My Mac Mini won't start.

Mac mini won't start? Here's what to try.

Do not panic! If your Mac mini is showing pictures of a keyboard and mouse, there is  a good chance it is ’actually starting up but waiting for you to connect or pair your input devices. 

This can happen when setting up a Mac for the first time..

Start by connecting your keyboard and mouse directly to the Mac mini. 

If you are using a USB keyboard and mouse, plug them into the available USB ports. 

If you are using an Apple Magic Keyboard or Magic Mouse, connect each device to the Mac mini using its charging cable. Make sure the power switches are on (green should be visible), then wait about 30 seconds to see whether the Mac recognises them and moves on to the setup screen.

Apple provides instructions here: Connect accessories to your Mac mini.

If that does not work, try turning the keyboard and mouse off and back on. Make sure they are ‘fully charged. If you are using Bluetooth devices, make sure they are ‘in pairing mode. You can also try another USB port and disconnect any USB hubs or adapters so the devices are connected directly to the Mac mini.

For additional help with Apple wireless accessories, see If you can't connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad to your Mac.

If the keyboard and mouse are connected but nothing happens, try restarting the Mac mini. Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds, wait another 10 seconds, and then press the power button again. Give it a minute or two to start up.

If this is a new Mac mini, Apple's Set up your Mac mini guide also walks you through connecting the display, keyboard and mouse and completing the initial setup.

My suspicion is that your Mac mini is actually starting up, but macOS is not detecting the keyboard and mouse. I would start with the wired connection method, as it's usually the simplest way to get past this screen.

To move forward you need an Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse or a Generic USB Keyboard & Mouse plugged into the Mac mini.

Welcome to Mac mini Getting Started Guide - Apple Support

"My Mac Mini won't start.: My Mac Mini m6 won't start. It keeps showing images of a mouse and keyboard. What can I do?"

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Try Another Keyboard and Mouse:

Is there currently a keyword and mouse plugged in, while getting this message? If so, try another keyboard and mouse.