How to fix a 2021 M1 Pro MacBook that won't stay on after macOS Sequoia update?

Hi everyone,


I recently updated my MacBook to macOS Sequoia, and out of the blue - after few days, it stopped turning on properly.


When I plug in the charger, the charger light blinks red, and after several attempts, I managed to get into Recovery Mode — but the system doesn’t stay on long enough to complete any process. It shuts off after a few seconds or minutes.


I took it to the Apple Store, but they couldn’t run a full diagnostic because it won’t stay on long enough. They quoted me $1300 for repairs, which I simply can’t afford right now.


I’m a university student and I have important assignments due soon — this is a real emergency for me. If anyone has experienced something similar or has advice on what I could try, I’d really appreciate your help.


Thanks in advance!


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 2, 2025 8:55 PM

Reply
6 replies

Apr 2, 2025 9:40 PM in response to Clancy_GK

How to fix a 2021 M1 Pro MacBook that won't stay on after macOS Sequoia update?[…]I’m a university student and I have important assignments due soon — this is a real emergency for me. If anyone has experienced something similar or has advice on what I could try, I’d really appreciate your help. Thanks in advance!

———-


Troubleshooting Mac Power:

A. Black Mac Screen:


B. Mac Power Issues:

Try a New Charger:

If it is currently charging from a charger, then use a new charger:


C. A Few Links to Refer to for Power:





Apr 2, 2025 9:40 PM in response to Clancy_GK

Hi Clancy_GK

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) ommunity!


Re: 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Won’t Stay On .. I recently updated my MacBook to macOS Sequoia,

and out of the blue - after few days, it stopped turning on properly.

Commiserations on your plight!

Wondering what was happening just before your Mac stopped turning on properly ... eg error message ... app had to be force quit .... zip drive not ejecting ... anything to give a clue ?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Re: the system doesn’t stay on long enough to complete any process. It shuts off after a few seconds or minutes.


Wondering if your Mac has run out of memory / storage space ... maybe due to the recent update ...

(generally needs around 50 Gb free in which to operate smoothly and to do everything you ask it to.


Also wondering what you see, if anything, on the Mac's screen while it is active

and

whether checking through Apple Support's online article (link below) can help:

If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support

Eg: says:

Learn what to do if your Mac starts up to a blank screen, such as an empty gray, black, or blue screen.


Also see the various: Ways to start up your Mac - Apple Support


All the best:-)

Apr 3, 2025 12:46 AM in response to Clancy_GK

Thank you kindly for your prompt reply, and useful added info.


If your Mac restarted because of a problem - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Unexpected restarts are usually caused by software installed on your Mac, or by devices connected to your Mac. If the issue causes your Mac to restart every time it attempts to start up, your Mac might eventually shut down."


If your Mac permits: you can use the steps in the above article to check the software and hardware on your Mac.


Unnecessary third-party (non-Apple) apps like virus checkers, ad-blockers, cleaners and the like ... even VPN (and sometimes Chrome) are known to cause issues. Any necessary third-party apps need to be kept updated to remain compatible with Mac OS.

Apr 2, 2025 10:28 PM in response to brbo

Thanks for the welcome and for taking the time to reply @brbo. Just to clarify;

Q1. There was no error or warning before this issue started. The last thing I did was watch a Netflix show. I left the laptop for a bit (with lid open - but it went to sleep) to do something else, and when I came back, it wouldn’t turn on.


Q2. Yes, there were a few times I maxed out the storage, so I had to uninstall some apps and delete files to free up space. But I definitely did not have at least 50GB of free space before this issue started.


Q3. When I turn it on in Recovery Mode, I see the usual four options (Restore from Time Machine, Reinstall macOS, Safari, and Disk Utility), but the laptop shuts off and reboots before I even have a chance to connect to Wi-Fi.

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How to fix a 2021 M1 Pro MacBook that won't stay on after macOS Sequoia update?

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