Mac Internet Recovery Mode: How to Boot Up [Complete Guide]

Mac Recovery Mode allows booting from a hidden recovery partition on the hard drive to re-install macOS, perform quick disk checks, and carry out other tasks. However, if the built-in recovery partition becomes damaged, you can use Mac Internet Recovery Mode as an alternative. This is an Internet-based version of Recovery Mode for Macs that accesses Apple's servers online to obtain recovery tools.

What Can Mac Internet Recovery Mode Do? Mac Internet Recovery Mode is a built-in feature that allows you to restore your Mac to its original state even if you don't have access to installation media. It's particularly useful when you encounter software issues, need to reinstall macOS, or want to erase and start over. Here's what Mac Internet Recovery Mode can do: 1. **Reinstall macOS**: If your Mac's operating system becomes corrupted or you want a fresh start, you can download and install the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac model. 2. **Restore from Time Machine Backup**: If you have a backup of your Mac using Time Machine, you can use Internet Recovery to restore your files, applications, and settings from a previous point in time. 3. **Disk Utility**: You can access Disk Utility in Internet Recovery to repair disk permissions, format hard drives, or create new partitions for managing storage. 4. **Contact Apple Support**: While in Internet Recovery, you can connect to an online chat or get contact information to reach out to Apple Support for assistance with more complex issues. 5. **Works without local installation media**: The beauty of Internet Recovery is that it downloads the necessary tools and software over the internet, so you don't need any physical discs or USB drives. Remember that Internet Recovery requires an active internet connection, and the download process may take a while depending on your internet speed. Additionally, it's not a troubleshooting mode for hardware issues; if you suspect hardware problems, you should seek professional help.

When your Mac is in Internet Recovery Mode, you can utilize various utilities to perform repairs, alter security settings, and more. Here are the primary features of Mac Internet Recovery Mode: 1. **Reinstall macOS**: You can reinstall the operating system that came with your Mac or the latest compatible version available, without affecting your data. 2. **Disk Utility**: This tool helps you repair disk errors, format drives, and manage partitions, ensuring your startup disk is in good condition. 3. **Terminal**: Access to a command-line interface allows you to execute advanced troubleshooting commands or scripts for more complex issues. 4. **System Preferences**: Limited options are available to adjust settings like network preferences, language & region, and accessibility. 5. **Tech Support**: You can contact Apple Support directly from this mode for assistance with your specific issue. 6. **Third-party utility support**: In some cases, you might be able to run third-party recovery tools if they support Internet Recovery. 7. **Safe Boot**: Although not a direct feature of Internet Recovery, you can exit this mode and perform a Safe Boot to start up your Mac with limited services, which can help diagnose software issues. Remember that Internet Recovery requires an active internet connection and may take some time to download the necessary files to proceed with the recovery process.

Restore data from a Time Machine backup. 翻译成英文是：Restore data from a backup made using Time Machine.

You can always restore your Mac's contents from a previous Mac Time Machine backup. If you encounter issues with macOS that you're unsure how to resolve, or if you need to transfer all your data to a new Mac, using Time Machine backup in Mac Internet Recovery Mode is beneficial.

Reinstall macOS

You can easily install a new version of macOS using macOS Recovery Mode. Likewise, you can quickly reinstall macOS or restore your existing operating system with an Internet connection by utilizing the Internet Recovery Mode on your Mac.

Set the bootable disk for your Mac. This means to select the disk or volume that contains the operating system you want to start up from when you power on your Mac. To do this, you can use the System Preferences utility on your Mac, specifically the "Startup Disk" pane. Here's a simple step-by-step guide: 1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu. 2. In the System Preferences window, find and click on "Startup Disk." 3. You'll see a list of available disks or volumes. Select the one you want to set as the bootable disk. It's usually the disk labeled "Macintosh HD" or a similar name, but it could be another disk if you have multiple installations or external drives connected. 4. Click on the lock icon at the bottom left corner of the window and enter your admin password to make changes. 5. Once authenticated, click on the "Start Up" button next to the selected disk. Your Mac will now start up from the chosen disk the next time you restart or turn it on. Remember, changing the startup disk affects which operating system your Mac uses when it boots up, so choose wisely.

If the startup disk has been corrupted or damaged, the startup modes won't be of much use now. In such a scenario, knowing how to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode can be helpful.

How to Boot Mac into Internet Recovery Mode

Your Mac's processor dictates the process for initiating Internet Recovery Mode. The instructions below are applicable to Macs with Intel processors as well as those with M1 chips.

Enter Internet Recovery Mode on a Mac with M1 chips

Here's how to enter Mac Internet Recovery Mode with the Apple M1 chip:

Step 1. Select "Shut Down" from the Apple menu and wait for it to turn off completely.

Step 2. Hold down the Mac's power button until the "Loading startup options" screen appears.

Step 3. Choose "Options" - "Continue".

Step 4. Click "Next" after selecting a disk volume.

Step 5. Next, click on the administrator account and enter the password. Proceed to Recovery Mode by clicking Continue.

Enter Internet Recovery Mode on an Intel-based Mac

Here's how to initiate Internet Recovery Mode on your Intel-based Mac:

Step 1. Restart your Mac from the Apple menu, or turn it on if it's already off.

Step 2. Press and hold the keys: Command + Option + R or Command + Option + Shift + R as soon as you hear the startup chime or see the Apple logo. Release the keys when the globe with the text "Starting Internet Recovery" appears on the screen.

Step 3. If a lock icon appears, enter your Mac's password.

Step 4. To view the list of available Wi-Fi networks, select one and enter the password to connect to it.

Step 5. If everything goes as planned, you will see the macOS utility window. Choose the tool or option you wish to use.

Mac Internet Recovery Mode Not Working, Issue Resolved

However, you may encounter the issue of your Mac Recovery Mode not working. It gets worse when your Mac Internet Recovery Mode is malfunctioning.

For instance, you might not see the "macOS Utilities" window, or the default login window might be a blank screen. Maybe your mouse isn't functioning, or your keyboard isn't allowing access to the Mac Internet Recovery Mode.

Here are some solutions to address these issues.

1. Fix 1. Identify the type of your Mac and ensure the method of accessing it.
2. Fix 2. Check your Internet/WIFI connection.
3. Fix 3. Inspect and modify your peripherals, such as the keyboard and mouse.
4. Fix 4. Install macOS from USB to restart your Mac.

Bonus Tip: How to Recover Data on Mac When Mac Recovery Mode Isn't Working

The Mac Recovery Mode error might indicate an operating system malfunction and potential irreversible data loss. Regardless of the cause behind Mac Internet Recovery Mode not functioning, there is an issue with your Mac that prevents it from starting up normally. Consequently, you should be concerned about the possibility of data loss.

Data loss on a Mac can be frustrating, and recovering permanently deleted files might seem challenging for a Mac user. However, utilizing specialized Mac data recovery software makes the process incredibly easy.

Tools Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, a sophisticated and professional file recovery program for Mac, tops the recommended list.

If data loss occurs after you're unable to enter Mac Internet Recovery Mode, the following methods might assist you.

Note: You can create a backup by first clicking "Disk Backup" on the left. This way, if the disk becomes damaged or data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost, you can restore the data from the backup image.

Step 1. Choose the location

Select the disk where you lost data after updating to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur, and then click "Search for lost files".

Step 2. Locate Lost Data after the Scan

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will promptly scan the selected disk volume and exhibit the scanning outcomes on the left panel. Utilize the file type and file path to locate the desired data on your Mac.

Step 3: Recover Data After macOS Update

Select the target files that were unknowingly lost during or after the update, and click the "Recover" button to retrieve them all.

Conclusion

Upon finishing this article, you may gain knowledge about the Mac Internet Recovery Mode. Nevertheless, it's crucial to ensure the safety of your data, especially when this mode isn't functioning properly. In such cases, using a tool like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can greatly assist in securing your data's integrity.

Mac Internet Recovery Mode FAQs 1. What is Mac Internet Recovery Mode? Mac Internet Recovery Mode is a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall macOS or OS X when your system is unable to start up normally. It boots your Mac from a remote server over the internet to access the recovery tools. 2. How do I start my Mac in Internet Recovery Mode? To enter Internet Recovery Mode, restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + R keys immediately after hearing the startup chime. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo and a progress bar. 3. Does Internet Recovery Mode require an active internet connection? Yes, an active internet connection is necessary for Internet Recovery Mode to work. You can use Ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect to the internet during this process. 4. Which versions of macOS can be installed using Internet Recovery? Internet Recovery supports reinstalling the version of macOS that originally came with your Mac, as well as the latest compatible version available at the time of recovery. 5. Is Internet Recovery Mode free? Yes, using Internet Recovery Mode to reinstall macOS or OS X is free. However, you may incur data usage charges from your internet service provider if you're using a limited data plan. 6. Can I use Internet Recovery on all Mac models? Most modern Macs support Internet Recovery, but it's best to check Apple's official documentation to ensure compatibility with your specific model. 7. Will Internet Recovery erase my data? When you reinstall macOS using Internet Recovery, it does not erase your personal files or applications. However, it's always recommended to back up your data before any major system change. 8. Can I update to a newer macOS version using Internet Recovery? Internet Recovery is primarily designed for reinstalling the original or most compatible macOS version. To update to a newer version, you typically need to use Software Update or download the installer from the App Store. 9. How long does Internet Recovery take? The time it takes to complete the process varies depending on your internet speed and the size of the macOS installation. It could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. 10. If Internet Recovery fails, what should I do next? If you encounter issues with Internet Recovery, try troubleshooting your network connection or using Target Disk Mode to recover from another Mac. Alternatively, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Here are 4 additional questions and answers to help you better understand Mac Internet Recovery: 1. **Q: What is Mac Internet Recovery?** **A:** Mac Internet Recovery is a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall macOS when your system files are damaged or missing. It starts up your Mac from a remote server over the internet to download a fresh copy of the operating system. 2. **Q: How do I access Mac Internet Recovery?** **A:** To access Mac Internet Recovery, restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command + R keys together until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will initiate the process. 3. **Q: Does Mac Internet Recovery require an internet connection?** **A:** Yes, an active and stable internet connection is necessary for Mac Internet Recovery to work. The speed of the connection will affect the time it takes to download the macOS installer. 4. **Q: Which versions of macOS can be installed using Internet Recovery?** **A:** Mac Internet Recovery typically provides the latest version of macOS compatible with your specific Mac model, as well as the previous few versions. However, this may vary depending on software updates and Apple's support policy. Remember that while Internet Recovery is a useful tool, it doesn't guarantee the complete restoration of user data. Always back up important files regularly using Time Machine or other backup methods to prevent data loss.

**1. What does Command + R do on a Mac?**

You can enter Recovery Mode to fix the startup disk, reinstall macOS, or generally prevent the Mac from starting up by pressing Command + R.

2. How do I boot into Recovery Mode? To enter Recovery Mode on your device, follow these general steps. Please note that the specific method may vary depending on your device model: 1. **For Android devices:** - Turn off your device completely. - Press and hold the Volume Up button, the Volume Down button, and the Power button simultaneously. - Keep holding the buttons until you see the manufacturer's logo or the Android system recovery screen. - Use the Volume Down button to navigate and the Power button to select options. 2. **For iOS devices (iPhone, iPad):** - Connect your device to a computer using a USB cable. - Launch iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina or later). - With your device connected, press and release the Volume Up button quickly. - Press and release the Volume Down button quickly. - Now, press and hold the Side (or Top) button until you see the Apple logo. - Keep holding the Side (or Top) button even when the screen turns black. Release it only when you see the recovery mode screen. - iTunes (or Finder) should now detect that your device is in recovery mode. 3. **For Windows 10:** - Press the Windows key + X. - Click on 'System' and then choose 'Recovery options.' - In the 'Advanced startup' section, click 'Restart now.' - Your PC will restart and show the 'Choose an option' screen. Select 'Troubleshoot' and then 'Advanced options.' - From there, you can choose 'Startup Repair,' 'System Restore,' 'Command Prompt,' or other recovery options. 4. **For Mac:** - Shut down your Mac. - Press and hold the Command + R keys while turning on your Mac. - Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or spinning globe. - The Recovery System will start, allowing you to choose from various recovery options. Remember, the process might differ slightly for different devices, so consult your device's manual or manufacturer's website for exact instructions.

1. Step 1. On the desktop, click the Apple logo - Restart.
2. Step 2. Press and hold the Command + R keys until an Apple logo or a globe symbol appears.
3. Step 3. Choose an option from the Recovery Mode Utilities.

3. How to restart a Mac in Internet Recovery Mode? To restart your Mac in Internet Recovery Mode, follow these steps: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select "Shutdown." 2. **Boot into Recovery Mode**: Press and hold the following keys immediately after turning on your Mac: - For Macs with Apple silicon (M1, M2, etc.): Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen. - For Intel-based Macs: Press and hold `Command` + `Option` + `R`. 3. **Connect to the internet**: Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If prompted, select your network and enter the password. 4. **Wait for the process**: Your Mac will now boot into Internet Recovery Mode, which might take a while as it downloads the necessary recovery tools from Apple's servers. 5. **Access Utilities**: Once your Mac has booted into Internet Recovery Mode, you'll see a screen with several options. Click on "Utilities" in the top menu bar, then choose "Terminal." 6. **Perform any necessary actions**: From the Terminal, you can run commands to troubleshoot or repair your system. If you're unsure what to do, consult an expert or search for specific instructions related to your issue. 7. **Exit Recovery Mode**: When you're done, click on the Apple menu, then select "Restart" to exit Internet Recovery Mode and continue using your Mac as usual. Remember that Internet Recovery Mode should be used when standard Recovery Mode isn't available or when you need more advanced troubleshooting tools.

The standard procedure to restart a Mac in Recovery Mode is as follows: Press and hold the Command + R keys together until the macOS Utilities page appears. From there, you can opt to Reinstall macOS or open the Disk Utility tool.

4. What can I do using Internet Recovery Mode on my Mac?

• Utilize Mac Time Machine backup.
• Access the Terminal.
• Check and fix errors on the disk.
• Reinstall macOS.