Apple MacBook Pro “F50” Error Code Guide & Fix

Apple’s play here is simple: ignore “F50”, pull the real diagnostic code, then replace the failed part. Here’s how you do the front-end of that at home.

• 1. Figure out where you saw “F50”
  – On a sticker, repair quote, or shop note? Then it’s their internal code, not Apple’s.
  – On screen during boot? You probably misread an Apple Diagnostics code (they look like PPF003, VFD001, etc.). You need to re-run diagnostics.
• 2. Run Apple Diagnostics the right way
  – If the Mac still powers on:
    • Shut it down completely.
    • Disconnect all USB/Thunderbolt drives and hubs. Leave charger plugged in.
    • Apple silicon models: Hold the power button until startup options show, then press Command (⌘) + D.
    • Intel models: Power on and immediately hold D. If that fails, try holding Option + D for internet diagnostics.
  – Wait for the test to finish and write down the exact reference code (looks like PPM001, NDK002, etc.). That’s the real one Apple cares about.
• 3. Do the basic resets Apple always asks for
  – NVRAM reset (Intel only):
    • Shut down.
    • Power on and immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for ~20 seconds, then release.
  – SMC reset (Intel only, quick version):
    • Shut down.
    • On most non-removable-battery models: hold Shift (left) + Control (left) + Option (left) + power for 10 seconds, release, then power on.
  – Apple silicon has no separate SMC/NVRAM reset; a full shutdown and 30-second wait is the closest you get.
• 4. Re-run Apple Diagnostics
  – Run it again after the resets.
  – If the same code comes back, it’s almost certainly a hardware part failure, not software.
• 5. Back up now if it still boots
  – If you can reach macOS at all, plug in a drive and use Time Machine or clone your disk.
  – When hardware is flaky, drives die without warning. Don’t wait.
• 6. What Apple actually does next
  – With the real diagnostic code, Apple or an Authorized Service Provider:
    • Looks up the code in their service guide.
    • Runs a couple of internal checks (known-good charger, known-good RAM on older models, visual inspection).
    • Then replaces the full assembly, not tiny components: logic board, battery, top case, or display, depending on that code.
  – If your Mac won’t power on at all (no chime, no backlight, no fan spin), Apple’s official stance is logic board or power-path failure → board-level replacement.
• 7. When to hand it to Apple vs a board repair shop
  – Still under AppleCare / warranty? Don’t think. Take it straight to Apple with the diagnostic code you pulled.
  – Out of warranty and quote from Apple is insane? That’s where third-party board repair shops come in. They work at component level where Apple just swaps boards.

Bottom line: there is no official “MacBook Pro F50 fix”. The legit path is: get the proper Apple Diagnostics code, follow the flow, replace the failed hardware.