6 Solutions for Mac Recovery Mode Not Working [2024 Guide]

By using the combination of Command + R, your Mac can enter Recovery Mode, enabling you to perform various tasks such as reinstalling macOS, altering the admin password, formatting the hard drive for Mac, performing a factory reset on your Mac, and many more.

However, if your Mac Recovery Mode is not working, you'll encounter the standard login window or a blank screen instead of the "macOS Utilities" window. Maybe you're unable to access Mac Recovery Mode using your keyboard, or your mouse isn't functioning. Additionally, there could be an issue with your admin password. Consequently, your Mac Recovery Mode Command R not working.

Why Isn't Mac Recovery Mode Working?

Before delving into the reasons why you can't activate Mac Recovery Mode, make sure you have attempted the proper steps:

1. Step 1. After pressing the Power button, hold down the "Command + R" keys.
2. Step 2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo (the login screen).
3. Step 3. Then, enter your password.
4. Step 4. If the macOS Utilities window appears, you have successfully entered Mac Recovery Mode.

When you meticulously adhere to the guidelines, yet your Mac Recovery Mode and "Command + R" fail to function or you encounter the error message "There are no users on this volume to recover", you can refer to the subsequent reasons to inspect your Mac device.

Reason 1: New methods to access Recovery Mode on M1 Macs.

Suppose your Mac is equipped with the Apple M1 chip, one of the newer Mac models released since November 2020, which features an Apple-designed processor instead of an Intel one. In this case, if you try to enter M1 Mac Recovery Mode using the method applicable to Intel Macs, you may find that it doesn't work. This article will explore the different approaches you can take.

Reason 2: The keyboard might be defective

If you're using a Bluetooth keyboard, it's possible that the keyboard isn't properly connected to your Mac. Alternatively, the keyboard itself might be malfunctioning, which prevents you from accessing the Mac Recovery Mode by pressing "Command + R."

Reason 3: Mac Recovery Mode not functioning due to an outdated macOS version

If your Mac is old and running Mac OS X Snow Leopard or an earlier version, it won't have a recovery partition. Consequently, you can't access Recovery Mode by pressing "Command + R."

Reason 4: The recovery partition is missing or corrupted

Your recovery partition may have become damaged due to incorrect operation, or you might have accidentally erased it while changing your hard drive. Once the partition is corrupted, you cannot access the Mac Recovery Mode in the normal manner.

Recovering Data from a Mac That Failed to Enter Recovery Mode

Accidents can occur even with sufficiently advanced Macs. The issue of Mac Recovery Mode not functioning can indicate an operating system failure, leading to irretrievable data loss.

As mentioned earlier, there are various reasons behind the Mac Recovery Mode not functioning properly. Regardless of the cause, an issue with your Mac hinders you from accessing Recovery Mode. In this scenario, data loss on your Mac becomes highly likely. Hence, it's crucial to be mindful of your data security.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, an exclusive and secure data recovery solution, aids users in restoring permanently erased files on Mac. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the file recovery process, making it accessible even for first-time users.

If you encounter data loss issues after being unable to access the Mac Recovery Mode, the methods outlined below will assist you.

注意: 您可以先点击左侧的 "磁盘备份" 为您的Mac创建一个备份。该软件将从备份映像中恢复已删除的文件。这可以防止对您的磁盘和数据造成进一步损坏，使其更安全、更可靠。

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 your data. 3. Click on "Search for lost files" to initiate the scanning process.

Step 2. Filter and preview lost files

Following the scan, utilize the file format filter located on the left or upper right corner to locate the deleted files you require.

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.

Ensure that your data and files are securely backed up before attempting the following 6 methods to fix the issue with Mac Recovery Mode not functioning.

6 Solutions for Mac Recovery Mode Not Functioning

Having explained the reasons behind the failure of Mac Recovery Mode and the Command + R key, as well as the method to retrieve your data, let's now delve into the 6 effective solutions to resolve the issue of Command + R not working. Here's a video tutorial for your reference.

• 00:12 - Fix Recovery Mode with Time Machine
• 00:29 - Select the recovery drive to start your Mac
• 01:08 - Create a bootable installer
• 01:34 - Open Finder and navigate to Applications
• 01:59 - Type 'sudo' and press the space bar on your keyboard
• 02:53 - Connect the USB with the bootable installer to your Mac
• 03:03 - Click on Reinstall macOS, then proceed with Continue

Solution 1: Ensure you are using the correct Recovery Command on an M1 Mac

As mentioned earlier, you might accidentally give your Mac the wrong command. If you have an M1 Mac, follow these steps to initiate Recovery mode:

Step 1. Shut down the Mac.

Step 2. Continue holding down the power button.

Step 3. When the Apple logo appears, you can choose to access startup options after a message displays on the screen.

Step 4. At some point, you can select Options > Continue, which should successfully initiate Mac Recovery Mode.

Solution 2: Check and modify your keyboard

If Command + R isn't functioning on your Mac, verify that the keyboard is not defective.

To address this issue, you can disconnect your current keyboard from your Mac and connect a different keyboard to eliminate this as the cause. Afterwards, attempt to enter Mac Recovery Mode to test if the process works with the new keyboard.

If everything reverts to normal, the keyboard issue is likely the culprit. A new keyboard should substitute the malfunctioning one.

Solution 3: Reinstall macOS Using a Bootable Installer

As previously stated, the Recovery partition first appeared in 2011. If your Mac is too old and is running Snow Leopard or an earlier version, the Recovery partition won't be present.

If you wish to resolve the issue, you should install macOS from a USB drive. To do this, you can create a bootable installer and use it to reinstall macOS on your Mac. Following that, you can update your Mac to the latest macOS update by visiting the Mac App Store.

Step 1. Choose the USB drive for re-installing macOS.

Step 2. Format the USB drive and prepare to install the program.

Step 3. Download the macOS installer from System Preferences - Software Update onto the USB drive.

Step 4. Create a bootable USB disk using the Terminal Command.

Step 5. Enter your admin password.

Step 6. Boot your new macOS from a USB drive. Once you've completed the macOS reinstallation process, check if the Mac Recovery Mode is working.

Solution 4: Utilize Internet Recovery Mode

Mac Internet Recovery Mode is highly similar to Recovery Mode and offers the same functionality; the sole difference is that it retrieves recovery options from Apple's servers over the Internet, rather than from your hard drive. Thus, you can utilize Mac Internet Recovery Mode to address this issue.

Step 1. Hold down the "Command-Option/Alt-R" or "Shift-Option-Command-R" keys while restarting your Mac.

Step 2. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe and the message "Starting Internet Recovery."

Step 3. The screen will display the macOS Utilities window after loading.

You can use Mac Internet Recovery to restore your Mac, reinstall the operating system, and then utilize Disk Utility to check for any disk issues.

Solution 5: Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

The System Management Controller (SMC) (link to Wikipedia article) manages functions such as temperature and battery control. If your Mac's Recovery Mode is not functioning properly, resetting the SMC might prove effective.

Step 1. Press and hold the power button along with the "Shift + Control + Option" keys simultaneously.

Step 2. Release all the keys after 10 seconds.

Step 3. Power on your MacBook

Solution 6: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

PRAM and NVRAM store settings such as system volume and the startup disk option.

Press and hold the keys: "Command + Option + P + R" during startup to reset the PRAM/NVRAM, allowing you to turn on your Mac and resolve the issue with Mac Recovery Mode not functioning.

To conclude

After implementing the上述6 solutions, you should be able to resolve your Recovery Mode issue without losing your data. The key point to remember is to backup your data or restore it as promptly as possible. A tool like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can greatly aid in ensuring the safety of your data.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mac Recovery Mode Not Working

Here are 4 additional questions and answers to assist you in understanding the issue of Mac Recovery Mode not functioning properly: 1. **Question:** What are the common reasons for Mac Recovery Mode not working? **Answer:** Some common reasons include an outdated macOS, a software glitch, incorrect key combinations during startup, a damaged recovery partition, or hardware issues. 2. **Question:** How do I enter Recovery Mode if the standard method (pressing Command + R) doesn't work? **Answer:** Try alternative methods like pressing and holding the Touch ID button on newer Macs or using the "Startup Manager" by pressing Option (Alt) key during startup. 3. **Question:** Can I still recover my data if Recovery Mode fails? **Answer:** Yes, you can use other tools such as Disk Utility First Aid, an external bootable macOS installer, or professional data recovery software. If that fails, seeking professional assistance may be necessary. 4. **Question:** Is it possible to repair the Recovery Partition if it's damaged? **Answer:** Yes, you can use tools like Terminal to run the `createOSXInstallPkg` command or third-party utilities to repair the recovery partition. However, this may require technical knowledge, and consulting Apple Support or a certified technician is recommended.

1. What happens when Recovery Mode doesn't work? When Recovery Mode fails to function, it can lead to various issues depending on the specific device and the problem you're encountering. Some common scenarios include: - The device may not boot into Recovery Mode at all, displaying an error message or getting stuck on the Apple logo. - You might be unable to perform actions like restoring from a backup or installing an update while in Recovery Mode. - The device could enter a continuous boot loop, repeatedly starting and stopping without fully loading the recovery options. - Connection issues might occur between your device and the computer, preventing successful communication during the recovery process. In such cases, you can try the following troubleshooting steps: 1. **Force Restart**: Perform a force restart on your device to resolve temporary software glitches. The method varies depending on the device model. 2. **Check cables and ports**: Ensure that the USB cable and computer port are functioning properly. Try different cables and ports if necessary. 3. **Update iTunes/Software**: Make sure that iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina and later) and your computer's operating system are up to date. 4. **Use another computer**: If the issue persists, connect your device to another computer to see if the problem lies with the original computer. 5. **DFU Mode**: Enter Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) Mode, which is a more advanced recovery option. This mode bypasses the boot process entirely, allowing you to restore the device even if there's a problem with the firmware. 6. **Contact Support**: If none of these steps work, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for professional assistance.

Instead of the macOS Utilities window, you'll encounter the regular login window, which might appear black, or simply a blank screen if your Mac's Recovery Mode isn't functioning properly. You can apply troubleshooting techniques on virtually all Mac devices.

2. What to do if Command + R isn't working?

If your Command + R shortcut doesn't work, you can follow these steps:

• Inspect and modify your keyboard
• Reinstall macOS
• Utilize Internet Recovery Mode

3. What should you do if your Mac doesn't boot into Recovery Mode?

If you're having trouble entering Recovery Mode on your Mac, you can try the following:

检查键盘连接 在安全模式下启动Mac 使用可引导安装程序重新安装macOS。

4. Will Command + R erase my Mac?

No, pressing those keys during a restart will not erase anything. It simply boots your device into the Recovery Mode.