MacBook Stuck on Loading Bar: What to Do and How to Fix It

If your MacBook or iMac has suddenly become stuck at the loading bar, also known as the spinning wheel cursor, it can be frustrating and alarming. Macs are generally reliable and trustworthy devices, but like any computer, they're not immune to errors. In this article, we'll guide you through some steps to resolve the issue and get your MacBook up and running again.

Before we dive into the solutions, it's essential to note that losing data unexpectedly can be devastating. If you've experienced data loss due to a stuck loading bar or any other reason, please refer to our separate article on 'What To Do if You’ve Unexpectedly Lost Data' for guidance on how to recover your files.

Now, let's focus on fixing the stuck loading bar issue.

Reselecting the Startup Disk

If your MacBook gets stuck at the loading bar, it might be due to a corrupted startup disk. In this case, you can try reselecting the startup disk by holding down the Option (⌥) key while restarting your Mac. This will allow you to select a different bootable disk if available.

Booting in Single User Mode

Another approach is to boot your MacBook in Single User Mode. To do this, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command (⌘) + S keys. This will launch your Mac in single-user mode, giving you access to a command-line interface where you can troubleshoot and repair issues.

Using Disc Utility to Repair Your Startup Disk

If reselecting the startup disk or booting in Single User Mode doesn't resolve the issue, it's likely that your startup disk needs repair. You can use Disk Utility to fix any errors on your startup disk.

To do this:

1. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command (⌘) + R keys.

2. Select 'Disk Utility' from the Utilities window.

3. Choose your startup disk from the list of available disks.

4. Click the 'Repair' button to fix any errors on the disk.

Discounting All Third-Party Accessories from Your Mac

If you're experiencing issues with third-party accessories, such as a malfunctioning keyboard or mouse, try disconnecting them temporarily to see if it resolves the problem.

Unfreezing Your Mac at the Apple Logo

In some cases, your MacBook might become stuck on the Apple logo during bootup. If this happens, don't worry – there's a solution. You can try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift (⇧) key while powering it on.

Why Your Mac Is Stuck on the Apple Logo When Booting

If your MacBook is stuck at the Apple logo during bootup, it could be due to several reasons such as:

* Corrupted system files

* Malware infection

* Hardware issues

In this article, we've provided some steps to help you resolve the issue of a stuck loading bar on your MacBook. By following these troubleshooting techniques and potentially repairing your startup disk using Disk Utility, you should be able to get your Mac up and running again.

Remember to always back up your data regularly to avoid losing important files in case of unexpected issues like this one. If you're still experiencing problems after trying the above solutions, it may be best to consult a professional or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Macbook stuck on loading bar