6 Easy Ways to Recover Files from a Non-Bootable Mac (Proven)

If your Mac won't boot after update or you encounter a startup error that prevents your Mac from starting up, you may need to retrieve data from an unbootable Mac. Some users may think it's impossible to retrieve data from a frozen/ unbootable Mac. Actually, even a new Mac user can recover data from a non-bootable Mac.

In the sections below, we will introduce you to six methods to recover files from an unbootable Mac. If you are looking for the easiest and fastest way, you can find what you want in the next part.

Recover Files from Unbootable Mac using Recovery Software

When it comes to Mac issues, seeking professional tools is never a wrong choice. Is there any program that can help you recover files from a non-bootable Mac? Yes! When your Mac fails to start, you won't be able to download recovery software and perform a normal deleted file recovery from Mac trash. You need a portable data recovery tool – the tools Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

What can this recovery tool be used for?

• Create a bootable USB for Mac and recover files from a non-starting Mac.
• Recover files after reinstalling macOS or after updating macOS.
• Retrieve files lost due to resetting macOS to factory settings.
• Extract data from a damaged hard drive or USB flash drive.

Let us see how to perform Mac data recovery in recovery mode and retrieve data using Data Recovery for Mac tool.

First, you'll need to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode:

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Step 1. Boot into 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 app to open, which may take a few minutes.

Important: If you see "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," double-check that you've typed the command correctly, ensure your Mac is connected to the internet, and confirm that your macOS version is macOS 10.15 or later.

Step 2: Select the volume on your Mac hard drive

Select the volume where your lost data was stored and click “Search for Lost Files”. The tool will quickly locate all recoverable data on the selected volume.

Step 3. Select the lost data you want to recover

The utility categorizes the recoverable data by file type and storage path. You can locate your desired files by clicking on "Type" or "Path" on the left panel. Then, check the boxes in front of the data you wish to restore.

Step 4: Recover and save data from the external hard drive

Clicking on the “Recover” button will prompt a window asking you to “Select a location to save the recovered files.” Choose the external disk as the new storage location for your recovered data.

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Restore files from a non-starting Mac using Time Machine

There is a reliable option on macOS called Restore from Time Machine Backup. You can use a previous Mac Time Machine backup to restore your files. Before starting the tutorial, connect the external hard drive where your Mac backups are stored.

How to restore from Time Machine Backup? Read here.

Step 1. You need to boot your Mac into macOS Recovery Mode. (Click on this link – Mac Won't Boot Into Recovery Mode – to fix the issue.)

Click “Restore from Time Machine backup” and proceed.

Step 3: Choose the previous Mac backup you want to restore.

Step 4. Select the destination for where you want to recover your data and files.

Step 5: You need to erase the drive and then click "Restore."

Recover files from a non-bootable Mac by creating a disk image

To recover files from a non-startup Mac by creating a disk image on a Mac, you'll need a large and reliable external hard drive. By the way, you should ensure your Mac hard drive is not physically damaged. Then you can try this method:

Step 1: Connect the external hard drive and start your Mac in Disk Utility.

Step 2: Select the boot disk.

Step 3: Click on "File" and move the cursor to "New Image" and then click on "Blank Image."

Step 4: Choose where you want to save the image. Make sure to select “Read/Write” as the “Image Format.”

Click “Save” to create the Mac disk image.

Recover Files from a Non-Bootable Mac via Target Disk Mode

You'll need another available Mac to transfer data from the unbootable Mac, and you'll need to turn off FileVault on the running Mac. It's a bit complicated, but you can try following this tutorial.

Step 1: Connect the two Macs with a Thunderbolt cable.

Step 2. Boot the unresponsive Mac into Target Disk Mode by using its power button and the T key.

On the working Mac, you should see the drive listed.

4. Now you can restore the files to your healthy Mac.

Recover Files from APFS Snapshots on a Mac That Won't Start Up

If you don't have a Time Machine backup and you're on macOS High Sierra or later, you might be able to recover files from a non-bootable Mac using APFS snapshots. We'll show you how to do that. That said, this method won't recover all your files from the Mac.

Step 1: Boot your Mac into Recovery Mode and select “Restore from Time Machine backup.”

Step 2. Choose the latest APFS snapshot.

Step 3: Then, you can recover from an APFS snapshot as instructed.

Contact Apple Support to recover files from a Mac that won't start up

If you can't recover files from a Mac that won't start up, or if the Mac's hard drive needs to be replaced, you'll need to contact Apple Support for professional assistance. You'll need to bring your non-starting Mac to, or send it to, Apple Support so that they can manually recover your files.

1. Visit the official Apple Support website: Apple Support. 2. Go to an Apple Retail Store in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Recovering Files from an Unbootable Mac

We have some frequently asked questions and answers about recovering non-bootable Mac files, and we hope you can gain more insights from the following answers.

Can I recover data from a frozen Mac?

You can retrieve data from a dead MacBook Pro or Mac using the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool.

1. Create bootable media. 2. Launch the software and scan your Mac disk. 3. Find your lost files and select the ones you want to recover. 4. Preview and recover files from your crashed Mac or MacBook.

How can I recover files from a non-bootable Mac without software?

There are five ways to recover files from a non-bootable Mac without software:

1. Restore from a Time Machine backup. 2. Create a disk image. 3. Use macOS Target Disk Mode. 4. Recover from an APFS snapshot. 5. Contact Apple Support.

How can I get my files off a non-bootable Mac?

If your Mac won't start up, it's best to create bootable media with the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool and recover your files from there.

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How do I boot my Mac from a USB flash drive?

You can start up your Mac from a USB flash drive by following these steps:

1. Format and prepare a USB flash drive.
2. Press the Power button or Touch ID on your Mac while holding down the Option key to enter the Startup Manager.
3. Select the USB drive and boot from it.