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This article will show you How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode. In Mac safe mode, which is a troubleshooting mode, only the files and applications that are necessary for your Mac to function are loaded. You can determine whether a problem with starting up your Mac is caused by a programme or by a problem with your Mac as a whole by starting it in safe mode.
If you are conducting a scientific experiment in which you are attempting to determine the reason why your Mac is unable to start up, you can think of safe mode as the control group. It gives you the ability to test for software issues by running a version of macOS that has been stripped down entirely.
Additionally, safe mode on a Mac can assist you in cleaning it up because it automatically clears the cache of the system files. The term “Safe Mode” is frequently used interchangeably with “Safe Boot,” but there is a subtle distinction between the two. Safe Boot mode is the mode that your Mac uses to start up, and safe mode is the mode that it uses once it can be activated. Here are the simple steps how to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode.
How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode
For Apple silicon Macs
- Shut down your Mac completely. Wait until the screen turns black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
- Press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears.
- Select a volume (usually Macintosh HD) by clicking on it with the trackpad or arrow keys.
- Press and hold the Shift key (or click “Options” below the volume) and click “Continue in Safe Mode.”
- Your Mac will restart. You’ll see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar after it logs in.
For Intel-based Macs
- Turn on or restart your Mac. Don’t wait for the login screen to appear.
- Immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
- Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.
Reasons to Start Mac in Safe Mode
- Fixing Software Problems: Safe Mode turns off system extensions that aren’t needed and only loads the ones that are needed. This makes it easier to find and fix problems caused by third-party software.
- Isolating Startup Problems: If your Mac has trouble starting up, Safe Mode can help you figure out what the problem is by loading only the most important kernel extensions and system components.
- Fixing Login Issues: Safe Mode can help if you’re having login issues because it only loads the most basic drivers and startup items, which lowers the risk of conflicts.
- Getting Rid of Malicious Software: Safe Mode stops some types of malicious software from running, which makes it easier to find and get rid of unwanted programmes or malware.
- Fixing Disc Problems: If you’re having problems with your disc, running in Safe Mode might help. A simple check and fix of the startup disc is done during the boot process.
- Updating System Software: Starting up in Safe Mode can sometimes make it easier to install system updates or upgrades that might not work in normal mode.
When to Use Safe Mode on Your Mac
- Troubleshooting Startup Issues: If your Mac is having trouble starting up or if it gets stuck during the startup process, Safe Mode can help identify and fix problems.
- Software and System Issues: When you suspect that third-party software or system files are causing issues, Safe Mode can be used to isolate and resolve these problems.
- Kernel Extensions Troubleshooting: If you suspect that a kernel extension (kext) is causing problems, Safe Mode disables these extensions, allowing you to identify and address issues related to them.
- Software Installation Issues: When you’re having problems installing or uninstalling software, booting into Safe Mode can help by preventing unnecessary software from launching.
- Disk and File System Repairs: Safe Mode can be used to run checks and repairs on your Mac’s startup disk and file system using tools like Disk Utility.
- Malware Detection: Safe Mode can be a useful tool to detect and remove certain types of malware, as it prevents these malicious programs from running during startup.
Conclusion
Your Mac, whether it is equipped with Apple silicon or an Intel processor, “just works” the majority of the time. On the other hand, there will be instances in which your Mac will slow down, stop starting up, or exhibit other undesirable symptoms due to a malicious application, a service that is not functioning properly, outdated caches, or other problems. Apple has, thankfully, made it possible to boot a computer running macOS that is operating in safe mode.
Questions and Answers
Give your Mac a restart. Without delay, press and maintain pressure on one of the following key combinations until you see the screen that displays the startup menu: You can start up from the built-in macOS Recovery System by pressing Command-R. Either to reinstall the most recent version of macOS that was installed on your system or to use the other applications that are included in macOS Recovery, you can use this key combination.
When you press and hold the Command and R keys simultaneously at the beginning of the startup process, macOS Recovery will provide you with the most recent version of the macOS that you have installed. If you press and hold the Option, Command, and R keys simultaneously at the beginning of the startup process, macOS Recovery may provide you with the most recent version of macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
The current version of the most recently installed macOS will be presented to you by macOS Recovery if you press and hold the Command-R key during the startup process. The macOS Recovery programme may provide you with the most recent version of macOS that is compatible with your Mac if you press and hold the Option, Command, and R keys at the beginning of the startup process.