Mac Safe Mode | Boot Mac into Safe Mode in macOS 13/12/11 [2024 Guide]

What is Mac Safe Mode?

The Mac Safe Mode is designed for troubleshooting on macOS. Not only does booting up in safe mode help distinguish software issues from hardware failures, but it is also recommended as an approach to diagnose problems you encounter.

When you boot your Mac in Safe Mode, certain checks are performed to prevent specific software from loading or opening automatically. When you start your Mac in Safe Mode, it will:

• Resolve issues related to Mac startup disk.
• Force empty trash on Mac.
• Load only essential kernel extensions.
• Automatically clean system and font caches.

Here's a video tutorial explaining what Mac Safe Mode is and how to use it.

• 00:15 - How to start a Mac in safe mode
• 00:57 - How to continue in Safe Mode
• 01:22 - How to check if your Mac is in Safe Mode
• 01:48 - How to exit from Safe Mode on Mac

How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode

Now that we've defined Safe Mode for a Mac, let's explore how to boot a Mac into it. It's a simple and secure process to start your Mac in Safe Mode.

The following tutorials apply to Macs with Intel processors and Macs with M1 chips.

Method 1: Steps to Boot into Safe Mode on an Intel-based Mac:

Step 1. Turn off your Mac and press the power button to start it up.

Step 2. Press and hold the Shift key and wait for the Apple logo to appear.

Step 3. Release the Shift key when the login window appears, and then log in.

Step 4. If you have FileVault enabled, you might need to log in twice.

Method 2: Steps to Boot Safe Mode on M1 and Later Macs:

Step 1. Shut down the Mac.

Step 2. Press and hold the power button until the startup options appear.

Step 3. Press the Shift key and select "Continue" to log in to Mac Safe Mode.

Use your computer normally once you've entered safe mode. For example, if a particular app caused your Mac to crash, try running the app again while in Safe Mode to see if the issue still occurs.

There are two distinct modes in macOS that can be utilized when troubleshooting or resolving issues on your Mac: Safe Mode and Recovery Mode. Although they both serve different purposes, they are often confused. Here's an explanation of the key differences between the two: 1. **Mac Safe Mode**: - **Purpose**: Safe Mode is designed to start your Mac in a minimal configuration, loading only essential system software and services. It helps diagnose and fix problems related to startup items, fonts, and system files. - **Accessing Safe Mode**: To enter Safe Mode, restart your Mac while holding down the Shift key. Release the key when you see the Apple logo. - **Features**: In Safe Mode, your Mac performs a disk check, disables certain startup items, hides third-party login items, and restricts access to user-installed fonts. - **Useful for**: Troubleshooting slow startup times, removing problematic login items, or resolving font conflicts. 2. **Mac Recovery Mode**: - **Purpose**: Recovery Mode provides a set of tools to help you recover from various issues, such as reinstalling macOS, accessing Disk Utility, or booting from a different volume. - **Accessing Recovery Mode**: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo. - **Features**: In Recovery Mode, you have access to utilities like Reinstall macOS, Disk Utility, Terminal, and Internet Recovery, which allows you to download macOS from the internet if the built-in recovery partition is missing or damaged. - **Useful for**: Restoring a corrupted system, reinstalling macOS without losing data (if possible), or repairing disks and volumes. In summary, Safe Mode is used for troubleshooting and resolving issues specifically related to startup processes and system files, while Recovery Mode offers a suite of tools for more comprehensive system recovery and repair tasks. Knowing when to use each mode can be crucial in addressing different problems on your Mac.

Mac Safe Mode is a simplified version of macOS, distinct from Mac Recovery Mode. When you encounter issues like your Mac operating system running slowly due to software problems, you can start your Mac in Safe Mode to diagnose the issue and potentially improve your system's startup speed.

However, Mac Recovery Mode and Mac Internet Recovery Mode boot from a hidden recovery partition on the Mac's hard disk. Through Mac Recovery Mode, you can restore data from a Mac Time Machine backup, access the Terminal, check and fix disk errors, and reinstall macOS.

How to Resolve Issues with Mac Safe Mode Not Functioning

Starting Safe Mode on a Mac is generally straightforward. However, occasionally, users encounter issues where their Mac's Safe Mode fails to function normally. When such errors occur, it's essential to address them promptly. In this section, we will discuss the top 2 solutions for the problem - the Mac not booting into Safe Mode.

Fix 1: Utilize the Option Key

Selecting the Option key is an excellent solution to address the issue of the Mac not starting in Safe Mode. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

Step 2. Press and hold down the Option key.

Step 3. Press the Power button.

Step 4. Select the startup disk from the list of your Mac's drives.

Fix 2: Reset the SMC

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can sometimes resolve the issue of Mac Safe Mode not functioning properly. For Macs equipped with the T2, M2, or Apple M1 chip, you can follow these steps:

Step 1. Turn off your Mac.

Step 2. While holding down the Control + Shift + Option (Alt) keys simultaneously, press and hold them for a brief period.

Step 3. Following that, hold down the Power button while pressing it. The system will be disabled through these steps.

Bonus Tip: Recover Data When Mac Safe Mode Isn't Working

Even when Macs are sophisticated, accidents can still happen. The Mac Safe Mode issue might indicate an operating system malfunction and potential irreversible data loss.

There are several reasons behind the issue of Mac Safe Mode not functioning properly. Regardless of the cause, certain errors within your Mac hinder the ability to boot it into Safe Mode. Consequently, this situation increases the likelihood of data loss on your Mac.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, a powerful and secure data recovery software, can assist you in recovering permanently deleted files on Mac. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the process of data and file recovery, even for those new to computers.

Here are the steps for data recovery when your Mac cannot boot into Safe Mode and encounters startup issues. First, you need to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode, and then you can follow the tutorial below: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: Press the power button to turn off your Mac completely. 2. **Boot into Recovery Mode**: 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 boot process into Recovery Mode. 3. **Wait for the Utilities Menu**: Once your Mac has booted into Recovery Mode, you'll see a Utilities menu on the screen. This may take a few minutes. 4. **Select "Disk Utility"**: From the Utilities menu, choose "Disk Utility" to access disk repair tools. 5. **Check and Repair Disk**: In Disk Utility, select your main hard drive (usually named "Macintosh HD") from the list on the left. Then, click on the "First Aid" tab and hit "Run" to check for any issues. If problems are found, follow the prompts to repair them. 6. **Reinstall macOS**: If Disk Utility couldn't fix the issue, you can try reinstalling the operating system without erasing your data. Go back to the Utilities menu and select "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall OS X" for older versions). Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. 7. **Safe Boot after Recovery**: After the reinstallation is complete, restart your Mac while holding the `Shift` key. This should initiate a Safe Boot, which might help resolve any remaining startup issues. 8. **Data Recovery**: If your Mac successfully boots into Safe Mode, you can attempt to recover your files by connecting an external backup drive or using data recovery software. If you have Time Machine backups, you can restore your files from there. 9. **Contact Support**: If the issue persists, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider for professional assistance. Remember that these steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on your specific Mac model and macOS version.

Step 1. Launch the Tools Software in Recovery Mode

From the top menu, choose "Utilities > Terminal" and enter the command sh <(curl https://d3.tools.com/mac/boot.sh). Press "Return". Wait for the application to open, which may take a few minutes.

Note: If the Terminal shows "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," please check that the command you typed is spelled correctly, ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection, and verify that your macOS version is not below macOS 10.15.

Step 2. Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive Choose the specific volume or partition on your Mac's hard drive that you want to work with. This can be your main macOS installation, an external drive, or a separate partition. To do this: 1. In Disk Utility, located in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, click on the "View" menu and ensure that "Show All Devices" is selected. This will display all storage devices connected to your Mac. 2. In the left sidebar, you'll see a list of drives and volumes. The top-level items represent physical drives, while the sub-items underneath represent the partitions or volumes on those drives. 3. Identify the volume you wish to work with (e.g., "Macintosh HD" for your primary macOS installation). Click on it to highlight it. 4. Once selected, the volume details will appear in the main panel, providing information such as its name, size, and file system format. Now that you've selected the volume, you can proceed with the intended action, whether it's verifying, repairing, formatting, or other management tasks.

Select the volume where your lost data is stored and click "Search for lost files." The tool software will promptly locate all recoverable data on the selected volume.

Step 3. Select the Lost Data You Want

The tools software categorizes the scanned recoverable data by file type and storage path. To find the data you need, click on "Type" or "Path" in the left panel. Then, simply check the boxes in front of the data you wish to recover.

Step 4. Recover and Save Data on an External Disk This step involves retrieving and saving your data onto an external hard drive after the recovery process. 1. **Connect the External Disk**: Plug in the external hard drive to your computer using a USB cable or any appropriate connection method. 2. **Select Destination for Data Recovery**: In the data recovery software, choose the option to specify the location where you want to save the recovered files. Select the connected external disk as the save destination. 3. **Start Data Recovery**: Initiate the data recovery process by clicking on the 'Recover' or 'Start' button. The software will scan your selected storage device and retrieve the lost or deleted files. 4. **Preview and Select Files**: While the recovery is in progress, you might have the option to preview the recoverable files. Select the files you wish to save on the external disk. 5. **Save the Recovered Files**: Once the recovery is complete, click on 'Save' or 'Export' to transfer the files to the external hard drive. Make sure not to interrupt the process to avoid any potential data loss. 6. **Verify the Files**: After the transfer, check the external disk to ensure that the files have been saved correctly and are accessible. 7. **Backup Your Data Regularly**: As a precautionary measure, always back up important data on a regular basis to external storage devices or cloud services to protect against future data loss. Remember, different data recovery software may have slightly varying steps, so consult the software's user manual or online support for specific instructions.

Click the "Recover" button, and a pop-up window will appear, asking you to "Please select a target location to save." Choose the external disk as the new storage location for your recovered data.

To conclude

Upon reading this post, you will gain knowledge about the capabilities of Mac Safe Mode and how to utilize it. Nevertheless, it's crucial to have a plan for data recovery should Mac Safe Mode fail to function properly. In such cases, tools like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can be an excellent choice to protect and retrieve your data.

Mac Safe Mode FAQs 1. What is Mac Safe Mode? Mac Safe Mode, also known as Safe Boot, is a diagnostic mode that starts your Mac with minimal software and services to help identify and fix issues. 2. How do I start my Mac in Safe Mode? To start your Mac in Safe Mode, restart your computer while holding down the Shift key. Keep the Shift key pressed until you see the Apple logo appear. 3. Why would I need to use Safe Mode? You might use Safe Mode to troubleshoot problems like startup issues, frozen apps, system slowdowns, or to remove problematic login items. 4. Does everything work in Safe Mode? In Safe Mode, not all third-party applications and services will be available. Essential functions and built-in apps should still work. 5. Can I access my files in Safe Mode? Yes, you can access your files and documents in Safe Mode. However, some cloud-syncing services may not function properly. 6. Will using Safe Mode delete any data? No, Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool and does not delete any of your personal data or files. 7. Can I update macOS in Safe Mode? Yes, you can install system updates while in Safe Mode, but it's recommended to exit Safe Mode first to ensure a smooth update process. 8. How do I exit Safe Mode? To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your Mac without pressing any keys during startup. 9. Will Safe Mode fix all issues? Safe Mode can help diagnose and resolve some issues, but not all. If the problem persists, further troubleshooting or professional assistance may be required. 10. How long does it take to boot in Safe Mode? The time it takes to boot into Safe Mode varies depending on your Mac's specifications. It may take longer than a normal startup due to the additional diagnostics.

Here are 4 questions regarding the Mac Safe Mode not functioning properly. Find the answers below.

1. What is the purpose of Safe Mode on a Mac?

Safe Mode startup utilizes the minimum number of system resources and disables all startup programs and third-party design elements. Only essential kernel extensions can load on a Mac in Safe Mode, enabling you to troubleshoot startup issues.

2. How do I exit Safe Mode on my Mac?

To exit Safe Mode on your Mac, do not press any keys during startup. Instead, choose Apple menu > Shut Down, and then restart your Mac normally.

3. Why can't I boot my Mac in Safe Mode?

• Issues with the System Management Controller (SMC)
• Problems related to PRAM/NVRAM
• File system issues on the startup disk
• Ensure the keyboard is functioning properly for effective use of the Shift key
• Bugs present in the macOS

4. How do I start my computer in Safe Mode with a black screen? To start your computer in Safe Mode with a black screen, follow these steps: 1. **Restart your computer**: First, turn off your computer and then turn it back on. As it boots up, press and hold the appropriate key to enter the Boot Menu or BIOS setup. The key varies depending on the computer manufacturer; it's usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete. 2. **Access the Boot Menu or BIOS**: Once you've entered the Boot Menu or BIOS, navigate using the arrow keys and find the option to change the boot order. This is often under "Boot" or "Startup" settings. 3. **Enable Safe Boot**: Look for an option called "Safe Boot" or "Safe Mode." Select this option and choose "Minimal" or "Network," depending on whether you need network access during the process. 4. **Save and Exit**: After selecting Safe Boot, save the changes and exit the BIOS or Boot Menu. The computer will restart and initiate the boot process in Safe Mode. 5. **Black Screen**: In some cases, Safe Mode may display a black screen with only a cursor. If this happens, press `Ctrl+Alt+Delete` together to bring up the Task Manager. From there, you can either try to start Windows normally by clicking "File" > "Run new task" > type `explorer.exe` and press Enter, or continue troubleshooting in Safe Mode. Remember that if your screen is completely non-functional, you might have a hardware issue unrelated to Safe Mode. In that case, seek further assistance for diagnosing the problem.

Press and hold the Windows logo key while simultaneously pressing Ctrl + Shift + B keys.