How to fix a kernel panic on a Mac

⚡️Fast fix

• A kernel panic may seem scary, but it's a safety response, not a crash.
• Immediately restart your computer to clear out any glitches.
• Try disconnecting USB drives and other external devices.
• Update your system if prompted.

---

You're hunched over your computer, fingers flying across the keyboard as you finish up a project. Suddenly, the screen of your Mac® goes dark. Your heart sinks, but you let out a sigh of relief as your computer quickly restarts. But wait. Now there's a cryptic error message on the screen. You've just experienced a kernel panic.

At Asurion, we know how scary tech issues can feel, especially when you rely on your computer for everything. If you're dealing with a Mac pink screen issue or frequent restarts, we've got the answers you need. Find out how to stop kernel panic on your Mac and when to bring in a pro.

Why your Mac says it restarted because of a problem

A kernel error is the Mac version of the blue screen of death, but it's not as serious as it sounds. It's a safety mechanism that protects the system data when something goes wrong.

Here are a few common macOS® kernel panic causes:

• Buggy or outdated plugins
• Incompatible hardware from other manufacturers
• Internal hardware problems
• Software issues

Suppose you recently updated your operating system, and the new software isn't compatible with an older app. If the two clash, you could get a macOS restart error as your computer protects itself from data corruption.

How to troubleshoot a kernel panic at home

It's normal to feel stressed if your Mac computer restarted because of a problem, but don't despair. Here are a few ways to fix a kernel panic.

Check your system crash reports

Your Apple® computer may already have self-diagnosed the reason for the kernel error. Try checking the crash reports:

1. In the Finder, open Applications.
2. Click Console > Crash Reports.
3. Look for "terminated due to" or "reason: failed because."

If you get a mysterious error code, try searching for it online or check with the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store.

Update your Mac

Before you go too far down the software conflict troubleshooting rabbit hole, try installing a system update. An outdated macOS can cause glitches and errors.

Follow these steps to update your Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Click System Settings > General.
3. Click Software Update to search for available software.
4. If there's a pending update, click Update Now.

Restart in Safe Mode for Mac

Sometimes, buggy software or hardware can prevent your Mac from rebooting all the way. Get around this by restarting it in Safe Mode. Here's how:

1. Open the Apple menu and click Shut Down. If you can't get to this menu, you can also hold down the power button for 10 seconds.
2. Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options."
3. Hold the Shift key until the login window appears.
4. Click Continue in Safe Mode or Safe Boot.

Safe Mode only uses essential programs and files. If you don't get a kernel error in this mode, a third-party app or plugin may be the culprit.

Do a Disk Utility repair

If your Mac doesn't format data correctly, it may behave strangely. These steps could be your Mac kernel panic fix:

1. Open the Finder and click Applications.
2. Open the Utilities folder and choose Disk Utility.
3. Click View > Show All Devices.
4. For each storage device, click the First Aid button.
5. Click Run or Repair Disk.
6. Follow the prompts.
7. Repeat this process for each storage device.
8. Click Done.

This process removes damaged files and other storage issues, which may resolve kernel errors.

Isolate hardware

To spot glitchy or incompatible hardware, try disconnecting external devices one by one. There are two simple ways to do this:

1. Select devices like USB sticks and disks in the Finder sidebar. Click the upward arrow to eject them.
2. Unplug external hardware such as printers from your Mac.

After you eject each device, see if the kernel error repeats. This can help you find the culprit.

When your Mac might need a professional repair

You've followed all these troubleshooting tips, but you're still getting the dreaded kernel panic. This might indicate that there's something wrong with the hardware itself.

Look for these signs of a swollen battery:

• Your laptop frequently overheats, even when you're not using it for anything intense.
• Your trackpad stops working smoothly.
• You feel a strange bulge in your laptop.
• You notice Mac function keys not working.
• You can't close your laptop all the way anymore.

Repeated kernel panics are another major red flag. If you suspect you've got a hardware problem, reach out to Apple Support or a certified repair provider for assistance.