Run Apple DiagnosticsĪnother way to discover why your Mac is consecutively beeping when starting up is to use Apple Diagnostics. Consult the official Apple website to see if you can replace the RAM of your Mac. The only way to fix damaged RAM is by visiting the Apple Store. However, it will work with those Mac computers where RAM is removable and not soldered to the motherboard (as it’s done in modern models). If resetting SMC and NVRAM didn’t help and your MacBook still won’t start giving you 3 beeps, you may try replacing or reinserting the RAM. You can release the keys after the second startup sound or once the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time. Immediately press and hold these four keys as it is booting up: Option + Command (⌘) + P + R.Ĥ. To reset NVRAM on a Mac on Intel-based Macs:ģ. However, keep in mind that you may lose some of these settings once the reset of NVRAM - you’ll most likely need to adjust your date and time. Resetting NVRAM might help if your Mac’s continuous beeping. Its settings are saved when the computer is turned off. Macs store some of the settings in a special area of memory called NVRAM. NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) stores the basic settings of your Mac. So, if something goes wrong with the RAM, it is automatically reset on M1 Macs.
The Apple Silicone Macs can “rescue” themselves from wrongly set up NVRAM. Note for M1 Mac users: Resetting the NVRAM on the M1 Macs is another troubleshooting method that won’t work. Upon resetting the SMC, try using your Mac the way you usually do to check if the issue is gone. If your Mac doesn’t fall into the two categories we’ve described above - follow the instructions to reset SMC on other Mac models. Wait 5 seconds > press the Power button to turn on your Mac.Release the button > connect it to the power supply.Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.Turn off your Mac > unplug the power cord.If you’re using a desktop Mac, follow these steps: Wait a few more seconds before pressing the power button to turn the machine back on.Hold down the Power button for approximately 10 seconds and then release it.The process varies depending on your Mac model. Let’s resolve it by resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). Your MacBook Air/Pro beeping and not turning on might be saying it’s a RAM-related error. Everything that SMC was responsible for before has been incorporated into the M1 processor. Note for M1 Mac owners: Skip this part as it’s impossible to reset SMC on Apple Silicone Macs. If that did help and your MacBook keeps beeping, read on.
How to Fix the Mac “3 Beeps of Death”?īefore performing any heavy troubleshooting, try restarting your Mac. As we’ve mentioned above, you may have recently replaced or upgraded the RAM. If your MacBook Air or Pro beeps 3 times in a row at five-second intervals, it is the signal that the RAM didn’t pass the data integrity check (in other words - the RAM couldn’t load correctly).
The leading cause of firmware issues is a power failure or problems during the macOS updates.Ī series of 3 beeps at a startup means your MacBook is signaling that the operating system you’re about to boot into is incompatible or that it can’t recognize some hardware on your Mac.
It means that the firmware fails to be installed correctly.
Sometimes 3 long beeps may be followed by 3 short beeps. Physical damage: you’ve accidentally hit or dropped your Mac.RAM issues: the RAM hasn’t been properly inserted or replaced.Here are the two most typical reasons for MacBook beeping 3 times at startup: In case of memory or firmware-related conditions, your MacBook may beep once or more times during the startup process. Why Does Your MacBook Beep Three Times?.