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How to Fix macOS Kernel Panic Error: 7 Quick Solutions

Easy Fixes for Kernel Panic Error

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Last updated: January 2, 2025

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TL;DR

To fix macOS kernel panic error, try the following steps:

  1. Open Finder, click Applications in the left sidebar, and navigate to the Utilities folder.
  2. Open the Console app.
  3. In the left sidebar of the Console app, select Crash Reports.
  4. If there are any crash reports, click one. Look for terminated due to or reason: failed because to understand the cause of the crash. 

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.

Seeing a grey screen on your Mac saying, “You need to restart your computer…”? That’s a kernel panic error. In this guide, I’m going to break down why these errors pop up and show you some practical ways to fix macOS kernel panic error on your Mac.

How to Fix macOS Kernel Panic Error

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If you experience kernel panics frequently, your best bet is to take your Mac to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or contact Apple Support for assistance. But Before that, try these solutions.

1. View Crash Reports

Crash reports log when and why a crash occurred, helping identify kernel panic causes. Here’s how to access them:

  1. Open Finder, click Applications in the left sidebar, and navigate to the Utilities folder.
open utilities in applications
  1. Open the Console app.
launch console from utilities
  1. In the left sidebar of the Console app, select Crash Reports.
click crash reports in the left sidebar
  1. If there are any crash reports, click one. Look for terminated due to or reason: failed because to understand the cause of the crash. 

The following section contains Exceptions details, specifically:

  • EXC_BAD_ACCESS/KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS, caused by accessing unmapped memory
  • EXC_BAD_ACCESS/KERN_PROTECTION_FAILURE, resulting from writing to read-only memory

2. Remove Login Items

If your Mac experiences kernel panic errors, these may be caused by startup apps. Removing unnecessary login items can help. Here’s how to remove login items on your Mac:

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Select General and click Login Items.
click general and select the login items tab
  1. You will see a list of applications that launch during startup. To remove an application, select it and click the minus (–) button at the bottom of the list.
select an item and click the minus icon to delete it
  1. Once you have removed all unwanted login items, restart your Mac to see if the kernel panic error has been resolved.

💡Tip: You can also use MacKeeper to remove hidden processes. Download MacKeeper to use its Login Items feature to find and remove hidden startup processes on your Mac and reduce kernel panic errors.

3. Check for Software Updates

Outdated software often causes kernel panics. Updating your macOS to the latest version can fix macOS kernel panic errors. Here’s how to check for updates on Mac:

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click General and select Software Update to check for any available updates.
click general and select software update
  1. If there are updates available, click Update Now to install them.
click the update now button
  1. Tap Agree on the Software License Agreement after reading it.
click agree on the apple software license agreement
  1. Enter your MacBook password and tap OK.
  2. Now, wait for the update to download and install. You’ll see the size and duration of the update under the progress bar.
  3. If your Mac is up to date, you’ll see the following screen:
    your mac is up to date

    4. Reset NVRAM or PRAM

    Resetting NVRAM/PRAM can fix kernel panics by restoring settings like display resolution and startup disk.  Here’s how to reset PRAM and NVRAM on Mac:

    On Intel-Based Macs

    1. Turn off your Mac.
    2. Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
    macbook air touch id
    1. Press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys simultaneously on your Mac’s keyboard before the gray screen appears.
    macbook air option command p r keys
    1. Keep holding the keys until your Mac restarts, and you hear the startup chime twice. If you have a Mac with the T2 Security Chip, keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
    2. Release the keys and let your Mac start up normally.

    Apple Silicon Macs

    Both M1 and M2 Macs have NVRAM, but it automatically resets when you restart your Mac. Unlike other Mac models, there is no key combination to start NVRAM reset on an M1 Mac during startup. To check the NVRAM on an M1 Mac, just power it off for a few seconds before powering it back on.

    5. Run Disk Utility

    A failing hard drive can cause kernel panics. Use Disk Utility to identify and repair disk issues. Here’s how to repair your Mac startup disk with Disk Utility:

    1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities window.
    launch disk utility from utilities
    1. Click your system disk from the left sidebar and tap the First Aid button in the top bar.
    select your startup disk and click first aid
    1. Click Run to start the scan.
    click run on the first aid prompt
    1. Click Continue to confirm.
    click continue on the first aid prompt
    1. Wait for the scan to complete.

    If any errors are found, the Disk Utility will attempt to fix them. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer, and it should fix macOS kernel panic error.

    6. Run Apple Diagnostics

    Apple Diagnostics identifies hardware issues causing kernel panics and provides a report to help fix them. Here are the steps to run Apple Diagnostics on your Mac:

    On Intel Mac

    1. Turn off your Mac after disconnecting all external devices except the keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, display, and power cable.
    2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the D key along with the Power button.
    macbook air power d keys
    1. Release the D key when you see a progress bar or are prompted to select a language.
    select a language from the list
    1. When the checking process completes, you’ll see a report listing any issues detected. If you see an error message or reference code, note it and contact Apple Support or an authorized Apple service provider for further assistance.
    apple diagnostics result
    1. To re-run the test, click Run the Test Again or press Command ⌘ + R.
    macbook air command r keys
    1. If you don’t want to repeat the test, click Restart or Shut Down.
    click Restart or Shut Down

    On M1 Mac

    1. Disconnect all peripheral devices except the keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, display, and power cable. Then, power off your Mac.
    2. Press and hold the Power button on your Mac.
    macbook air touch id
    1. Release the Power button when the startup options appear.
    startup options screen
    1. Press Command + D on your keyboard.
    macbook air command d keys

    7. Reinstall macOS


    If other steps fail, reinstall macOS as a last resort. This replaces corrupt system files and can fix kernel panics. Here’s how to do it in Recovery Mode:

    It’s essential to back up your Mac data before reinstalling macOS to avoid losing important files or documents.

    1. Turn off your Mac and turn it back on while holding down the Command ⌘ + R keys on your keyboard. Keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears.
    macbook air command r keys
    1. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode. Once it loads, select Reinstall macOS and click Continue.
    click reinstall macos in macos utilities
    1. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your startup disk and begin the reinstallation process.
    2. After the installation, your Mac will restart and display the Setup Assistant. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac, including selecting your language, creating a user account, and configuring settings.
    3. Once you’ve completed the setup process, you should have a fresh macOS installation.

    Fix Kernel Panic on Mac

    Kernel panic error is just one of the many errors you might see on your Mac. It’s important to take steps to prevent or fix other errors, too. Here are some tips to help you fix common errors on your Mac:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between kernel panic and blue screen of death?

    There is no difference between kernel panic and blue screen of death (BSOD) except that kernel panic occurs on macOS devices, while BSOD occurs on Windows devices. Apart from that, they are both similar and indicate an error in the operating system.

    What causes kernel panic on Mac?

    The causes of kernel panic on Mac include software issues, such as faulty drivers or corrupted system files. Sometimes, hardware problems, such as failing components or incompatible upgrades, also lead to kernel panics on Mac.

    Can kernel panic damage my Mac?

    No, kernel panic cannot damage your Mac. It is a safety measure that the operating system takes to prevent data loss and protect your computer from further harm. However, the underlying reasons for the error, such as faulty hardware or software, can potentially damage your computer if left unaddressed.

    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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