TL;DR
To start Intel-based Mac in Internet Recovery Mode:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + R keys and the Power button.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears.
- Release the keys and wait for Internet Recovery Mode to load.
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.
When your Mac isn’t working right, it can be frustrating and disruptive. But don’t worry—there’s an easy fix. Internet Recovery Mode can help get your Mac back to normal, and this guide will show you exactly how to enter Mac in Internet Recovery mode.
How to Start Mac in Internet Recovery Mode
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The process for entering Internet Recovery Mode on a Mac differs depending on whether it has an Apple M1 processor or an Intel-based processor. So, you must identify your Mac model before starting.
To determine your Mac’s processor type, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu and select About This Mac.
- In the new window, you should see the Processor/Chip information.
- If the processor or chip is listed as Apple M1, your Mac has an Apple Silicon processor.
- If the processor is listed as Intel, your Mac is Intel-based.
Now, that you have identified your Mac’s processor type, you can move on to starting it in Internet Recovery Mode:
Make sure your internet connection is stable before starting Internet Recovery Mode. A weak connection can cause the process to fail or take much longer.
1. Starting Internet Recovery Mode on Apple M1 Macs
Follow these steps to start internet recovery mode on Apple M1 Mac:
- Turn off your M1 Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Shut Down.
- Press and hold the Power button on your Mac until you see the startup options window appear.
- Click the Options icon in the startup options window.
- Select Continue to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
- In the Recovery window, click the Apple menu and select Restart.
- Hold down the Power button until you see the startup options window again.
- Click the Options icon in the startup options window.
- Select Internet Recovery to start your Mac in Internet Recovery Mode.
Internet Recovery Mode will erase your existing data if you choose to reinstall macOS. Be sure to back up your data before starting the process.
2. Starting Internet Recovery Mode on Intel-Based Macs
To enter Internet Recovery Mode on Intel-based Macs, follow these steps:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + R keys with the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Hold the keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe on the screen.
- Release the keys and wait for the Internet Recovery Mode to load.
What You Can Do in Mac Internet Recovery Mode
When you start your Mac in Internet Recovery Mode, you can use several important tools to fix or restore your system. Here are five key things you can do:
- 🛠️ Run Hardware Diagnostics: Check your Mac’s hardware for problems.
- 💻 Reinstall macOS: Download and install the latest version of macOS from Apple’s servers.
- 💿 Use Disk Utility: Manage, repair, and format your Mac’s hard drive.
- 🌐 Access Safari: Browse the web to find help and download software.
- 🔒 Set Firmware Password: Add or remove a password for extra startup security.
Quick Comparison: Recovery Mode vs. Internet Recovery Mode
Many users confuse Recovery Mode with Internet Recovery Mode, but they are different. Here’s a comparison table between recovery mode and internet recovery mode.
Aspect | Recovery Mode | Internet Recovery Mode |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Local troubleshooting and macOS reinstallation. | Recover macOS when local recovery is unavailable. |
Internet Required | No | Yes |
Tool Location | On the Mac’s hard drive | Downloaded from Apple’s servers |
macOS Version | Reinstalls the last installed version | Installs original or closest compatible version |
Use Cases | Standard repairs and reinstallation | For missing or damaged recovery partitions |
Disk Utility | Yes | Yes |
Safari Access | No | Yes |
Hardware Diagnostics | Yes, limited without Internet | Yes, full access |
Firmware Password | Yes | Yes |
Bringing Your Mac Back to Normal
Starting up your Mac in Internet Recovery Mode is a useful tool that can help you troubleshoot and solve various issues with your Mac.
Check out these tips for future Mac maintenance:
- Backup before starting Internet Recovery Mode to avoid data loss.
- If Internet Recovery Mode fails, try booting into Recovery Mode instead.
- Keep macOS updated to prevent issues and ensure smooth performance.