macOS Error Code 14000: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
14000
Brand
macOS
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
macOS Error Code 14000 indicates that the power management daemon (powerd) has crashed or become unresponsive. This background process controls critical functions like sleep, wake, battery management, and energy-saving settings. When it crashes, you may experience unexpected shutdowns, failure to sleep or wake, battery drain issues, or system instability until the process is restarted or the root cause is resolved.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 14000

  1. Restart Your Mac

    Save all open documents and close applications before restarting to avoid losing unsaved work.

  2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

    Ensure your Mac is fully shut down — not just in sleep mode — before performing an SMC reset.

  3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

  4. Check Console Logs for the Crash Cause

  5. Update macOS to the Latest Version

    Back up your Mac using Time Machine or another backup method before installing a major macOS update.

  6. Identify and Remove Conflicting Third-Party Software

  7. Run Apple Diagnostics

    Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, and power adapter before running diagnostics.

  8. Reinstall macOS

    Back up all important data with Time Machine or an external drive before reinstalling macOS. While this process preserves user data, unexpected issues during reinstallation could result in data loss.
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider if the error persists after completing all steps, if Apple Diagnostics returns hardware-related error codes (such as memory or logic board failures), if your Mac repeatedly shuts down unexpectedly, if the battery is swelling or the Mac runs unusually hot, or if your Mac refuses to boot at all. Hardware-level failures in the power management circuitry or a failing battery require professional repair and cannot be resolved through software alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does macOS Error Code 14000 mean?
macOS Error Code 14000 means the power management daemon (powerd) has crashed. This process is responsible for managing sleep, wake, battery usage, and energy-saving features. When it crashes, you may notice your Mac failing to sleep or wake, unexpected shutdowns, or erratic battery behavior.
Will macOS Error Code 14000 cause me to lose data?
The error itself does not directly cause data loss. However, if the powerd crash leads to an unexpected shutdown while files are open or being written, there is a risk of file corruption or lost changes. It is strongly recommended to save your work frequently and maintain a current backup while troubleshooting this issue.
Does resetting the SMC fix macOS Error Code 14000?
An SMC reset resolves Error Code 14000 in many cases, especially when the crash is related to hardware-level power management miscommunication. It is one of the most effective early troubleshooting steps and is safe to perform on any supported Mac model.
Can a third-party app cause macOS Error Code 14000?
Yes. Third-party utilities such as battery managers, system monitors, antivirus tools, or apps that install kernel extensions can conflict with powerd and cause it to crash. Booting in Safe Mode — which disables third-party kernel extensions and startup items — is a reliable way to test whether a third-party app is responsible.
Is macOS Error Code 14000 more common on Apple Silicon or Intel Macs?
Error Code 14000 can occur on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, but the troubleshooting steps differ slightly. Apple Silicon Macs do not have a traditional SMC to reset, and their NVRAM is managed differently. The most common triggers across both platforms include software conflicts, outdated macOS versions, and hardware issues such as a degraded battery.

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