Mastering Safe Mode: Booting, Troubleshooting & Exiting on Mac
Learn how to boot your Mac into Safe Mode to troubleshoot a range of issues Recover data, apply updates, and fix problems with your computer using Safe Mode Our guide covers everything from checking if your Mac is in Safe Mode to exiting it, plus additional tips for fixing your Mac
To enter Safe Mode on your Apple Silicon Mac, start by shutting down your computer and then pressing and holding the Power (or Touch ID) button. Once your volumes appear, select the one you want to boot and hold down the Shift key. From there, choose "Continue in Safe Mode" to complete the process. On an Intel Mac, simply press and hold Shift while your Mac boots up. Safe Mode can be a useful tool for fixing a range of issues with your Mac, and it may even help you recover lost data or apply important updates.
To boot your Mac in safe mode, the process varies depending on whether you have an Apple Silicon or Intel Mac. To determine which one you have, simply click on Apple > About This Mac while macOS is running and take a look at the information listed next to the “Chip” entry.
If you're unable to boot your Mac and need to access safe mode, you can make an educated guess based on your device model. Mac devices such as MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro (produced after 2020), 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini (made after 2020), new-style (colorful) 24-inch iMac, or Mac Studio desktop likely have an M1 or later chip.
To boot your Mac into safe mode, start by shutting it down either through Apple > Shut Down or by holding the Power (or Touch ID) button if you can’t shut down normally. Wait a few seconds for your Mac to turn off.
Next, press and hold the Power (or Touch ID) button. You’ll see a message on the screen that says “Continue holding for startup options…” Keep holding the button until your Mac begins to launch the startup menu, then release the button.
Next, you’ll see a list of volumes from which you can boot your Mac, and an icon labeled “Options” with the macOS Settings icon.
Click on your boot volume (it’s probably “Macintosh HD”) and then hold the Shift key and click “Continue in Safe Mode” to boot.
Your Mac will restart and then boot automatically in Safe Mode.
How to Boot an Intel Mac in Safe Mode
To access Safe Mode on an older Intel Mac, simply restart or shut down your computer using the Apple menu. Alternatively, you can quickly cut the power by pressing and holding the Power button. Once your Mac starts up, press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window. Release the Shift key and log in as usual (you may have to do this twice), and your Mac should now be in Safe Mode.
When your Mac enters Safe Mode, whether it's an Apple Silicon or Intel-based device, you will notice the same indication. The words "Safe Boot" will appear in the top-right corner of your login or lock screen. Once you have successfully logged in or unlocked your Mac, this message will disappear. If you prefer, you can also check if your Mac is in Safe Mode while logged in by clicking on the Apple logo, holding down the Option button on your keyboard, and selecting the "System Information" option that appears.
Now click on the “Software” heading to get to the System Software Overview screen. Next to “Boot Mode” you should see “Safe” mode. If you’re not in Safe Mode this will read “Normal” instead.
Safe Mode: A Reliable Failsafe Mode for Mac Users
Safe Mode is a reliable failsafe mode designed to identify and fix problems while disabling certain items that may cause your Mac to boot abnormally. When you activate Safe Mode, you may notice a slight delay in your Mac's loading speed, which is caused by the file repair process that is similar to Disk Utility's First Aid mode. However, this feature is less noticeable on the new Apple Silicon Models. So, if you want to ensure that your Mac runs smoothly without any hiccups, Safe Mode is the way to go.
Safe Mode is designed to disable all login items and prevent problematic apps from loading during startup. It ensures that only the macOS built-in fonts are loaded to prevent any malicious software from entering the system. Additionally, caches like the kernel cache, system cache, and font caches are also cleared during Safe Mode boot.
In older versions of macOS and non-Apple Silicon Macs, Safe Mode also disables all third-party kernel extensions. However, on modern Apple Silicon-based Macs, third-party kernel extensions are not used unless specifically allowed, as Apple considers them a risk to the operating system's integrity and reliability. Users are required to downgrade to Reduced Security in recovery mode to enable them.
Most features, including networking over Wi-Fi, USB and Thunderbolt devices, and standard applications, work normally in Safe Mode on modern Apple Silicon Macs. However, some features like video playback for DVDs, Wi-Fi, sharing, and some external devices may not function, including accelerated graphics on some machines.
Restart Your Mac to Exit Safe Mode
Safe Mode is an effective solution when it comes to resolving issues with macOS. If your Mac is having difficulty booting up normally, Safe Mode is an ideal starting point. macOS will scan your system for problems, eliminate any potentially problematic caches, and deactivate login items (or kernel extensions) that could be causing disruptions in regular operation.
Booting into Safe Mode can be a simple solution to fix issues with your Mac, particularly if it's stuck in a boot loop or you're unable to access the operating system. Safe Mode can also help identify the root cause of the problem. If you're currently using Safe Mode, there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue such as removing login items and updating macOS, or creating a new user account to narrow down the problem. In the worst-case scenario, Safe Mode can still be used to access your data and create a backup with Time Machine before performing a fresh install of macOS or a factory reset.
Having trouble with software issues on your Mac? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our guide will show you how to troubleshoot and fix crashing apps, as well as solve common problems with the Mac App Store. Plus, if you're experiencing shortened battery life on your MacBook, we'll teach you how to identify the causes of battery drain and make your battery last longer.
