If you're experiencing issues with your Mac, then you can easily fix that by restarting it. I know it sounds odd, but it helps at times. However, if that doesn't fix the problem, then there are usual ways to go about solving the issue. One of the ways you can resolve them is by starting the mac in safe mode.
Not only does it help you test where the problem is, but it's also one of the most common maintenance methods you can use with your computer.
We're going to explain what Safe mode is, how you can boot your Mac in this state, and when you need to use it.
Rufus (Windows) When it comes to creating a bootable USB drive in Windows, Rufus is undeniably. A Mac can start up from any disk that contains a bootable operating system or the files necessary to run your computer while you install an operating system. Whether you're starting up your Macintosh computer from its internal hard drive, an operating system installation disc or an external drive, it's easy to get your computer going.
Also on Guiding Tech #macos Click here to see our macos articles pageWhat Is Safe Mode
Safe Mode or safe boot is a macOS diagnostic mode designed to fix several problems in your Mac.
Activating safe mode allows you to troubleshoot any problem that prevents the operating system from functioning normally. It helps you figure out the problem based on how the computer reacts to the Safe Mode environment.
While in this mode, your Mac starts without loading the additional third-party programs. So you can test whether it's the whole system or a particular program that's causing issues.
That means only a minimal number of preferences, system extensions, and fonts that need to run will start up with your computer so that you can isolate the issues and troubleshoot accordingly.
Safe Mode can get your computer up and running all over again whenever issues brought about by corrupt data or apps, damaged fonts, and preference files, or software installation issues arise.
You can use it to resolve any problems that keep your Mac from starting up or startup disk related issues, including apps not launching or those causing your computer to crash, freeze, or shutdown.
Also on Guiding Tech Safe Mode vs Clean Boot: Understand the Difference and When to Use Read More
What Happens When Your Mac Is in Safe Mode
Several things happen when you start your Mac in Safe Mode. Specifically, it does the following:
- You Mac loads required kernel extensions needed to run macOS.
- It verifies your startup drive by performing a directory check and attempts repairs for any issues.
- It prevents startup and login items from automatically opening at startup.
- It disables user-installed (third-party) fonts besides those found in System/Library/Fonts supplied by Apple.
- It deletes all font caches and moves them to the trash, including kernel cache and other system cache files.
- It also deletes the dynamic loader cache known for causing the blue screen freeze during startup.
- It disables or limits features such as the DVD Player, iMovie (won't capture video), internal and/or external modems, AirPort cards (depending on the version and macOS version in use), Quartz Extreme, and Network file sharing.
Apple Boot Disk
How to Start up Your Mac in Safe Mode
To start up in Safe Mode, take the steps below:
Step 1: Start or restart your Mac.
Step 2: Press and hold down the Shift key immediately when you hear the chime. You'll see the Apple logo appear on your screen.
Step 3:Release the Shift key once the login window comes up. If your Mac's startup disk is encrypted with FileVault, you'll log in twice – the first login unlocks the startup disk, while the second logs you in the Finder.
Note: Once you establish the problem, you can leave Safe Mode by restarting your Mac without pressing any keys at startup.How to Tell Whether Your Mac Is in Safe Mode
You can tell whether your Mac is in Safe Mode by using the System Information app. The System Information app (also known as System Profiler in some versions of OS X) shows a summary of information about your Mac's software, hardware, network and other information.
To go to the System Information app, click Apple menu> About This Mac to open an overview of your Mac computer, including its model, memory, processor, serial number, and macOS version.
You can see more information by clicking the System Report button.
Under the Software section in System Information, you'll see the text 'Safe' instead of 'Normal' next to the Boot Mode.
The login window will also show the Safe Boot label on the top right side of the screen when in Safe Mode.
What to Do When Your Mac Won't Turn on or Start up in Safe Mode
Here are some things to check for when your Mac won't turn on, or it powers on but doesn't complete the startup process:
- Check for power-related issues such as sounds from the fan or hard disk among other startup sounds. Check also for lights like the sleep indicator light, Caps Lock key, or backlit keyboard, if you have one.
- You can also check that it's receiving power by ensuring the power cable is undamaged and plugged in securely into a working power outlet.
- Check that you're using the right power cable and adapter, and if you're using an external display, power it on and ensure it doesn't have other display problems. Turn up your display's brightness from the built-in keyboard.
- Check other startup issues if it doesn't finish starting up such as a recently installed hard disk/SSD or memory, and ensure that it's compatible and correctly installed. You can also remove and test with the original disk or memory.
If you still need further assistance, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized Apple Store or Service Provider.
If you have no keyboard or can't use your keyboard's Shift key to start in safe mode, you can configure your Mac to boot in safe mode if you have remote access to your Mac. To do this:
Step 1: Open Terminal remotely to access the command line, or log into your Mac using SSH. Use this Terminal command: sudo nvram boot-args='-x'
Alternatively, start in verbose mode using the command:
Step 2: After you're done using safe mode, return to normal startup using this Terminal command:
Get Your Mac Running Again
If you have any issues with your Mac, now you know how to start it up in Safe Mode and get things back to normalcy again.
Next up:If you have an Android device and want to boot in Safe Mode to fix any underlying problems, learn how the steps to achieve this in our next article.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Boot into Android Safe Mode to Troubleshoot Your DeviceAlso See#apple #macbook
Did You Know
Apple has 25 operational renewable energy projects around the world.
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Top 4 Ways to Fix Mac Desktop Icons Missing or Not Showing
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A Universal Serial Bus or USB drive, also known as a flash drive is a portable data storage device that includes a memory which includes a USB interface. It is typically removable and much smaller than an optical disc. Any sort of data can be stored in this device. The drives are available in various sizes and if we talk about storage, the 2TB(Tera-Byte) flash drives in terms of storage capacity are the largest ones available in the market.
Today, these drives are one of the most consumed used devices in the world. Thanks to their portable nature, affordability, and compatibility, USB drives are being used to send and receive endless information across a surplus of networks and platforms all around the globe. This small tool has opened the world to a stream of limitless options for storing, transferring, copying data, and much more. One of them includes Booting the Mac from such a device.
Part 1. Reasons for Mac Boot from USB:
Booting the Mac from USB in a way gives the power back to the user. The likeliest of the reason for choosing the boot from the USB method is that your Mac won't start which denies the user access to the computer. Using an external source like the USB drive helps the user get around the problem. It provides the user access to the contents of the internal drive, assuming the data is safe and not corrupted. It also helps to repair the Mac disk with Disk Utility and other tools. Here are the top reasons why the user should choose to Boot Mac from USB:
What Is A Boot Disc For Mac Catalina
- Allows the user to install a different version of macOS.
- It allows the user to test a new version before you decide to upgrade.
- Allows risk-free testing of the Beta version.
- Faster and efficient.
- By installing older versions through USB, it permits certain Apps to run which are not compatible with the latest macOS.
Part 2. Preparations for Booting Mac from USB:
To ensure a risk-free procedure certain measure should be taken:
- The user should buy a name-brand flash drive.
- The USB should contain 16-32GB of free space.
- The user should scan the flash drive with some reputable Anti-Virus software.
- The user should check to see what size of ports they have on the Mac. A 12' Mac only contains a single C-Type port.
- Make sure to purchase the C port flash drive to avoid any inconvenience.
- It is recommended that the user should go with a USB 3.0 supported drive, with a size of 16GB to ensure a swift transfer of data.
- The USB drive should be formatted with a supported GUID partition.
- It should contain an OS X installer or a usable operating system to work with.
Part 3. How to Create Bootable USB on Mac:
There are a few general guidelines that can help get your machine started which are mentioned above, regardless of the OS the user prefers.
Onone perfect resize for mac. ON1 creates world-class photo editing software applications for photographers to save them time.
Here are the methods to create a bootable USB drive on Mac.
- Creating a Bootable USB Using Terminal.
- Create a Bootable drive with the help a third party compression software, which is available for free.
Creating a Bootable USB Using Terminal:
What Happens When Your Mac Is in Safe Mode
Several things happen when you start your Mac in Safe Mode. Specifically, it does the following:
- You Mac loads required kernel extensions needed to run macOS.
- It verifies your startup drive by performing a directory check and attempts repairs for any issues.
- It prevents startup and login items from automatically opening at startup.
- It disables user-installed (third-party) fonts besides those found in System/Library/Fonts supplied by Apple.
- It deletes all font caches and moves them to the trash, including kernel cache and other system cache files.
- It also deletes the dynamic loader cache known for causing the blue screen freeze during startup.
- It disables or limits features such as the DVD Player, iMovie (won't capture video), internal and/or external modems, AirPort cards (depending on the version and macOS version in use), Quartz Extreme, and Network file sharing.
Apple Boot Disk
How to Start up Your Mac in Safe Mode
To start up in Safe Mode, take the steps below:
Step 1: Start or restart your Mac.
Step 2: Press and hold down the Shift key immediately when you hear the chime. You'll see the Apple logo appear on your screen.
Step 3:Release the Shift key once the login window comes up. If your Mac's startup disk is encrypted with FileVault, you'll log in twice – the first login unlocks the startup disk, while the second logs you in the Finder.
Note: Once you establish the problem, you can leave Safe Mode by restarting your Mac without pressing any keys at startup.How to Tell Whether Your Mac Is in Safe Mode
You can tell whether your Mac is in Safe Mode by using the System Information app. The System Information app (also known as System Profiler in some versions of OS X) shows a summary of information about your Mac's software, hardware, network and other information.
To go to the System Information app, click Apple menu> About This Mac to open an overview of your Mac computer, including its model, memory, processor, serial number, and macOS version.
You can see more information by clicking the System Report button.
Under the Software section in System Information, you'll see the text 'Safe' instead of 'Normal' next to the Boot Mode.
The login window will also show the Safe Boot label on the top right side of the screen when in Safe Mode.
What to Do When Your Mac Won't Turn on or Start up in Safe Mode
Here are some things to check for when your Mac won't turn on, or it powers on but doesn't complete the startup process:
- Check for power-related issues such as sounds from the fan or hard disk among other startup sounds. Check also for lights like the sleep indicator light, Caps Lock key, or backlit keyboard, if you have one.
- You can also check that it's receiving power by ensuring the power cable is undamaged and plugged in securely into a working power outlet.
- Check that you're using the right power cable and adapter, and if you're using an external display, power it on and ensure it doesn't have other display problems. Turn up your display's brightness from the built-in keyboard.
- Check other startup issues if it doesn't finish starting up such as a recently installed hard disk/SSD or memory, and ensure that it's compatible and correctly installed. You can also remove and test with the original disk or memory.
If you still need further assistance, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized Apple Store or Service Provider.
If you have no keyboard or can't use your keyboard's Shift key to start in safe mode, you can configure your Mac to boot in safe mode if you have remote access to your Mac. To do this:
Step 1: Open Terminal remotely to access the command line, or log into your Mac using SSH. Use this Terminal command: sudo nvram boot-args='-x'
Alternatively, start in verbose mode using the command:
Step 2: After you're done using safe mode, return to normal startup using this Terminal command:
Get Your Mac Running Again
If you have any issues with your Mac, now you know how to start it up in Safe Mode and get things back to normalcy again.
Next up:If you have an Android device and want to boot in Safe Mode to fix any underlying problems, learn how the steps to achieve this in our next article.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Boot into Android Safe Mode to Troubleshoot Your DeviceAlso See#apple #macbook
Did You Know
Apple has 25 operational renewable energy projects around the world.
More in Mac
Top 4 Ways to Fix Mac Desktop Icons Missing or Not Showing
Sep 19, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
A Universal Serial Bus or USB drive, also known as a flash drive is a portable data storage device that includes a memory which includes a USB interface. It is typically removable and much smaller than an optical disc. Any sort of data can be stored in this device. The drives are available in various sizes and if we talk about storage, the 2TB(Tera-Byte) flash drives in terms of storage capacity are the largest ones available in the market.
Today, these drives are one of the most consumed used devices in the world. Thanks to their portable nature, affordability, and compatibility, USB drives are being used to send and receive endless information across a surplus of networks and platforms all around the globe. This small tool has opened the world to a stream of limitless options for storing, transferring, copying data, and much more. One of them includes Booting the Mac from such a device.
Part 1. Reasons for Mac Boot from USB:
Booting the Mac from USB in a way gives the power back to the user. The likeliest of the reason for choosing the boot from the USB method is that your Mac won't start which denies the user access to the computer. Using an external source like the USB drive helps the user get around the problem. It provides the user access to the contents of the internal drive, assuming the data is safe and not corrupted. It also helps to repair the Mac disk with Disk Utility and other tools. Here are the top reasons why the user should choose to Boot Mac from USB:
What Is A Boot Disc For Mac Catalina
- Allows the user to install a different version of macOS.
- It allows the user to test a new version before you decide to upgrade.
- Allows risk-free testing of the Beta version.
- Faster and efficient.
- By installing older versions through USB, it permits certain Apps to run which are not compatible with the latest macOS.
Part 2. Preparations for Booting Mac from USB:
To ensure a risk-free procedure certain measure should be taken:
- The user should buy a name-brand flash drive.
- The USB should contain 16-32GB of free space.
- The user should scan the flash drive with some reputable Anti-Virus software.
- The user should check to see what size of ports they have on the Mac. A 12' Mac only contains a single C-Type port.
- Make sure to purchase the C port flash drive to avoid any inconvenience.
- It is recommended that the user should go with a USB 3.0 supported drive, with a size of 16GB to ensure a swift transfer of data.
- The USB drive should be formatted with a supported GUID partition.
- It should contain an OS X installer or a usable operating system to work with.
Part 3. How to Create Bootable USB on Mac:
There are a few general guidelines that can help get your machine started which are mentioned above, regardless of the OS the user prefers.
Onone perfect resize for mac. ON1 creates world-class photo editing software applications for photographers to save them time.
Here are the methods to create a bootable USB drive on Mac.
- Creating a Bootable USB Using Terminal.
- Create a Bootable drive with the help a third party compression software, which is available for free.
Creating a Bootable USB Using Terminal:
The terminal is the default gateway to the command line on a Mac. It is just like the Command Prompt feature works for MS Windows. The Terminal feature ensures a hassle-free experience for the Mac user without the conventional pointing and clicking, the user just has to type the commands and the computer does the rest. The user can find Terminal in the Applications>Utilities folder or it can be checked in the finder utility.
Using the Terminal feature is the most simple way to create the bootable USB drive. The user just needs to follow one easy step which is renaming the MyVolume portion of the command with the name of the drive. The name of the drive can be changed using the Disk Utility of Mac.
Here are the steps required after opening the Terminal feature to create a bootable USB drive.
- Copy and paste the command which is suited for the version of the operating system into the Terminal window.
- The command for macOS Mojave is as follows:
sudo /Applications/InstallmacOSMojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume/Volumes/MyVolume
- Press the Return key.
- Enter the password.
- Confirm to erase the USB drive by typing Y followed by the Return key.
- The terminal will erase all the data inside the drive and create the bootable USB drive.
If there is a need to install a different version of the operating system then the user just has to replace the above-underlined command with their desired version of OS. For example, if the user wants to install Mac OS Sierra instead of Mojave then they would have to replace 'Mojave.app' with 'Sierra.app' inside the command line.
Part 4. How to Boot Mac from USB Media:
After creating a bootable USB drive, the user simply needs to plug the created drive into the open port on the Mac. Here are the steps to boot Mac from the USB flash drive:
- Power on the system.
- Press and hold the Option (Alt) key on the keyboard when the computer starts.
- Select the USB drive as a startup disk when the option appears.
- The system will start the boot process off the USB drive.
- Install the operating system from the macOS utilities.
- Data can be restored by using the Time-Machine backup option.
Part 5. How to Recover Data from Unbootable Mac:
The Mac becomes unbootable when the BIOS which is a firmware that is used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process fails to recognize the startup process. It usually happens when there is a failed system update, system crash, damaged MBR, or when the drive becomes corrupt.
Recoverit Mac Data Recovery tool is the most efficient option to recover all the lost data when Mac becomes unbootable. Developed by Wondershare, Recoverit is one of the most preferred recovery tools in the world. The tool provides an instant preview of what is recovered after a detailed scan. It allows you to connect almost every type of portable device and recover data from them. Data can be restored by performing the recovery and repair process. The process involves the installation of the Recoverit software that offers users the chance to get back the important data that they had lost.
First of all, the user is required to download the Recoverit software on the Mac system from the official website. Here are the following step required to recover data from an unbootable computer:
- Installation: Please Install Recoverit by clicking on the icon.
- Select the folder: Select the 'Recover from Crash Computer' option.
- Initiate Recovery Process: Click on 'Start' for the recovery process to launch.
- Create Bootable Drive: Select the 'Create USB bootable drive' option and click on 'Create'.
- A pop up will appear that will prompt the user to format the USB drive.
- Format the Drive: Click on 'Format' Now.
- The process will start that will create a bootable flash drive.
What Is A Startup Disc On Mac Computer
- Recover Data: After the boot is completed, click on the 'View Guide' option to recover data.
- Start Recoverit: Launch the Recoverit software again.
- Recover Data: Scan the drives for lost data.
All hope gets lost when the computer becomes unbootable and the data gets deleted. Recoverit recovery software is the most convenient program when it comes to retrieving lost data from the computer.
Conclusion:
Installing the macOS from a USB flash drive gives the user an instant solution when the Mac installer due to some reason refused to work. The method to create a bootable drive is easier than it sounds. Now, you know what to do whenever you want to upgrade your macOS from a bootable external source by following different methods to ensure a safe and hassle-free process. If you lose valuable data when the Mac becomes unbootable then you can easily recover the lost files by using the Recoverit recovery software. Recoverit guarantees data recovery in no time.
Video Tutorial on How to Boot Mac into Recovery Mode
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