Disk Utility First Aid Process Has Failed [with 5 Proven Ways to Fix It]

Have you ever utilized the First Aid feature on your Mac? First Aid is an essential component found within the Disk Utility application on Macs. Its main purpose is to identify and fix various disk issues. This tool enables users to inspect for errors and, if feasible, rectify them promptly.

However, several users have reported the First Aid process has failed in Disk Utility.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to the "First Aid process has failed" issue. This guide will explore methods to resolve the problem where the Disk Utility's First Aid process fails.

Translation into English:

Why the Disk Utility's First Aid Process Fails

Before proceeding with the solutions, it's crucial to understand why the First Aid process failed. This will help you approach the appropriate fix more effectively. Here are some possible reasons:

• Corrupted firmware
• Out-of-date macOS
• Damaged hard drive
• Malware attack on the disk
• Bad sector or corrupted data on the disk

Upon understanding the potential reasons behind the First Aid failure, you can promptly address the issue. However, before attempting these remedies, it's crucial to back up your disk to prevent data loss. Keep in mind that while data loss is not guaranteed, it remains a possibility. To safeguard your data, you can use Time Machine on your Mac. Here's how to proceed: 1. Connect an external hard drive to your Mac. This will be used as the backup storage. 2. Open "System Preferences" from the Dock or by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner and selecting "System Preferences." 3. Click on "Time Machine" to open the Time Machine preferences. 4. Click on "Select Backup Disk" and choose the connected external hard drive from the list. 5. If prompted, format the external hard drive to prepare it for use with Time Machine. This will erase all existing data on the drive, so ensure you have a separate backup if needed. 6. Once the backup disk is selected, click "Use Disk" to enable Time Machine. 7. Time Machine will now ask if you want to enable encryption for the backup. This is optional but recommended for added security. If you choose encryption, create a strong password and remember it for future access. 8. With Time Machine set up, click "Backup Now" to initiate the initial backup process. Subsequent backups will occur automatically at regular intervals. 9. While the backup is in progress, avoid using your Mac excessively to ensure a smooth process. Once the backup is complete, you can proceed with the solutions to fix the First Aid failure, knowing that your data is secure.

Step 1. Go to the Apple menu.

Step 2. Select "System Preferences" or "System Settings."

Step 3. Select "General" from the left sidebar, then choose the Time Machine option on the right.

Step 4. Click on "Select Backup Disk".

Step 5. Select the disk that you want to back up.

Step 6. Click on the "Use Disk" button.

Aside from utilizing Time Machine for backups, you can also resort to professional data recovery software. With the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, you can retrieve data from disks that First Aid is unable to repair. It even has the capability to restore deleted Time Machine backups on your Mac.

The Mac Recovery Tool is a user-friendly and efficient recovery solution. It facilitates the recovery of permanently deleted files on Mac across various scenarios, such as malware infections, hardware issues, formatting errors, and more.

Moreover, it can assist you in safeguarding your data by creating a backup. Follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Click "Disk Backup" > "Create Backup" > "Next" in the main interface of iSumsoft Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. You can create an image file of the drive to back up the data in case it gets overwritten.

Step 2. Select an internal volume to back up, and hit "Create Backup." If you plan to back up and restore data from an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card, make sure to connect the storage device to your Mac beforehand.

Step 3. Select a location to save your backup file, and rename the backup file as needed, then click "Save". It's not recommended to save the backups on the same storage device from which you intend to recover data.

How to Address the Failure of the First Aid Procedure

There are various solutions to address the issue of the First Aid Process failing. If you're experiencing this problem, don't worry, as we've provided some solutions along with a helpful video tutorial.

• 00:38 - Erase data on the disk.
• 01:44 - Use Terminal to fix the First Aid error.
• 03:20 - Format the disk.

Solution 1: Restart First Aid to Resolve the Error

The simplest solution to address the First Aid process issue is to relaunch the app or run First Aid from Recovery Mode by following this guide. Apple advises users to run First Aid again before attempting any other remedies. If the second run is successful, there's no need to explore further methods.

First Aid evaluates the issues, identifies them, and rectifies them. However, if it fails to do so, you can opt for alternative solutions.

Solution 2: Restart Your Mac to Resolve "First Aid Process Has Failed"

Another straightforward solution to address the First Aid process issue is by restarting or force restarting your Mac. Restarting your Mac can resolve temporary malfunctions and refresh the operating system. To do this, simply click on the Apple icon, then from the dropdown menu, select the "Restart" option.

Solution 3: Verify if the File System is Compatible with macOS

One reason for First Aid failing could be the incompatibility of the file system with the macOS. To understand this issue better, it's crucial to have knowledge of the file systems supported by Apple. There are three main types of file systems that Apple supports:

• ExFAT: It is a cross-platform system that works with both macOS and Windows.
• Mac OS Extended (HFS+): This file system type is compatible with macOS High Sierra and previous OS versions.
• Apple File System (APFS): macOS 10.13 or later utilizes this file system.

You must verify if the drive is compatible with the First Aid operation. Here's what you can do:

Step 1. Go to "Disk Utility."

Step 2. Select the hard drive you want to view from the left panel.

You will see 'Type' on the right side and obtain the information you need from here.

Solution 4: Run the FSCK Command in Single User Mode

The FSCK, or File System Consistency Check, is a crucial component of the Mac operating system. It comprehensively examines the file system and endeavors to correct any potential damage. You can utilize the FSCK command to rectify errors on both non-boot and boot disks.

However, to execute the FSCK command, you need to exit the operating system. This requires you to enter Single User Mode. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1. Open "Disk Utility". Select the external hard drive that needs fixing.

Step 2. Memorize the device name and file system. Restart your system now.

Step 3. Press and hold the "Command + S" keys. When you see white text on the screen, let go of the keys.

Step 4. Type /sbin/fsck_hfs -fy /dev/disk3s2 (Replace hfs with the file system type, and replace disk3s2 with the device name)

Step 5. Wait for the process to complete, and then run the reboot command.

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Solution 5: Use Terminal to Mount the Disk

Did you know that you can use Terminal to mount a disk on a Mac? This becomes incredibly useful when you need to do it frequently or when you have multiple disks to mount. The command-line utility can assist in streamlining this task.

Check out the steps you need to follow:

Step 1. Select "Applications" > "Utilities," and then open Terminal.

Step 2. Type diskutil list and press "Return". This will display all devices connected to the system.

Step 3. Locate the identifier of the drive you want.

Step 4. Once you've found it, type diskutil mount /dev/disk0. (Replace disk0 with the disk identifier that matches your device). This will mount the hard drive.

Sometimes, Disk Utility's First Aid might not fix issues, like encountering the error "First Aid found corruption that needs to be repaired." In these cases, you'll need a professional data recovery software to recover lost and deleted files, as well as fix a corrupted hard drive on your Mac. As mentioned earlier, think about using the powerful Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

Despite various challenging data loss situations, the software enables you to recover data effortlessly. Moreover, its user-friendly interface makes it highly popular among both beginners and professionals.

Conclusion

First Aid is a vital utility on a Mac that assists in detecting and fixing numerous disk issues. It's straightforward to operate and has been immensely beneficial for Mac users. However, there have been instances where the process fails to complete successfully. Fortunately, there are several remedies that can address this problem.

For example, you can relaunch First Aid or restart the system. You can also run the FSCK command in Single User Mode and check if the issue is resolved. However, sometimes data loss may occur. In such cases, you can opt for a powerful data recovery software like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac!

"First Aid Process Has Failed" FAQs

To gain further insight into the shortcomings of the First Aid process, please refer to the questions and answers provided below:

1. What if First Aid fails on Mac?

If the First Aid process fails on your Mac, don't worry. It occasionally occurs, and the recommended solution is to run it again. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can restart your system.

**2. What does First Aid do on a Mac?** First Aid is a utility in macOS that helps diagnose and fix issues with disks on your Mac. It checks the startup disk and other volumes for system problems, like corruption or inconsistencies. Here's what happens when you run First Aid: 1. **Verify Disk**: It confirms the file system of the chosen disk to make sure all files and folders are structured and linked correctly. 2. **Verify Disk Permissions**: It checks the permissions of system files to ensure they're set up properly. 3. **Repair Disk**: If any issues are discovered during the verification, First Aid tries to fix them automatically. 4. **Verify Disk Metadata**: It verifies the metadata – the info about files and their locations on the disk. 5. **Repair EXTFS**: If you have volumes formatted with the EXTFS file system, First Aid can address any related issues. 6. **Run SMART Self-Test**: For supported internal hard drives, First Aid runs a Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) test to check the drive's health. 7. **Repair Boot Manager**: It repairs the Boot Camp partition and boot-related files if you have a dual-boot setup. Running First Aid keeps your Mac's storage system healthy and stable, promoting smooth performance and preventing potential issues. If you face serious problems, though, it's wise to seek professional help.

First Aid examines the condition of the disks, volumes, and external devices, evaluating them for any issues or errors. Upon detecting errors, it proceeds to rectify them and notifies the user once the repair process is completed.

3. How long does it take to run First Aid on a Mac?

Typically, First Aid on a Mac takes around five minutes to complete. However, this duration can vary depending on whether there are any errors present. If errors are detected, it may take longer to address them, and the time can also be influenced by the size of the disk volume and the amount of data it contains.

4. Why isn't the Command R not working on my Mac?

There are several reasons that can explain why the 'R' key is not functioning on a Mac, including damaged USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity issues, faulty keyboards, damage to the specific key itself, and so on.