MacBook Pro Cannot Be Switched Off – How to Fix It

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If your MacBook Pro is not shutting down, it could be due to unresponsive apps, software glitches, or hardware issues. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to force shut down your Mac and fix the problem.

Try the Standard Shutdown Method

Shut Down from the Apple Menu
  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Shut Down.
  3. If prompted, close all applications or select Force Quit.
  4. Wait for the MacBook to power off.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut
  1. Press Control + Option + Command + Power button.
  2. Release the keys when the screen goes black.

Force Quit Unresponsive Apps

If an application is preventing shutdown, force quitting it may help.

Use Force Quit Menu
  1. Press Command + Option + Esc.
  2. Select any unresponsive apps and click Force Quit.
  3. Try shutting down the Mac again.

Force Shutdown the MacBook Pro

If your MacBook Pro is completely frozen, forcing a shutdown may be necessary.

Steps to Force Shut Down
  1. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
  2. Release the button when the screen goes black.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then restart the Mac.

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

If the MacBook still does not shut down, resetting the SMC may help resolve power-related issues.

Reset SMC on Intel MacBooks
  1. Shut down the MacBook.
  2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds.
  3. Release the keys and press the Power button to turn the Mac on.

Reset SMC on Apple Silicon MacBooks
  1. Shut down the MacBook.
  2. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
  3. Wait a few seconds and turn the Mac back on.

Reset NVRAM and PRAM (Intel Macs Only)

If the issue persists, resetting PRAM/NVRAM may help resolve shutdown issues.

Steps to Reset PRAM/NVRAM
  1. Shut down the MacBook.
  2. Press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
  3. Release the keys and restart the Mac.

Check for Software Issues

Update macOS
  1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available updates.
  3. Restart the Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

Run Disk Utility First Aid
  1. Restart the Mac in Recovery Mode:
    • Intel Mac: Press Command + R at startup.
    • Apple Silicon Mac: Hold the Power button until Options appear.
  2. Select Disk Utility > First Aid.
  3. Run the repair on Macintosh HD.

Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above solutions work, a hardware issue may be preventing shutdown.

  • Check for liquid damage or overheating.
  • If the Mac is hot, let it cool before trying to shut it down.
  • If the battery is swollen or malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.

If your MacBook Pro still does not shut down, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further diagnosis.