CrackMacHow to log in to and use a Mac with a broken screen you can't see
Type your password and press Return. At the login screen, the password field is usually already selected, so you can log in without seeing anything. If you need to hear what's on the screen, turn on VoiceOver with Command-F5, and it reads everything aloud. Then plug in a monitor or TV so you can see what you're doing.
Logging in blind
- Start the Mac, or wake it, and wait about a minute.
- One user account: type your password and press Return.
- Several accounts: use the arrow keys or type the first letters of your account name to select it, press Return, then type your password and press Return.
- If FileVault is on, the first password screen after a restart appears before macOS loads. It works the same way. Type the password and press Return.
Let VoiceOver read the screen
Press Command-F5, or Command-Fn-F5 on some keyboards. On a Mac with Touch ID, hold Command and quickly press Touch ID three times. VoiceOver speaks the selected item and lets you move around with the keyboard. Press the same shortcut again to turn it off.
Get a picture
Once you're logged in, connect a monitor or TV with HDMI and press Command-Brightness Down to mirror. If it stays blank, connect a keyboard and power and close the lid. Step by step in connecting a broken MacBook to a TV or monitor.
Useful shortcuts while you can't see
- Command-Space opens Spotlight. Type an app's name and press Return.
- Command-Tab switches apps. With VoiceOver on, it reads each name.
- Control-Command-Q locks the Mac.
- More in keyboard shortcuts for a broken screen.
Then rescue your files
With a picture on a monitor, back up first. See getting files off a Mac with a broken screen.
If the damage runs along one edge, CrackMac can keep windows, menus and the pointer off it. There's a free 30-minute trial.
Quick answers
How do I log in to my MacBook if the screen is broken?
Type your password and press Return at the login screen, even if you can't see it. If your Mac has several user accounts, select yours with the arrow keys or by typing the first letters of your name, then press Return and type the password.
How can I hear what's on my Mac's screen?
Turn on VoiceOver with Command-F5. On a Mac with Touch ID, hold Command and quickly press Touch ID three times. VoiceOver reads aloud what's selected, including on the login screen.
Can you see part of the screen?
If the damage covers only an edge, CrackMac makes the rest of the screen usable again. It blacks out the damaged strip and keeps your windows, menus and pointer on the working part.
- Works on macOS 13 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.
- Free for 30 minutes of use, then a one-time price. No subscription.
- A refund within 7 days, no questions asked.