How to Transfer Files in Recovery Mode [Complete Guide]

A malfunctioning system that prevents your Mac from starting up can be worrying. However, there's no need to panic. This article will guide you through transferring files on your Mac while it's in Recovery Mode, ensuring the safety and accessibility of your important data.

Whether your Mac is having hardware or software issues, knowing how to boot into Recovery Mode can help you transfer Mac files in Recovery Mode as a way of protecting your data before seeking repairs.

If you haven't created a Time Machine backup before, don't worry! You can use the powerful data recovery solution – Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to effectively recover data from a MacBook that won't start up without making a USB installer drive. Download this reliable recovery tool and follow the steps below for details.

Run the Mac data recovery software in Recovery Mode [without creating a USB installer]

Tool for Data Recovery can perform data recovery in Recovery Mode on Mac. The flexible application offers a smooth recovery process that can be initiated instantly from the source volume with simple command-line instructions, without requiring USB installation. Users can quickly and easily recover their data without having to create an additional bootable disk.

Install the Mac Data Recovery tool and recover files from macOS Recovery Mode in 3 simple steps:

One of the most notable features of Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is its user-friendly design, making it suitable for users of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate user, the program offers an easy way to retrieve data in recovery mode.

If you find this information helpful, please share it on your favorite SNS to let more people know how to transfer files in Mac Recovery Mode.

Quick fix: Restore your Mac from a recent Time Machine backup

Restoring your Mac from a backup made with Apple's built-in tool, Time Machine, is simple. Here's how:

Step 1: Connect your Mac to the external disk that has the Time Machine backup. Make sure it's connected and powered on.

Step 2: After restarting your Mac, press Command-R to enter Recovery Mode, which you need to do to reinstall the system.

Step 3: In macOS Utilities, choose Restore From Time Machine Backup.

Step 4: Select the most recent backup prior to when the problem occurred.

Step 5. Start the restore process on the target disk (usually your Mac's built-in hard drive). Be sure to select the correct disk to avoid losing or overwriting data.

< a id="3" name="3">Transferring Files in Recovery Mode [Two Different Methods for Intel/Apple Silicon Macs]

When faced with a Mac that won't start up due to a system issue, moving files in Recovery Mode is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data. Here, we'll explore two different methods for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Let's dive in:

#1. Transfer Files Using Target Disk Mode on an Intel Mac

Target Disk Mode is a reliable option for transferring data between Macs, especially for Intel-based Macs. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect the two Macs using a FireWire or Thunderbolt cable, not a regular USB cable.

Step 2: Make sure that the source Mac is turned off.

Step 3: To start Target Disk Mode, press the power button on your source Mac and hold down the “T” key.

Step 4: After Target Disk Mode is enabled on the second Mac, the source Mac's hard drive should appear on the desktop or in the “Places” sidebar.

Step 5: To access the drive, double-click it. If the drive is protected with FileVault, you will be prompted to enter your unlock password.

Step 6: After you've copied the necessary files, eject the disk and turn off the source Mac.

#2. Transferring Files on an Apple Silicon Mac Using Share Sheet

For Mac computers with Apple silicon chips, an alternative to Target Disk Mode is using Mac Sharing mode, which enables file transfer between two Apple silicon Macs while ensuring data accessibility even in Recovery Mode. Follow these steps to effectively use Mac Sharing mode: 1. First, on the source Mac (the one sending the files), open "System Preferences." 2. Click on "Sharing." 3. In the left-hand sharing options, check the box for "File Sharing." 4. Next, ensure that the user you want to transfer files to is added under "Shared Folders" and has appropriate permissions (read and write). 5. On the target Mac, also open "System Preferences" and select "Sharing." 6. Find and click "File Sharing" in the left-side list. 7. In the "Shared Folders" list, click the "+" button, then choose the desired file or folder from the source Mac's shared folders list that appears. 8. Once connected, you should be able to see and access the shared files or folders from the source Mac on the target Mac. 9. Now, you can either drag files from the source Mac to the target Mac or use copy and paste to transfer them. 10. After completing the file transfer, remember to turn off file sharing on both Macs. Please note that some features might be limited when operating in Recovery Mode. Make sure both Macs are connected to the same network before starting the transfer.

Step 1: Connect the two computers with a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable.

Step 2: Turn off your M1 Mac (the source computer), then press and hold the power button until you see “Loading Startup Options” on the screen.

Step 3: To enter recovery mode, choose “Options” and then click “Continue,” entering your password when prompted.

Step 4. In Recovery mode, choose Utilities > Share Disk, select the disk you want to share, and click Start Sharing.

Step 5: On the receiving Mac, to view the source Mac, open Finder and choose Network from the Locations sidebar.

Step 6: To access and transfer files, double-click it, select "Guest," and click "Connect."

Step 7: Once the transfer is complete, eject the drive, and then shut down your Apple Silicon Mac.

By copying files while in recovery mode

When a Mac won't boot, enabling Recovery Mode is crucial for transferring data to another external hard drive. This allows you to bypass the normal startup process and take advantage of Recovery Mode features, such as the Terminal window, to effectively move your data. Follow these steps:

Step 1: On an older Intel Mac, you can start up while holding the Command-R keys to enter Recovery Mode.

For newer Apple Silicon Macs, turn off your Mac, then press and hold the power button until you see “Startup Options,” then choose “Options” > “Continue.”

Follow these steps to copy files using the command line:

Step 1. In the terminal window, use the necessary command to navigate to the directory containing the file you want to copy. For example, ls /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/

Step 2: Start copying by using the `cp` command, followed by the path of the source file and the destination directory. For example: cp -R /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/htg/ /Volumes/Rescue\ Disk/

<Step 3>: Monitor the copy process in the terminal window to make sure that all files have been copied.

Step 4: When the duplication is complete, eject the external drive and then shut down your Mac.

Conclusions

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to transfer files in Mac Recovery Mode, ensuring users can retrieve essential data even when faced with startup issues. Whether using Target Disk Mode, Mac Sharing Mode, or copying files from the command line, users can select an appropriate method based on their unique Mac model and settings.

However, for a smooth and hassle-free data recovery experience, we recommend installing the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool. Its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface provide a reliable solution for retrieving lost or inaccessible information. Download our program without hesitation to experience swift data recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions from Mac users about transferring files in Recovery Mode:

< b > 1. Can I access my files in Recovery Mode?

Yes, you can access your files on a Mac in Recovery Mode. Recovery Mode enables you to use essential apps like Terminal and Disk Utility, allowing you to explore your system and retrieve files for recovery or troubleshooting purposes.

2. Can I copy files in Mac Recovery Mode?

Yes, you can copy files in Mac's Recovery Mode. By using terminal commands or built-in applications like Disk Utility, you can transfer files from your Mac's internal storage to an external disk or another location, ensuring your data is protected and can be recovered even in challenging situations.