How to Boot a Mac or MacBook Into Safe Mode

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A user-friendly guide to booting your Mac into Safe Mode to resolve startup issues

Co-authored by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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Checking Mac Type

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Using Apple Silicon

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Using an Intel-Based Mac

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Q&A

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Warnings

Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool that disables non-essential programs and services on your Mac, which allows you to remove programs or change settings. To enter Safe Mode, you'll need to know if your Mac is using Apple Silicon or an Intel-based processor. This can easily be checked in "About This Mac". Afterwards, it will take just a few simple steps. This wikiHow will show you how to enter Safe Mode on your Mac running Ventura, Monterey, Catalina, Big Sur, or older.

Things You Should Know

Check your Mac type by clicking the Apple menu, then "About This Mac".
On Apple Silicon, turn off your Mac. Press and hold the Power button until "Loading startup options" appears. Select a disk, hold "Shift" and click "Continue in Safe Mode".
On Intel-based Macs, restart your Mac and hold "Shift". Log into your Mac.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Checking Mac Type

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This will be in the top-left corner. A drop-down menu will open.^{[1]
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A new window will open.

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3
Locate your Mac type. Check the information underneath your Mac version.
- If you see an item labeled Chip, you have a Mac with Apple silicon.
- If you see an item labeled Processor, you have an Intel-based Mac.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Apple Silicon

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1
Turn off your Mac. Select the Apple menu and click Shut Down. If absolutely necessary, you can force shut down a frozen Mac by holding down the Power button.
- You'll need to wait for your Mac to completely shut down. The screen should be black, and all lights should be off.
When you see the Loading startup options screen, you can let go.
In most cases, this will be Macintosh HD.
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Hold ⇧ Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode. When you select this option, your Mac will restart automatically.
- You should see Safe Boot in the menu bar on the login window. You are now in Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, you'll just need to restart your Mac.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using an Intel-Based Mac

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1
Restart your Mac. Select the Apple menu and click Restart. If it's off, use the Power button to turn it on.
- Similar to starting Safe Mode in Windows, you'll need to hold on a button.
After a few moments, you should see the login window.
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Log in to your Mac. Enter your password to log into your account. You may be asked to log in twice.
- If you didn't see Safe Boot in the menu bar in the previous step, you should see it now. Your Mac is now in Safe Mode.
- You can now run any diagnostics safely.
- To exit Safe Mode, restart your Mac.

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Question

I migrated all of my files and apps to a new mac and evidently it sucked everything out of my older mac because now that one doesn't work at all. It's not even starting up in safe mode! There was nothing wrong with the computer, I just wanted to update to the newer one.

Community Answer

If the computer is not starting up, you may need to reinstall the operating system. You can take a look at the article on How to Install MacOS for general guidelines.

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Question

Why does my Mac not start in Safe Mode?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Your keyboard is probably not working. Insert an external keyboard, hold the shift key on the external keyboard, and try again.

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Question

What do I do if my Mac goes into safe mode on its own when I turn it off, and back on again?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Your Mac likely started from something different called macOS recovery. This is used when the necessary boot files are damaged or destroyed. Your Mac may also be starting from internet recovery, which uses a PXN network to download damaged boot files.

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