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22 April 2025

MacBook keeps shutting down

Does your MacBook keep breaking down? Logically, panic strikes. Of course, it also always happens at totally inconvenient times. Fortunately, the specialists at ThePhoneLab have tips to prevent this. In this article you will read how to get your MacBook working again.

1. Unexpected restart due to software error

A MacBook may spontaneously reboot because of a software or hardware conflict. These often include:

  • Erroneous system updates

  • Unstable apps or plug-ins

  • Problems with peripherals

After a reboot, macOS usually shows an error message with a panic report. This is a signal that the system has automatically shut down to prevent worse.

Solution:

  • Keep your macOS up to date

  • Remove recently installed software if the problem started after that

  • Check the panic report at  > About this Mac > System Report

2. Turn off your Mac completely from time to time

Do you often leave your MacBook in sleep mode? Then stalled processes can accumulate, eventually leading to crashes or unwanted restarts.

Solution:

  • Shut down your MacBook completely on a regular basis

  • Go to the Apple menu () > ‘Turn off’

  • Avoid prolonged use without rebooting, especially after updates or intensive use

You can find more explanation on this in our Knowledge Base: MacBook shutdown.

3. Snooze mode can cause confusion

Sometimes it looks like your MacBook is shutting down when it just went into sleep mode. This frequently causes confusion, especially if the screen suddenly goes black and is not immediately responsive.

Solution:

  • Press a key or use the trackpad to ‘wake up’

  • Want to turn off the snooze mode? Then go to:

    •  > System Settings > Battery > Options

    • Adjust the snooze time or automatic snooze

4. Battery problems

A common cause of sudden failure is a battery that is no longer functioning properly. When the voltage drops below a critical point, your MacBook shuts itself down to prevent damage.

Symptoms:

  • MacBook fails while battery percentage still appears high

  • Fast discharge after charging

  • MacBook starts up only with charger connected

Solution:

5. Overheating your MacBook

An overheated MacBook automatically turns itself off as a safety precaution. This can happen when:

  • You run intensive software (video editing, heavy apps, games)

  • The vents are blocked

  • The fan or cooling paste is no longer working properly

Solution:

  • Avoid use on soft surfaces (such as bed or sofa)

  • Use a laptop stand for better air circulation

  • Close unnecessary programs

  • Have the Mac cleaned by a specialist if you suspect it is dirty inside

Find more cooling tips in our Knowledge Base: keeping MacBook cool.

6. External devices can interfere

In some cases, an external device is the cause of the crash. A poorly connected hard drive, a faulty USB cable or an incompatible dock can cause unstable behavior.

Solution:

  • Disconnect all peripherals

  • Restart without connected devices

  • Connect devices one by one to find the cause

Help from ThePhoneLab
Have you checked out all our tips and tricks, but haven’t been able to figure out why your MacBook keeps shutting down? It could be due to the hardware. Since it’s hard for you to investigate this yourself, our specialists are happy to look into it with you and repair where necessary and possible your MacBook. You can contact through our website, or step into one of our stores in.

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