How to Fix a Frozen or Unresponsive Mac

Your Mac just froze mid-project? Don’t panic, you’re not alone in this. Even the best of bests Macs – MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac Pro – we’ve seen them all go haywire over past years. So before you rush to a Mac genius, breathe. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves, and using these you might be able to fix it right from your home (for free!).

About This Guide

Frozen or unresponsive Macs have been a common problem for many, especially with the Intel based Macs from 2018 – 2022. The introduction of Apple silicon made issue has almost died since everything now is built by Apple, for Apple. But we still get servicing requests for newer Macs getting completely stuck – though most get solved with a simple macOS roll back and reinstall.

This guide aims to hand you the knowledge and resources, along with what you can do from your home to fix your unresponsive Mac, be it a MacBook or any other desktop form factor.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what usually causes a Mac to freeze and exactly what to do when your Mac gives you the silent treatment. 

Follow the steps like a checklist. If nothing works, let the pros take over. But you will still have a full DIY diagnosis, just like a medical history file. That way the technician knows where to lay their scissors first, saving you the diagnosis fee and getting you back to work far sooner. 

Ready? Let’s bring your Mac back to life –

Quick Triage: What to Do First When Your Mac Freezes

Don’t stress. A frozen screen or unresponsive Mac doesn’t always mean oblivion. Most Apple freezes come down to three things: an app eating all your resources, a bug in an app or macOS, or a faulty external device or drive locking down the system. Try these three quick fixes first, then we’ll dive deeper into every other home-based solution.

1. Force-Quit Frozen App: Go to Apple Menu → Force Quit or, press Command + Option + Esc and terminate any unresponsive app.
2. Force Restart Mac: If your mouse or keyboard is completely unresponsive, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, wait 10 more seconds and restart normally.
3. Disconnect Peripherals: Unplug all USB devices, drives, or hubs, then restart normally and reconnect one by one to see if Mac goes frozen again.

These three simple actions have the highest success rate in unfreezing Macs. If freezing keeps happening, dive into the full step-by-step solutions below. But before that, let’s get a hold of what causes play a role in freezing an Apple Mac in the first place.

Why Your Mac Slows Down or Stops Responding Completely

If you’ve been wondering “Why is my Mac frozen?”, there isn’t just one answer. It can be as simple as your fans getting clogged with dust and overheating, or as complex as system level conflict, corrupted disk or hardware failure. Most common culprits are –

1. Overloaded RAM / CPU / Disk Space
2. Outdated or incompatible macOS / Apps
3. Faulty Peripherals / Drivers
4. Overheating / Blocked Fan
5. Hardware-Level Glitches
6. Corrupted Disk / File System

Understanding what’s really at play helps you pinpoint the exact trigger for your Mac’s sudden “silent treatment.” Once you do, the right fix becomes much easier to apply.

Proven Deep Fixes to Free Your Unresponsive Mac

When quick triage doesn’t cut it, these deeper fixes come next. Follow them in order and you’ll either clear the issue or get a clear diagnostic to take to a technician.

Safe Mode & Disk Repair Fixes

Software conflicts, rogue startup items or file system errors often cause a Mac to stall during boot or behave strangely after boot and crash. Safe Mode prevents your MacOS system from running extra processes and strips down to only the essentials. 

This way you can test if third-party apps are to blame for your frozen Mac. Running First Air through the Disk Utility checks and repairs the files, so the OS can perform read/write tasks reliably.

Deep Fix 1 – Boot into Safe Mode

What it does: Since most kernel operations are restricted from performing in Safe Mode, if your Mac works fine in this environment it means the issue is related to startup app conflicts.

Follow these steps – 

• On Intel Macs: Restart + hold Shift until login screen appears → login to Safe Mode. 
• On Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down. Hold Power until Startup Options appear. Select startup volume → hold Shift → Continue in Safe Mode.

When in Safe Mode, try the apps where you faced Mac freezing (open apps, switch windows, use Finder, etc). If it behaves normally, go to System Settings → Users & Groups → Login Items and remove suspicious startup apps. Also uninstall recently added apps.

Deep Fix 2 – Run Disk Utility in Recovery Mode

What it does: Corrupted directories or bad metadata can make macOS hang or crash. First Aid scans volumes and repairs partition structures so the OS can access files cleanly.

Follow these steps –

• On Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down, then Press and hold Power button until Startup Options appear. Click Options → Continue to enter Recovery Mode.
• On Intel Macs: Restart Mac → Hold Command + R until Apple logo appears → enter Recovery Mode.
• Select your startup disk (almost always the option on top)
• Click First Aid → Run. Repeat this for all internal volumes under your startup disk.
• When First Aid finishes, restart normally and test the Mac.

First Aid reports you either errors were repaired; or tells you it could not be repaired. If it fixes issues, your Mac should run smoother. If First Aid fails or reports hardware errors, backup immediately and consider professional diagnostics.

macOS & App Fixes

If you think the issue is rooted in the system or a buddy app, these are the moves to try. With a simple app or OS update, you’ll eliminate OS glitches and corrupted app files – the type of problems that survive even after Disc recovery or Safe Mode booting.

Deep Fix 3 – Check for App Updates

What it does: App updates fix bugs and align features with the most current macOS. Older app versions can behave poorly after a macOS upgrade, so updating is an easy win.

Follow these steps –

• Open App Store → Click on your Profile or Updates → Update All / suspected app.

(For apps installed from third party sources, run the app, try finding any Check Update related info in the menu, or visit the app’s developer’s site for updates.)

• Restart the app and test observe its behavior.

If updating the app introduces more issues, roll back to a safer version, ONLY if the developer provides one. Otherwise, contact their support line. They might have a patch incoming in next updates.

Deep Fix 4 – Uninstall & Reinstall Problematic Apps 

What it does: Over time, the data of an app can get jumbled or corrupted, leading to hanging the system. By targeting these usual suspects through the uninstall / re-install process, you’re essentially clearing the broken bits and starting fresh.

Follow these steps –

• Quit the app
• Go to Finder → Applications → drag the app to Trash
• Empty the Trash.

(If you feel like completely getting rid of the leftover files, tools like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac may work)

• Reinstall the app from the App Store / official site.

• Launch & test the app under typical usage.

If the app keeps crashing even after a clean uninstall & re-install, follow up through the developer’s support channel and see if there’s any compatibility notes for your specific macOS version. 

Deep Fix 5 – Update macOS

What it does: Updating to the latest macOS almost always fixes known bugs, patches any security hole and improves app compatibility. If a recent update introduces a glitch, Apple usually floors-up with a patch and clears MacOS up hands and stalls

Follow these steps –

• Plug your Mac to power & connect to a stable internet connection.

• Go to Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update.
• If an update is available, click Download and Install
• Let the update to get completed
• Restart & test if problem reappears.

Note: If your frozen or unresponsive Mac issue started after a macOS update, check Apple’s official update notes and try the next Deep Fix (6). Often, a fresh patch or small follow-up from Apple resolves this issue.

Deep Fix 6 — Reinstall macOS

What it does: A clean re-install of the macOS completely refreshes system files, replaces corrupted components but typically keeps your data intact. It’s like a surgical OS fix to deep system corruption that typical updates can’t/don’t touch 

**Important Note: This re-install process usually doesn’t remove your personal data, but BACKUPS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE. 

If re-installing macOS doesn’t solve the freezing issue, you may need a clean macOS install, which WILL DELETE ALL YOUR DRIVE FILES. So, keep a verified backup before you continue this Deep Fix.**

How To Back Up Mac with Time Machine:

• Time Machine Method: Go to Apple Menu → System Settings → General → Time Machine → Back Up Now

(You may use the following workarounds for the same result) 

• Apple Silicon Macs: Shut Down → press & hold Power Button until Startup Options appear

• • Select Options → Continue to enter Recovery.

• Intel Based Macs: Restart → press & hold Command +  R

• Hold until Apple Logo appears → enter Recovery

Proceed to re-installing macOS (once backup is done):

Follow these steps –

• In Recovery, select Reinstall macOS → follow instructions on the screen.

• Keep your mac connected to power & internet

After finishing re-install, test if you’ve successfully eliminated your unresponsive Mac problem. For further deep dive, proceed to the next frozen or unresponsive Mac Deep Fixes.

System Level Fixes (NVRAM / SMC / Diagnostics)

When your Mac keeps stalling despite software & OS level fixes, it’s to take a look under the hood. System-level tweaks can address firmware settings inconsistency, power management and hardware health; the low-level stuff that can make a mac act slow, freeze when booting or go completely silent. 

Work through these and take note of what changes. This history is gold for a professional Mac technician, if you end up needing one.

Deep Fix 7 – Resetting the SMC (For Intel Macs only)

What it does: SMC (System Management Controller) is a chip found on Intel-based Macs which controls low-level hardware functionalities like power, fan and charging, sensors etc. Resetting the SMC can trigger an automatic fix for power issues, constant overheating, erratic fan behavior or things like sleep/wake problems which lead to system stalls.

Note: Newer Apple Silicon Macs handle similar SMC-like functions automatically, so just a plain restart will already have cleared any firmware quirks, if you had any.

Follow these steps –

Intel Macs with T2 Chip:

1. Shut down the Mac
2. Press & hold Control + Option (left) + Shift (right) for 7 seconds
3. While still holding those keys, press & hold Power Button for 7 more seconds
4. Release all the keys & wait for a few seconds
5. Press Power & turn on your Mac as usual

Intel Macs without T2 Chip:

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Press & hold Shift + CTRL + Option (all on the left) + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Release, now press Power button & turn on.

After resetting SMCm check behavior including charging, fan noise and the Mac’s wake & sleep. If quirks vanish, you’ve likely solved a hardware related issue.

Deep Fix 8 – Resetting NVRAM (Intel Macs only)

NVRAM stores small but critical settings like startup disk selection, display resolution, audio volume etc. Resetting this can clear any corrupted settings that may be confusing boot or hardware faults.

Follow these steps –

• Shut down . Restart your Mac
• Immediately press & hold Command + Option + R
• Keep holding for 20 seconds until Mac takes a restart and you hear the startup chime a second time, or Apple logo appears/disappears twice.
• Release all keys & let Mac boot as usual.

This process may prompt you to reconfigure your display or sound preferences. If this solved boot loop or display freezes, NNRAM reset has done its job.

Deep Fix 9 – Running Apple Diagnostics

Running Apple Diagnostics performs a health check & generates reports for issues with the RAM, logic board, sensors and other parts. This is the fastest way to tell if the Mac freeze is a software glitch or component failure.

Follow these steps –

• Disconnect all peripherals except keyboard, mouse & display

Apple Silicon Mac:

• Shut Down
• Press & hold Power button until Startup Options appear
• Press Command + D to enter diagnostics 

Intel Macs: 

• Restart & immediately hold the D key
• If that fails, press Option + D to run diagnostics via the internet
• Follow onscreen tests, write down the error codes or take a photo

Diagnostic error code tells you if there’s a hardware failure. Contact your nearest Apple repair center and share the codes. If diagnostics return no error code, focus back on software & disk repairs.

At this point you’ve tried all the deep fixes, so if your Mac still faces the frozen issue or becomes unresponsive from time to time, it’s either your resources are choking or you have hardware issues that need professional help.

Resource Optimization: Additional Fixes for Frozen Mac

As mentioned earlier, overloading CPU, RAM or disk space can stall your Mac or slow it down. Allocation resources according to need and stopping unwanted but resource hungry apps can significantly increase your Mac’s performance. Try the following –

Quit resource hungry apps from the Activity Monitor, then remove some large files if your disk is nearly full. That’s because the macOS shares storage space for virtual memory when the RAM usage hits the ceiling. Clean caches, and use Storage Manager to reclaim some space.

Every icon makes Finder render more. Move files into folders, archive old screenshots, and keep only essentials visible. A tidy desktop speeds Finder and startup. Also, go to Login Items from System Settings → Users & Groups and remove the unnecessary startup apps.

Need Quick Mac Repair in BD? Apple Gadgets Care Has Your Back

If all deep fixes fail, it’s time for professionals. Apple Gadgets Care has experience of 12+ years fixing Macs, from older Intel models to Apple Silicon M5. We offer same day repairs, pickup and delivery (for eligible devices) and authentic OEM replacement.

Also, take advantage of our free consultation over the hotline: 09678149149. Free consultation often fixes minor or software glitches remotely, saving you the trip & time.

call our free hotline for a quick consultation. Often we fix minor software issues remotely, saving you a trip and getting you back to work fast.

Final Words: Keep Your Mac Smooth & Responsive

We hope these fixes helped bring your Mac back from the brink. Remember, a simple restart clears most software / macOS hiccups while a slightly deeper dive into Safe & Recovery modes eliminate common hardware-software conflicts. Keep at least 15% free disk space, trash unnecessary big apps in login and use Apple Diagnostics for quick fixes. Always use MFi or Apple certified cables & hubs to avoid hardware or driver conflicts. Finally, keep macOS updated from official channels. These small habits save you time and money.

If you care about your time and budget, stay with Apple Gadgets Care Blog for pro-level DIYs like SMC and NVRAM resets. Wrapping up for now — until next time, keep your Mac tidy and well maintained.

Quick, Practical Answers to Frozen or Unresponsive Mac FAQs

Why does my Mac freeze even when the mouse still moves?

This usually indicates that the Mac interface is stuck but the kernel is running. A resource intensive app or background process can hog the CPU oi I/O while the cursor remains responsive. Try Force quit, check Activity Monitor and reboot. If the problem remains, run disk Utility First Aid & Apple Diagnostics.

How to force restart a MacBook with a Touch Bar?

For a completely unresponsive Mac, press & hold the Touch ID or Power Button for 10 seconds till the screen goes black. Wait a few seconds and power up again. Alternatively, try Control + Command + Power to force restart. On Apple Silicon Macs, press & hold power button to show startup options and then restart.

Will resetting NVRAM erase my files?

No, since NVRAM reset only clears system settings like volume, resolution and startup disk selection, your documents and personal files remain intact. After the reset, you may have to reconfigure the settings you’ve just reset.

What’s the difference between Safe Mode and Recovery Mode?

Safe Mode lets you boot into the macOS with minimal drivers and no login items so you can test conflicting softwares. Recovery Mode gives you repair tools like Disk Utility, reinstall macOS and system restore through Time Machine. Use Safe Mode for isolating suspected software and recovery mode to fix corrupted disks or reinstall your macOS.

Can overheating cause a Mac to freeze?

Yes, excess heat can force the SoC to halt tasks in the system. Close heavy apps, lower screen brightness and remove any blockade from the case vent & fans. If overheating sustains, check fans along with  the hardwares.