MacBook beeping 3 times at startup? Here's why and how to fix it

You start up your MacBook expecting to hear that familiar start-up chime … except it doesn’t happen. Instead, you get a series of beeps. Your MacBook is making beeping noises and not turning on. What can you do? Don’t panic—we’ve got you covered.  

At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we know tech and can help with everything from repairing your MacBook® to walking you through how to add more memory. Here’s what you need to know about why your MacBook Pro® is beeping three times and how you can get it working as it should again.

What’s causing my MacBook to beep three times?

Those beeps indicate that there could be a serious problem inside your Mac. The three beeps you hear usually indicate a memory (RAM) issue in your MacBook—it could be that the memory is failing or got knocked out of its slot. 

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How can I fix the MacBook three-beep problem?

You’ll want to target the memory inside your MacBook with these troubleshooting steps.

Perform a power cycle

A power cycle can help reset the hardware of your MacBook. Here’s how to perform one:

1. Turn off your MacBook and unplug all connected accessories.
2. Hold the Power button for 10 seconds, then release it.
3. Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.

Reset the NVRAM/PRAM

The Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) on a MacBook stores information about settings and could be responsible for the beeping if corrupted. Resetting your MacBook NVRAM or PRAM does not erase your data—though it’s never a bad idea to back up first. 

1. Power off your MacBook.
2. Press the Power button, then immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously for about 20 seconds. This action will reset the NVRAM/PRAM.