Screen is black, flickering or broken
A black or flickering screen is worrying, but often the computer is fine and the screen just needs a nudge, a cable check or a restart.
Be careful: If the screen is cracked, don't press on it or use it with sharp glass showing. If you see smoke or smell burning, unplug it and get in-person help.
What to do
Step 1: Press the brightness up key a few times.
Step 2: Press a key or click the trackpad, in case it's asleep.
Step 3: If it's a desktop Mac or external display, check the cable and power are firmly connected.
Step 4: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it on again.
Step 5: For flickering, install updates in System Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Step 6: If the screen is cracked, you can connect an external display to keep using it until it's repaired.
Still stuck? If the screen stays black or broken, take it to the maker's support or a trusted repair shop, as screens can usually be replaced.