macOS Troubleshooting Guide

MAC Troubleshooting Guide

1. Slow Performance

Applications lag, slow startup, delays in executing commands.

Restart Your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary performance issues.
Check Activity Monitor for Resource Hogs
Open Activity Monitor: Go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
Identify High Resource Usage: Look for processes using excessive CPU, memory, or disk.
Terminate Unnecessary Processes: Select the process and click the “X” button to quit it.
Manage Startup Items
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS versions).
Navigate to Users & Groups: Select your user account.
Manage Login Items: Click on “Login Items” and remove unnecessary applications that launch at startup.
Free Up Disk Space
Open About This Mac: Click the Apple menu > “About This Mac” > “Storage” > “Manage”.
Optimize Storage: Follow recommendations such as “Store in iCloud”, “Optimize Storage”, and “Reduce Clutter” to free up space.
Update macOS and Applications
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”.
Install Updates: If updates are available, click “Update Now”.
Update Apps: Open the App Store and update all installed applications.

Mac doesn’t turn on, stuck on the Apple logo, or shows a blank screen.

Check Power Connections
Ensure Power Supply: Verify that the power cable is connected securely to both the Mac and the power outlet.
Check for Power Indicators: Look for any lights or indicators showing power is connected.
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
For Intel-based Macs:
Shut Down Your Mac.
Press and Hold Keys: On the built-in keyboard, press Shift + Control + Option on the left side and the power button simultaneously.
Hold for 10 Seconds: Release all keys and the power button.
Turn On Mac: Press the power button to start your Mac.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Shut Down Your Mac.
Turn On and Press Keys: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
Release Keys: Allow your Mac to continue starting up.
Boot in Safe Mode
Shut Down Your Mac.
Turn On and Press Shift: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
Release When Login Window Appears: Safe Mode performs checks and may fix startup issues.
Use macOS Recovery
Shut Down Your Mac.
Turn On and Press Command + R: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
Reinstall macOS: From the Recovery menu, select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Unable to connect to Wi-Fi, intermittent connectivity, slow internet speeds.

Restart Your Router and Mac
Power Cycle Router: Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Restart Mac: Click the Apple menu > “Restart”.
Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “Network”.
Select Wi-Fi: Click on “Wi-Fi” and then “Details” next to your network.
Forget Network: Click “Forget This Network”.
Reconnect: Select your network from the Wi-Fi menu and reconnect by entering the password.
Update macOS
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”.
Install Updates: If updates are available, click “Update Now”.
Reset Network Settings
Open Terminal: Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Run Commands:
```
sudo ifconfig en0 down
sudo ifconfig en0 up
```
(Note: Replace en0 with your Wi-Fi interface if different.)
Check Router Settings
Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date and that it’s not restricting your Mac’s connection through MAC address filtering or other security settings.

Apps unexpectedly close, freeze, or fail to launch.

Update the Application
Open App Store: Click the App Store icon in the Dock.
Check for Updates: Click on “Updates” and update the problematic app.
Restart the Application
Force Quit: Press Command + Option + Esc, select the app, and click “Force Quit”.
Reopen App: Launch the app again to see if the issue persists.
Reinstall the Application
Delete the App: Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Empty Trash: Right-click the Trash and select “Empty Trash”.
Reinstall: Download and install the app again from the App Store or the developer’s website.
Check for macOS Updates
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”.
Install Updates: Ensure your macOS is up to date, as updates can fix compatibility issues.
Check for Conflicting Software
Some third-party software can conflict with applications. Consider uninstalling recently added software to identify the culprit.

Unable to print, print jobs stuck in queue, poor print quality.

Check Physical Connections
Ensure Printer is On: Verify the printer is powered on.
Check Cables or Wi-Fi: Ensure USB cables are securely connected or that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
Restart Printer and Mac
Turn Off Printer: Power off the printer, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
Restart Mac: Click the Apple menu > “Restart”.
Reset the Printing System
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “Printers & Scanners”.
Right-Click Printer List: In the Printers list, right-click (or Control-click) and select “Reset printing system”.
Re-add Printer: Click the “+” button to add your printer again.
Update Printer Drivers
Visit Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the printer manufacturer’s website.
Download Latest Drivers: Find and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
Install Drivers: Follow the installation instructions provided.
Check Print Queue
Open Printers & Scanners: Click the Apple menu > “System Settings” > “Printers & Scanners”.
Select Printer: Click on your printer and view the print queue.
Clear Stuck Jobs: Select any stuck jobs and cancel them.