6 Best Ways to Fix Mac Randomly Restarting Problem

6 Best Ways to Fix Mac Randomly Restarting Problem

Many people put their MacBooks to sleep and rarely restart them. However, if your Mac randomly restarts, you should immediately fix it. While there are a number of reasons why Mac randomly restarts, we have found these 6 best ways to fix it.


Person using mac

Of course, you should take a backup of your Mac data, if possible. We’re going to show six ways to prevent your Mac from randomly restarting.

1. Malware identification and removal

Malware is one of the most common reasons for random reboots. So you need to run a thorough security scan on your Mac and watch out for potential bugs, which can be a performance nightmare.

To remove malware from your Mac, it’s a good idea to use a tool like Malwarebytes. To use this:

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes.

2nd step: Once the download is complete, open the Malwarebytes app.

Step 3: Select the Scan button.

Analyze malwarebytes


Analyze malwarebytes

Step 4: When the analysis is complete, click View Report.

View malwarebytes report


View malwarebytes report

If your Malwarebytes tool has discovered malware on your Mac, you can quarantine it to secure your system and then remove it.

2. Check for software updates

Your Mac may continue to restart if you’ve decided to install the latest updates for macOS. If so, updating is not too difficult. All you need to do is follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the top left of your toolbar.

Apple logo toolbar


Apple logo toolbar

2nd step: Select System Preferences.

Mac Apple System Preferences


Mac Apple System Preferences

Step 3: Go to the Software Update icon and click on it.

Mac System Preferences Update


Mac System Preferences Update

Step 4: Let your Mac check for updates. If it finds one, select Upgrade Now.

Upgrade now mac software update


Upgrade now mac software update

Step 5: Wait until your Mac has finished updating and restart your device to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Finding incompatible 32-bit applications

Apple discontinued support for 32-bit apps with the introduction of its Catalina software in 2019. If you’re using a newer version of macOS, apps like this can prevent your device from working as it should.

To check for incompatible 32-bit apps, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Open Finder.

2nd step: Click on the Apple logo at the top left and choose About This Mac.

About this Apple Mac toolbar


About this Apple Mac toolbar

Step 3: Make sure you have selected the Presentation tab.

Macos Presentation tab


Macos Presentation tab

Step 4: Click System Report.

System report macos


System report macos

Step 5: Go to the Software tab on the left. Then click on Applications.

Mac apps


Mac apps

Step 6: If you have a MacBook Pro, look under the 64-bit (Intel) tab to see if your apps are supported. If you’re using a MacBook Air, you’ll find 32-bit apps in the Kind section instead.

Mac unsupported applications


Mac unsupported applications

To remove unsupported apps, go back to Finder and follow these steps.

Step 1: Drag your app to the trash.

2nd step: Go to your Trash folder and empty it.

4. Resetting SMC

If none of the steps have worked so far, you might need to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC does several things, such as monitoring your battery charge.

If your Mac has a T2 security chip, follow these steps:

Step 1: Shut down your Mac.

2nd step: Hold down the CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT buttons for seven seconds before pressing the power button.

Mac keyboard buttons


Mac keyboard buttons

Step 3: After holding down the keys for an additional seven seconds, release.

Step 4: Turn on your Mac again.

If your Mac doesn’t have a T2 chip:

Step 1: Remove your charger and shut down your Mac.

2nd step: Hold SHIFT, CTRL, and OPTION before doing the same with the power button.

Mac keyboard buttons


Mac keyboard buttons

Step 3: After 10 seconds, release the buttons and reconnect your cable. Then turn on your device.

If you’re using a desktop Mac, unplug your cable after turning off the device. After 15 seconds, plug it in and turn the Mac back on.

5.Resetting the PRAM

Random Access Parameter Memory (PRAM) makes sure that you don’t need to change your settings every time you log into your Mac. To reset it:

Step 1: Shut down your Mac.

2nd step: Hold cmd, option, P and R after pressing the power button.

Mac reset buttons


Mac reset buttons

Step 3: After your Mac has restarted the second time around, let go.

6. macOS factory reset

If all else fails, a factory reset is the only option left to try. Again, the steps will be different depending on whether or not your Mac has a T2 chip.

If your Mac doesn’t have a T2 chip:

Step 1: Restart your Mac, then hold down cmd and R at the same time.

Cmnd r mac


Cmnd r mac

2nd step: Choose Disk Utility and press Continue when recovery mode starts.

Step 3: Select Clear.

Step 4: After typing something in Name, select Format> AFPS> Clear Volume Group.

If your Mac has a T2 chip:

Step 1: Use Erase Assistant and erase your device.

2nd step: Restart your Mac. Then go to Stop.

Stop mac


Stop mac

Step 3: Press and hold the power button until the Loading Boot Options screen appears.

Step 4: Go to Options> Continue.

Step 5: Reinstall macOS.

Randomly stop restarting your Mac

Randomly resetting your Mac can cause huge problems, and it’s often a difficult problem to solve. Fortunately, you have a lot of options for doing this.

Now that you’ve read this guide, you should be ready to get your device running smoothly again.

Last updated on November 13, 2021

The above article may contain affiliate links that help support Guiding Tech. However, this does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains impartial and authentic.

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