Mac shows a black screen after waking from sleep: what to do
Why a Mac wakes with a black screen or will not wake from sleep, the order of things to try, and the settings and displays that cause it.
Why does my Mac show a black screen after sleep?
Usually the display did not come back while the Mac did: common with external monitors, docks and adapters, less so on the built in screen.
What should I try first?
- Press a key or click the trackpad, then wait a few seconds.
- Briefly press the power button once.
- Unplug the external display or dock and reconnect it.
- If nothing responds, hold the power button to force restart.
How do I stop it happening?
Update macOS and the dock's firmware, try another cable or port, and check the wake log: Mac waking from sleep on its own.
Common questions
Why won't my Mac wake up from sleep?
The display or dock may not have woken. Press the power button briefly and replug the display.
How do I force restart a Mac with a black screen?
Hold the power button until it turns off, wait, then press it again.