Fixed: MacBook Keeps Randomly Shutting Down Causing Data Loss

Summary: Have you noticed: the more you use your Mac, the more issues arise. Imagine a typical situation — you might be in the middle of a breakthrough, working on a project, or doing some other important tasks when your Mac shuts down for no reason at all. With data gone, you have to pull yourself together and find quick ways to restore missing documents. One of the most efficient ways to retrieve a lost file is to use data recovery software. Download the Stellar Data Recovery app to be on the safer side if your Mac starts acting up.

Many reasons may cause your MacBook to keep shutting down.

Here are the main ones:

• Depleted battery
• Outdated version of macOS
• Disk and software errors
• Peripherals causing malfunction
• Kernel errors caused by third-party apps

This comprehensive guide will help you tackle the MacBook turning off randomly problem and recover lost data. We’ve divided the article into two parts for your convenience.

How to Fix the “MacBook Keeps Shutting Down” Issue

Your MacBook turning off randomly might not seem like a big issue. However, it’s best not to ignore it but take some measures. Scroll down to learn some troubleshooting solutions.

I. Shut Down Your Mac Properly

A random Mac shutdown is not a proper one. During an abrupt shutoff, the system cannot quit apps and processes the right way. That’s why it’s recommended to do basic troubleshooting.

Upon a random shutdown:

1. Boot your Mac.
2. Check if any apps are not responding > Press and hold Command + Option + Esc buttons on your keyboard. Select an unresponsive app and click Force Quit.

3. Click on the Apple logo > choose Shut Down. Now, power up your device once again.

II. Run Disk Utility

Running macOS built-in Disk Utility app will fix disk errors. This may be the reason for your MacBook Air/Pro shutting off.

1. Open Disk Utility via Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility or Spotlight.

2. Choose the volume and click the First Aid button.

3. Press Run > Continue.
4. When the repair is finished > click Done.

Note: The First Aid may last from a few minutes to hours. You can run First Aid in the macOS Recovery Mode to avoid this. In addition, it’s recommended to go into Recovery Mode when your MacBook suddenly shuts down and won’t turn on, or it keeps shutting down in sleep mode. However, make sure to have your Mac backed up before you proceed.

III. Check the Battery Health

Have you been using your Mac for years? Each battery is supposed to last a definite number of charging cycles. To check your MacBook battery health:

1. Click the Apple logo > choose About This Mac.
2. Click the System Report button in the Overview tab.

3. Go to the Power tab and look for the Cycle Count information. In addition, right below, you’ll see the Condition information, too.

4. Look for your Mac model on the list of Apple’s official guide on how to determine the battery cycle.

For the majority of Mac models, this number is 1000 cycles. So, if your Mac is reaching this number or the condition is not marked as Normal — consider replacing it.

IV. Check for Malware

The “MacBook randomly shutting off” problem may be caused by malware. Sometimes, you may not even be aware of its presence on your computer. Let’s see how to spot and get rid of unwanted malicious software.

a. Use Activity Monitor

Let’s use Activity Monitor to check if the malware has infected your Mac:

1. Open Activity Monitor from Spotlight.
2. Click the CPU tab and its %CPU column > sort it from high to low.
3. Look for suspicious processes > copy their names and run it in the Google search to verify if it’s malware.

b. Delete Apps You Don’t Remember Installing

The thing is that many programs may be swarming with malicious code and Trojans. Go to the Applications folder and look through the list of installed apps. If you don’t remember installing an app — better delete it (or google it to double-check).

c. Install an Anti-Malware Tool

Having detected the malware is only half of it. The next step is to find anti-malware software to take care of your Mac. Mac users are lucky to be spoiled with a choice of Mac malware-removal tools.

V. Update macOS

Updating macOS is another thing that may help fix MacBook Air or Pro randomly shutting down problem.

1. Click the Apple logo > press the Software Update button in the Overview tab.

2. Click the Upgrade Now button.

3. Proceed with the updates. The on-screen tools will guide you.

Tip: You can tick the Automatically keep my Mac up to date option in this window to let your Mac run automatic updates.

How To Recover Lost Data in Case Your MacBook Keeps Randomly Shutting Down

I. Use Time Machine

If your Mac runs regular Time Machine backups, use the steps below to restore lost files using this macOS built-in tool:

1. Shut down your Mac and wait until it turns off completely.
2. Connect your external hard drive with the Time Machine backup.
3. Next, press and hold down the power button. Release once you see the “Loading startup options” window on your screen.
4. Click Options > Continue.
5. Out of the four options on your screen, choose Restore from Time Machine.
6. Follow the on-screen hints to proceed.

What if you don’t use a Time Machine? It’s never too late to start using Time Machine on Mac. In the meantime, you can recover lost items with data recovery software. Follow the tips below.

II. Use Stellar Data Recovery App

It’s much easier to use dedicated data recovery software for Mac to do all the work for you, especially when you have time or experience restoring items manually. Running Stellar Data Recovery will help you recover files lost after a random Mac shut off.

Follow these steps:

1. Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery software.

2. Choose the file type you want to recover or just go with the default option (all file types selected) > press Next.

3. Select a volume in the Recover From window > press Scan > wait for the app to do the work.

4. Tick the files you need to retrieve — hit Recover.

How to prevent data loss in case of Mac unexpected shutdowns

• Keep regular backups using Time Machine, iCloud, or other cloud storage
• Backup data using external storage devices
• Have a plan B — install a data recovery app

Wrapping Up

We hope we’ve answered the “Why Does My Mac Keep Shutting Down?” question. Such unexpected behavior may be caused by various reasons and result in data loss. The action plan is to stop using your Mac upon the random shutdown, retrieve lost data, and troubleshoot the problem. We hope the tips we’ve “armored” you with will come in handy!

Related reading:

• How to Fix Time Machine Backup Failed?

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