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If you’re experiencing issues with your Mac, Safe Mode can be a useful tool for troubleshooting. Safe Mode is a stripped-down version of the Mac operating system that can help resolve issues such as slow performance, crashes, or problems caused by an app. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to starting your Mac in Safe Mode, explore the benefits of using Safe Mode, and explain what to do if your Mac won’t start in Safe Mode.
Why Use Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is ideal for troubleshooting issues that may be preventing your Mac from booting or causing problems with your startup disk. When you boot into Safe Mode, certain checks are performed, and certain software is prevented from loading automatically. Using Safe Mode can help resolve issues, such as:
- Mac crashing during startup
- Apps causing problems
- Mac running very slowly
Safe Mode clears your cache and can speed up your Mac. It’s also useful for uninstalling apps that are difficult to remove in regular operating mode. If a problem doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it could be related to incompatible login items or a cache or directory issue that was fixed in Safe Mode.
How to Start a Mac in Safe Mode
Starting your Mac in Safe Mode is easy. Follow these steps:
- Turn on your Mac
- Press and hold the Shift key
- The Apple logo should appear
- Release the Shift key when the login window appears and login
- You may have to log in twice if you have FileVault enabled
What Safe Mode Does/Doesn’t Do
When you boot into Safe Mode, certain checks are performed, and certain software is prevented from loading automatically. Safe Mode does NOT load non-essential kernel extensions, startup/login apps or services, or fonts you manually installed. Additionally, your system and font caches are cleaned up, and your hard drive is verified and attempts are made to resolve folder issues. Safe Mode is not designed for regular use but can help you troubleshoot issues.
How to Trim Your Startup Apps
To remove items from your login items list, follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences and click Users & Groups
- Select your username on the left
- Click the Login Items tab
- Select an item and click the minus button to remove it
Some apps and services are stored in system folders, and removing them requires advanced knowledge. Removing kernel modules is also for experts. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, seek professional advice.
How to Tell If You’re in Safe Mode
When you’re in Safe Mode, you may notice that your system is slow to respond, and animations may appear uneven. To confirm that you are in Safe Mode:
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu (top left)
- Click About This Mac
- Click System Report
- Check the boot mode – it should say Safe
Other signs that you’re in Safe Mode include screen flashing when the login screen appears, the screen being gray (with a progress bar under the Apple logo), and slow Mac operation.
What to Do If Your Mac Automatically Starts In Safe Mode
If your Mac automatically starts in Safe Mode, it may be detecting a problem that it can fix. Allow your Mac to try to resolve the issue. If it doesn’t work, you should contact Apple Support, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
How to Exit Safe Mode
To exit Safe Mode, shut down your Mac and restart it without pressing any keys.
Problems with Safe Mode
If your Mac takes longer to start up in Safe Mode, it’s nothing to worry about – the Mac is performing a disk check. If your Mac repeatedly reboots or shuts down in Safe Mode, consult with an Apple Authorized Service Provider, visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support. If Safe Mode doesn’t solve your problem, check out our tutorials for fixing startup, crashing, and frozen Macs.
FAQs
1. Can I use all apps in Safe Mode?
No, you cannot use all apps in Safe mode. Some apps do not work, and the system may be unresponsive. It’s not recommended to use Safe Mode for regular work, but it can be useful for troubleshooting purposes.
2. Can I uninstall apps in Safe Mode?
Yes, Safe Mode is useful for uninstalling apps that are difficult to remove in regular operating mode.