MacBook Pro Keeps Shutting Down – What To Do

Evan Gower July 7, 2019

There’s no question that Apple makes a quality product, and the devoted user base is a testament to that. If you’re one of those devotees, and you own a MacBook Pro, you know you’re the proud owner of the best money can buy. Unfortunately, though, even a Rolls Royce needs regular maintenance and the same is true for your Mac. If your computer is shutting down or sleeping unexpectedly, it can be really frustrating, but the good news is that you can learn to fix it with the solutions listed below.

MacBook Pro Keeps Shutting Down - What To Do

Reboot the System Control Manager

Intel-based Mac computers have a chip called the System Management Controller which governs many functions on the device. Things like button presses, battery management, and indicators as well as other low-level functions all run through the SMC. Because it is such an integral part of the computer’s inner working, it can also be the cause of a wide range of problems. Fans running at high speeds, your computer working abnormally slowly or not recognizing external devices, and battery charging issues are all signs that an SMC reset is in order.

Before you go on to perform any operations, keep in mind that hard shutdowns are not healthy for your computer. If your Mac shuts down unexpectedly, first boot it up and perform a full restart to make sure all the programs have a chance to close properly. The steps to reset the SMC on your computer will be different based on which model of MacBook you own. Here is what Apple recommends for each system.

1. 2018 MacBook Pro

From the Apple menu, select Shut down.
After it shuts down, press and hold the on/off button.
Wait a few seconds and release it.
Restart the Mac.

2. Earlier MacBooks with a removable battery

Power down your computer.
Take the battery out of the computer. Hold down the on/off button for about 5 seconds.
Replace the battery.
Restart your computer.

3. Earlier MacBooks without a removable battery

From the Apple menu, select Shut down.
After it shuts down, press the Shift, Control, and Option keys along with the on/off button at the same time. Hold them for 10 seconds.
Restart your computer.

Reset Your PRAM or NVRAM

Apple computers use two types of memory called Parameter Random Access Memory (older) or Non-Volatile RAM to store certain system settings. You don’t need to delve too deeply into how these memories work, but you should know that they can cause some issues to crop up. The process to reset the PRAM and NVRAM is very simple and quick.

Shut down your computer
Turn it on and then quickly press and hold the Command, Option, P, and R keys
Once you hear the startup sound twice, release the keys and allow your computer to boot normally (on 2018 and later models, release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears twice)

You will have to press all four keys in unison so it can be a little awkward but that’s all there is to it. Keep in mind that this process will reset some of your settings such as date and time and some other minor preferences. If the problem persists after you’ve tried these options…

You Might Need a Genius

Apple has a vast support network to help you with problems like this one. You can start by visiting their official support page. There you can explore related issues and contact support staff directly. You can also find instructions here on how to use Apple’s diagnostic tools to learn more about your particular problem.

Alternatively, if there is an Apple Store nearby, you can take advantage of Apple’s Genius Bar. This support station offers concierge-style services to customers and they’ll be able to recommend the best course of action. Most Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty that includes 90 days of phone support and can be extended.

The Final Shutdown

Now that we’ve covered some effective ways to deal with unexpected shutdowns, hopefully, you can get back to work. Resetting the SMC and PRAM are both easy fixes but they should deal with most issues that cause your computer to shut down. And at the end of the day, it’s good to know that Apple stands by their products and will help you sort things out if you need it.

If these solutions worked for you or if you had better luck with another fix, let us know about it.