TL;DR
To enable System (Kernel) Extensions on M1/M2 Mac:
- Open Security Preferences from the System Extension Blocked notification.
- Enable apps from identified developers and system extensions.
- Shut down your Mac to access Recovery Mode.
- Restart in Recovery Mode by holding the Power button.
- Open Startup Security Utility from the Utilities menu.
- Select Reduced Security, allow kernel extensions, and restart.
- Approve the extension in Security settings and restart.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Upgrading to a new M1 or M2 Mac is exciting, but I know how frustrating it can be when your favorite software stops working. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a simple guide to enable system extensions and get your Mac back on track.
What Are System (Kernel) Extensions?
System (Kernel) Extensions are like add-ons for your Mac’s operating system, allowing certain software or hardware to work more closely with your system. They act as tools that extend your Mac’s capabilities by integrating deeper into the system.
If you’re unsure whether your Mac has a silicon chip or Intel processor, go to Apple’s official page to check.
How to Enable System (Kernel) Extensions on M1/M2 Mac
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Here are the detailed steps to enable system (kernel) extensions on an M1/M2 Mac:
This guide is applicable to all Apple Silicon Mac devices, including MacBook Air (M1, 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), Mac mini (M1, 2020), iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021), MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro/M1 Max, 2021), MacBook Pro (16-inch, M1 Pro/M1 Max, 2021), Mac Studio (M1 Max/M1 Ultra, 2022), MacBook Air (M2, 2022), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022), and the latest models like MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, M2 Pro/M2 Max, 2023) and Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, 2023).
Prerequisites:
Before you enable kernel extensions on your M1/M2 Mac, there are a few important steps you should take:
- Check macOS Version: Ensure your macOS supports the kernel extension.
- Back Up Your Data: Create a backup to safeguard your files.
- Check Compatibility: Verify the extension is compatible with M1/M2 Macs.
- Admin Rights Needed: Admin access is required for enabling kernel extensions.
Step 1: Open Security Settings
- After you install a program that requires macOS kernel extensions, select Open Security Preferences from the System Extension Blocked notification.
- This will open Privacy & Security window in System Settings.
Step 2: Allow Apps & Enable Extensions
- In the Security section of the Privacy & Security window, select App Store and identified developers under Allow applications downloaded from.
- Then, click the Enable System Extensions button.
Step 3: Shutdown Your Mac
Now, a pop-up will appear, indicating that to enable system extensions, you need to modify your security settings in the Recovery environment. Click the Shut Down button on this pop-up to turn off your Mac.
Step 4: Boot into macOS Recovery Mode
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Then, press the Power button once and then keep pressing it until you see Loading Startup Options.
- Click Options and then Continue to boot the M1 or M2 Mac to macOS Recovery Mode.
Step 5: Open Startup Security Utility
In the Recovery Mode, select Startup Security Utility from the Utilities menu at the top of your screen.
Step 6: Modify the Security Policy
- When you see the Startup Security Utility, click the Security Policy button.
- In Startup Security Utility, choose Reduced Security and check the Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers option.
- Click OK, enter your administrator password, and wait for the security level change to complete.
- After the changes are done, click Startup Disk in the menu bar and click Quit Startup Disk.
- It will take you to the previous screen. Here, click the Apple icon and select Restart to let your Mac restart normally.
Step 7: Confirm Changes
- When your Mac restarts, go to Privacy & Security window in System Settings and click the Allow button under “System software from developer “Chengdu Aibo Tech Co., Ltd. Was blocked from loading” in the Security section.
- Enter your administrator password and restart your Mac to make the change take effect.
Warning ⚠️: Enabling kernel extensions can compromise your Mac’s security if not done carefully. Only proceed with trusted extensions and be aware of the risks involved.
Only Enable Trusted System (Kernel) Extensions on M1/M2 Mac
Kernel extensions have the potential to compromise your Mac’s security, so only enable them if they originate from reliable developers.
Here are some more tips for keeping your Mac safe and running:
- Boot your Mac in Verbose mode to check behind-the-scenes startup details.
- Use Safe Mode to troubleshoot crashes and random shutdowns.
- A gray screen could mean a kernel panic—check my guide for fixes.
