"Command R Not Working? 6 Solutions to Fix It on macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur"

Pressing Command + R is one method to boot a Mac into Recovery Mode. If these keys aren't functioning, you can try the following six solutions to address the issue.

Translate into English

Mac users utilize swift shortcuts for various functions, such as troubleshooting. One such shortcut is Command R, which allows users to boot their Mac into Recovery Mode. This enables them to easily access Terminal, erase and reformat the hard drive, restore data from a Time Machine backup, reinstall the Mac operating system, and more. However, when Command R fails to work, these functionalities become limited.

Learn all about the issue of Command R not working on Mac, along with swift solutions for macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Entering Recovery Mode by restarting the system and holding down "Command" and "R" keys together is a straightforward process. Let's begin with the quick reasons behind this problem.

"Reasons Behind Mac Command R Not Functioning"

Recovery Mode is the startup interface utilized during system booting for system recovery purposes. It is designed to carry out various operational and troubleshooting tasks. Therefore, it is crucial that the Command R function properly on any Mac system. Let's explore the top potential reasons why Command R might not be working on your Mac:

Reason 1: Keyboard Issues

The issue of Command R not functioning could be attributed solely to a malfunctioning keyboard, particularly with wireless keyboards that might encounter Bluetooth problems. Therefore, it's crucial to properly check the keyboard before attempting to use Command R on a Mac.

Reason 2: Incorrect recovery command on an M1 Mac

Knowing the correct recovery command for your Mac device is crucial. To enter Recovery Mode on a MacBook with the M1 chip, restart your Mac, press and hold the power button, and wait for the relevant prompt to appear for Recovery Mode.

Reason 3: NVRAM Corruption

Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory, or NVRAM, retains Mac data even when power to the memory chips is disconnected. Corrupted NVRAM data can result in the Command R not functioning properly issue.

Reason 4: The issue with the Mac's hard drive

A problematic hard drive on your Mac can lead to system malfunctions and result in the Command R not working on your Mac, possibly even causing issues with the Mac Recovery Mode not working. Therefore, it's essential to inspect your Mac's hard drive.

[First-Aid] When Recovery Mode Fails, How to Retrieve Your Data

Upon examining the comprehensive reasons behind Command R not functioning on a Mac, it becomes clear that issues with the Mac Recovery Mode can lead to irretrievable data loss. Moreover, users attempting to reinstall macOS to rectify the recovery mode error risk losing their essential data.

Therefore, the priority is to protect the Mac data before proceeding with fixes for the 'Command R not working' issue. A Mac data recovery tool like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can assist in retrieving lost data from various devices.

Download this data recovery software for Mac and follow the steps below to recover deleted files on Mac.

Heads up: You can create a backup of your Mac by first clicking "Disk Backup" on the left. The software will recover deleted files from the backup image. This prevents further damage to your disk and data, making it safer and more reliable.

Step 1. Choose the location and scan

1. Launch the "Data Recovery Wizard for Mac" application. 2. Select the disk from which you have lost data. 3. Click on "Search for lost files" to initiate the scanning process.

Step 2. Filter and preview lost files

After the scan, use the file format filter on the left or upper-right corner to locate the deleted files you need.

Step 3. Recover Lost Data or Files

You can double-click a file to preview its contents, or select multiple files to recover them in one go. Click "Recover" to restore the lost data to a local or cloud drive.

6 Ways to Resolve the Issue of Command + R Not Working

Now, let's move on to the top six methods to fix the "Command + R not working" error, armed with the knowledge of data recovery software. Below are some swift solutions that Mac users can utilize based on their immediate requirements.

Solution 1: Reboot into Recovery Mode Again

The simplest solution to address the issue of Command R not functioning is to restart your Mac into Recovery Mode. Any temporary malfunction in your Mac can hinder the proper operation of the Command + R combination. Just follow these steps: 1. Restart your Mac. 2. As it starts up, press and hold the Command + R keys together before the Apple logo appears on the screen. 3. Keep holding the keys until your Mac boots into Recovery Mode. 4. Once in Recovery Mode, you can use the utilities available there, such as Disk Utility for disk repair or reinstall macOS. 5. After resolving any issues, exit Recovery Mode by selecting "Reboot" from the top menu bar. This should resolve any temporary glitches and allow Command R to work correctly again.

Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

Step 2. Power it on again.

Step 3. Try booting into recovery mode again with Command + R.

You can also attempt to boot from Mac Internet Recovery Mode.

Solution 2: Use the Correct Recovery Command on an M1 Mac

The keyboard shortcut Command + R might not function on M1 Macs. Therefore, the accurate recovery command for an M1 Mac is:

Step 1. Shut down the Mac.

Step 2. Power it on again.

Step 3. Hold down the button until the startup options appear on the screen.

Step 4. Select "Recovery" from "Options."

Step 5. The alternative method is to press the power button, quickly press it again, and hold it for a few seconds until "Fallback Recovery Mode" appears.

Solution 3: Reset SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) is capable of resolving various Mac issues, including the problem where Command R doesn't work. Here are the quick steps to do so:

Step 1. Shut down the Mac.

Step 2. Press and hold the keys Control + Option + Shift for seven seconds, and then press and hold the power button again.

Step 3. Hold down all four keys for seven seconds, then release them.

Step 4. Wait for a few seconds and restart the system.

Solution 4: Use a Different Key Combination

Another top solution for the Command + R not working issue on macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur systems is to try a different key combination. Here are the quick steps to do so:

Step 1. Press and hold Command + R immediately after seeing a flashing green light on the keyboard.

Step 2. Press and hold the Command + R + Power button for six seconds, then release the Power button while continuing to hold Command + R.

Step 3. Press Command + R while powering on the Mac and continue holding it until the Mac boots up.

Solution 5: Repair Your Mac Drive

The swift steps to repair your Mac drive and resolve the Command R not working issue are:

Step 1. Open the "Disk Utility" app on your Mac and choose "Show All Devices."

Step 2. Select the disk from the available options.

Step 3. Click "First Aid" and "Run."

Step 4. Click on the "Done" option once the First Aid process is completed.

Solution 6: Reinstall Your macOS

Lastly, but not least, you can reinstall macOS to fix the issue with Command + R not working on your Mac. Here's how:

Step 1. Start up the Mac in recovery mode.

Step 2. Select "Reinstall" for the macOS version and click "Continue."

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 4. Select the volume and choose the current macOS volume.

To conclude

Hopefully, everything is now clear regarding the "Command + R not working" issue for our readers. It's straightforward to comprehend the various reasons behind this problem, along with a brief introduction to data recovery software. The Data Recovery Wizard for Mac ensures a seamless data recovery solution to retrieve files on Mac in diverse scenarios.

Users can follow the top six methods to resolve the "Command + R not working" error on Mac and seamlessly start using Recovery Mode.

We highly recommend utilizing data recovery software in situations of critical data loss on Mac devices. It is essential not to overlook the detailed steps for using the recovery mode command independently and precisely.

"Mac Command R Not Working" FAQs

Upon understanding the issue of Command + R not functioning on a Mac, readers might have several queries in mind. We have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions related to the solutions for when Command + R doesn't work on a Mac:

< strong >1. Why isn't Command R not working on my Mac? < /strong >

The various reasons that can cause the Command R not to work on a Mac include:

1. Issues with the keyboard.
2. Using the incorrect recovery command on M1 Mac devices.
3. NVRAM corruption.
4. Mac experiencing a complex drive issue.

2. How can I reset my Mac if Command + R isn't working?

The swift steps to factory reset your Mac when Command + R doesn't work are:

1. Step 1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Step 2. After 10 seconds, press and hold the Power button, Option key, Command key, and P key, and R key all at once.
3. Step 3. This will reset your Mac.

3. Will Command + R erase my Mac?

No, the Command + R keystroke does not erase the Mac. It simply initiates Recovery Mode, which provides users access to specific utilities. While these utilities might permit the deletion of Mac data, the Command + R sequence itself does not remove any data from the system.

4. How do I put my Mac into recovery mode?

It's effortless to put Mac into Recovery Mode using the Command + R keys.