode, disable login items, and check for corrupted system files. You can also try booting in Recovery Mode, running Disk Utility, and reinstalling macOS if necessary.
How Do I Restart My Mac When the Screen Is Black?
To restart your Mac when the screen is black, press the power button until it shuts down, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Alternatively, if your Mac has a force restart option, you can simultaneously hold the power and volume down buttons for at least 10 seconds.
Conclusion
A Mac stuck on the loading screen after a restart can be a serious problem because you cannot complete your vital tasks. So, learning how to fix the issue is crucial. Mac users can follow the above steps to help them troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue. Start with basic checks, perform a hard reset, and gradually move on to more advanced steps like booting in Safe Mode, resetting NVRAM/PRAM, running Disk Utility, and reinstalling macOS. If the problem persists, seeking professional assistance from Apple Support is advisable. For expert help, feel free to contact us for professional Mac repair services.
