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Fix your Mac with these simple troubleshooting tips
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Is your Mac not behaving itself? Here are some simple things you can try before contacting Swarthmore ITS. In late 2020, Apple began the transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon (M1) in Mac computers. Troubleshooting tips may differ depending on your computer's processor. Processor and other system information can be found under About This Mac (under the Apple icon). Check your computer's processor before continuing - for details, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211814. |
Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac
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The settings stored in PRAM or NVRAM depend on your Mac and the devices that you're using with your Mac.
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- Mac computers with an Intel processor, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063.
- Apple Silicon (M1) computers use NVRAM differently and can no longer be completely reset.
Reset the SMC of your Mac
Resetting the system management controller (SMC) can resolve certain issues related to power, battery, fans, and other features.
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- Mac computers with an Intel processor, go
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- to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295.
- Apple Silicon (M1) computers do not have a system management controller (SMC).
Optimize your Mac notebook battery or check battery health
Learn how to optimize the life of the battery in your Mac notebook, fix battery issues, and get service.
- For details, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204054.
Run Apple Diagnostics on your Mac
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Apple Diagnostics can help determine which hardware component might be causing the issue. It also suggests solutions and can help you contact Apple Support for assistance (for personal devices). For Swarthmore-owned devices, contact ITS.
- For details, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202731.
Further Options for Personally Owned Macs
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macOS Recovery is part of the built-in recovery system of your Mac. You can start up from macOS Recovery and use its utilities to recover from certain software issues or take other actions on your Mac.
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- Mac computers with an Intel processor, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314.
- For Apple silicon (M1) computer, go to https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/macos-recovery-a-mac-apple-silicon-mchl82829c17/mac
How to reinstall your macOS from macOS Recovery
Learn how to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the Mac operating system on your built-in drive or an external drive.
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- Mac computers with an Intel processor, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904.
- For Apple silicon (M1) computer, go to https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/macos-recovery-a-mac-apple-silicon-mchl82829c17/11.0/mac/11.0#mchl57249f89
How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility
Disk Utility can find and repair errors related to the formatting and directory structure of a Mac disk. Errors can lead to unexpected behavior when using your Mac, and significant errors might even prevent your Mac from starting up completely.
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- Mac computers with an Intel processor, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210898.
- For Apple silicon (M1) computer, go to https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/macos-recovery-a-mac-apple-silicon-mchl82829c17/11.0/mac/11.0#mchl3fe49482
Contact the Help Desk
If the troubleshooting tips outlined here do not help, please contact the Help Desk. Let us know which troubleshooting tips you tried and what the outcome was to help us better serve you.
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