Jump to Key Sections
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Mac that helps to isolate and troubleshoot issues with the system. When you start your Mac in safe mode, it loads only the necessary software to run the system, making it easier to identify and solve any startup issues. Safe mode can be a helpful tool if you are experiencing unexplained issues with your Mac, such as frequent crashes or freezes. In this blog, we will guide you on how to start your Mac in safe mode.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Starting Mac on Safe Mode
Booting a Mac in safe mode can be challenging for those who are not familiar with the process. Starting Mac in safe mode requires that you press and hold certain keys as soon as you power on your Mac. This can be tricky if you don’t know what keys to press or when to press them. In some cases, the Mac may not start in safe mode due to underlying hardware or software issues. In such cases, you may need to troubleshoot the issue or seek professional help.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting your Mac in safe mode, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, it’s essential to ensure that you have saved all your work and closed all open applications. Starting your Mac in safe mode will close all running applications, and you might lose unsaved work. Secondly, it’s essential to have a good understanding of how your Mac works and its startup process. Lastly, you should have the latest backup of your data, just in case you encounter any problems during the process.
Method 1: Starting Mac on Safe Mode using Keyboard Shortcuts
To start your Mac in safe mode using the keyboard shortcuts method, follow the following steps:
1. Shut down your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu, then click on Shut Down.
2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
3. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
4. Continue holding the Shift key until the login window appears.
5. Release the Shift key and log in to your Mac.
6. Your Mac should now be started in safe mode.
Pros:
– It’s the quickest and easiest method to start your Mac on safe mode.
– You don’t need any additional software or tools to perform this method.
Cons:
– It doesn’t always work, especially if there are underlying hardware or software issues with your Mac.
– It’s not suitable for Macs that have malfunctioning or unresponsive keyboards.
Method 2: Starting Mac on Safe Mode using System Preferences
Another way to start your Mac in safe mode is by using the system preferences. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Apple menu, then select System Preferences.
2. Click on the Users & Groups icon.
3. Click on the Lock icon to make changes, then enter your administrator password.
4. Click on the Login Items tab.
5. Click on the plus sign (+) button, then select your Macintosh HD from the list of volumes.
6. Press and hold the Shift key, then click on the Add button.
7. Restart your Mac.
Pros:
– It’s a great way to troubleshoot issues with startup items that might be causing problems.
– It’s suitable for beginners who are not comfortable with keyboard shortcuts.
Cons:
– It may not work if there are hardware or software issues with your Mac.
– It takes more time to perform compared to the keyboard shortcuts method.
Method 3: Starting Mac on Safe Mode using Terminal
Terminal is a powerful tool on Mac that can be used to run commands and scripts. Here’s how to start your Mac in safe mode using Terminal:
1. Open Terminal by clicking on the Spotlight icon and typing "Terminal."
2. Enter the following command: sudo nvram boot-args="-x"
3. Press Enter and enter your administrator password when prompted.
4. Restart your Mac.
Pros:
– It can be a handy option if the keyboard shortcuts method fails.
– It doesn’t require any additional tools or software.
Cons:
– It’s not suitable for beginners who are not familiar with command line tools.
– It may not work if your Mac has underlying hardware or software issues.
Why Can’t I Start My Mac in Safe Mode?
If you are unable to start your Mac in safe mode, here are some reasons why and how to fix them:
Q1: My keyboard is malfunctioning or unresponsive.
A: Try plugging in an external keyboard or troubleshoot your keyboard using the Apple Keyboard Assistant utility.
Q2: There are underlying hardware or software issues with my Mac.
A: You may need to troubleshoot the issue, seek professional help, or restore your Mac to an earlier state using Time Machine.
Q3: My Mac is already on safe mode, but the issue persists.
A: Try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) on your Mac.
Additional Tips
– It’s important to get familiar with the startup process on your Mac to troubleshoot any issues easily.
– Ensure that you have the latest backup of your data before starting your Mac in safe mode.
– You can identify if your Mac is in safe mode by looking at the login screen.
5 FAQs about Starting Mac on Safe Mode
Q1: How do I know if my Mac is in safe mode?
A: The login screen will have "Safe Boot" in red letters in the top right corner.
Q2: Can I uninstall software or applications in safe mode?
A: Yes, you can uninstall software or applications in safe mode like you would in normal mode.
Q3: Can I access the internet in safe mode?
A: Yes, you can access the internet in safe mode, but some internet-based applications may not work correctly.
Q4: How do I exit safe mode?
A: Simply restart your Mac, and it will boot back into normal mode.
Q5: Can I start my Mac in safe mode with the touch bar?
A: Yes, you can start your Mac in safe mode with the touch bar by pressing and holding the Shift key while touching the power button.
In Conclusion
Starting your Mac in safe mode is an effective way to troubleshoot issues with your system. With the right preparation and knowledge, it’s easy to start your Mac in safe mode using the methods outlined in this blog. If you encounter any problems during the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or restore your Mac using Time Machine.