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How to Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode

Quick and simple steps to boot your Mac in Safe Mode.

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Last updated: October 14, 2024

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TL;DR

To boot your Mac in Safe Mode:

  1. Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down, hold the Power button to access startup options, then press Shift ⇧ and select Continue in Safe Mode.
  2. Intel-Based Macs: Restart, hold Shift ⇧ until the login screen appears, then release and log in to enter Safe Mode.

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.

Booting a Mac in Safe Mode is one of the best ways to troubleshoot problems, and it often clears up issues quickly. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to enter Safe Mode on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, so you can fix whatever’s causing trouble.

How to Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode

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Below, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions to boot your Mac in Safe Mode.

If you’re unsure about your Mac’s processor, you can find out from Apple’s official support page.

Apple Silicon Macs

Here’s how to boot your Mac in Safe Mode on an Apple Silicon chip:

  1. Shut down your Mac by clicking the Apple icon and choosing Shut Down from the drop-down menu.
click the apple icon and select shut down
  1. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely, and press the Power button to turn it on.
macbook pro touch id
  1. Keep holding the Power button until you see the Loading startup options screen.
loading startup options screen on mac
  1. Select a volume from the options.
select a volume
  1. Press and hold the Shift ⇧ key and click Continue in Safe Mode.
macbook air shift key
  1. Your Mac will restart automatically, and you will see Safe Boot in the menu bar when the login screen appears.
safe boot mode on mac

Intel-Based Macs

Here’s how to boot your Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode:

  1. Restart or turn on your Mac and press and hold the Shift ⇧ key immediately.
macbook air shift key
  1. Keep holding the Shift ⇧ key until you see the login screen.
  2. Release the Shift ⇧ key and log in to your Mac.
  3. You may be asked to log in again.
  4. You’ll see Safe Boot in the menu bar on your first or second login window.
safe boot mode on mac

How Do I Know if My Mac Is in Safe Mode?

It’s super easy to tell if your Mac is in Safe Mode. When you start your computer in Safe Mode, your screen will display Safe Boot in red letters in the menu bar.

safe boot mode on mac

Rebooting Your Mac in Regular Mode

Now that you’ve used Safe Mode to solve your Mac’s problems, it’s time to bring it back to regular mode. Rebooting your Mac in regular mode is pretty straightforward.

Here’s how to reboot your Mac in regular mode:

  1. Click the Apple icon and select Restart.
click the apple icon and select restart
  1. Wait for your Mac to restart and boot up in regular mode.

Troubleshoot Mac Problems in Safe Mode

Now that your Mac is back in optimized condition, you may want to keep it that way. Here are some of the best ways to optimize your Mac’s performance:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Safe Mode on Mac?

Safe Mode on a Mac is a diagnostic mode designed for troubleshooting. It starts your Mac with only the essential system software, helping identify and resolve issues related to software or startup items. This mode also performs a check of your startup disk, ensuring your Mac runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Safe Mode and Recovery Mode on Mac?

Safe Mode and recovery mode are different ways to start a Mac in certain situations. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that loads only essential components, while recovery mode provides tools for repairing or reinstalling macOS.

Can I still use my Mac normally in Safe Mode?

You can use your Mac in Safe Mode, but some features and functions may be limited or disabled. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode designed to start your Mac with only the necessary software and drivers. While in Safe Mode, your Mac will load only the basic software and drivers needed to run the operating system and disable any nonessential features.

Will booting in Safe Mode delete any of my files?

No, booting your Mac in Safe Mode will not delete any of your files. Safe Mode only loads the basic software and drivers needed to run the operating system and does not make any changes to your files or data.

How often should I boot my Mac in Safe Mode for maintenance purposes?

Boot your Mac in Safe Mode only when experiencing issues with your Mac that you’re trying to troubleshoot. Safe Mode is not designed for regular use or maintenance purposes. You can keep your Mac up to date with the latest software updates and security patches and periodically perform routine maintenance tasks such as clearing out caches and temporary files.

Can I use Safe Mode to fix all issues with my Mac?

Safe Mode can be helpful for many issues, but it won’t fix every problem. If you still have issues after booting in Safe Mode, you may need to try additional troubleshooting steps or seek help from a professional.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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