Hardware Issue - Basic Mac Troubleshooting

Use this for general Mac problems before opening a hardware ticket or while collecting details for IT.

Quick checks

• Save your work and restart the Mac.
• Confirm the Mac is connected to power if the battery is low.
• Disconnect nonessential accessories, docks, hubs, and external drives.
• Confirm macOS is up to date in System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Check available storage in System Settings > General > Storage.

Steps to try

1. Restart the Mac and test the issue again.
2. Quit apps you are not using and reopen only the app that is having trouble.
3. If the Mac is slow, check Activity Monitor for apps using high memory or CPU.
4. If the issue started after connecting an accessory, disconnect it and test again.
5. If the problem continues, note whether it happens after a restart and whether it happens in multiple apps.

Submit a ticket when

• The Mac will not start, charge, or wake.
• The issue continues after restart and update checks.
• The device is overheating, physically damaged, or making unusual sounds.
• The issue blocks work or affects multiple apps.

Official references

• If your Mac runs slowly
• Update macOS on Mac
• Start up your Mac in safe mode