This guide will explain the essentials of Safe Mode: what it is, why it’s needed, and how to use it. We’ll show you how to identify your Mac model, the steps to start it in Safe Mode, and how to tell if you’re in Safe Mode. You’ll also learn about starting Safe Mode using Terminal, what to do if your Mac won’t boot in Safe Mode, how to fix this issue, and how to exit Safe Mode. This information will assist you in effectively managing your Mac’s performance and troubleshooting issues. Safe Mode is an unusual way to start your devices that helps fix problems with the operating system. Think of it as a tool for diagnosing and solving issues. Safe Mode can be useful when your Mac isn’t working right. Here are some common problems where Safe Mode can help:
Your Mac is very slow, and you notice that something called “kernel_task” uses much of the computer’s power.Your Mac freezes and doesn’t respond.The computer keeps restarting on its own.Your Mac won’t start properly and shows a blank screen or a pink, grey, or black screen.It gets stuck on the loading bar when you’re trying to start it.You can’t get past the login screen.There’s a kernel panic when your Mac is in sleep mode, especially if you’re using macOS Ventura.
In these situations, Safe Mode is there to help figure out and fix the problem.
Figure out your Mac type
First, figure out what kind of Mac you have to start fixing your Mac. This is important as the steps for starting your Mac in Safe Mode will vary by the Mac type. Here’s how to do it: If, instead, you see “Processor” with a name like “Intel Core i9,” your Mac has an Intel processor. For this type, you’ll use different steps to fix your Mac. It’s important to know which kind you have because the troubleshooting steps vary depending on the type of Mac.
How to start Mac in Safe Mode
Now that you understand what Safe Mode is on a Mac, let’s look at how to start your Mac in Safe Mode. The steps to do this depend on the type of chip your Mac has –an Intel chip or an M1 chip. Each type has a different method for starting in Safe Mode. Here’s a simple guide on how to boot a Mac in Safe Mode:
↪ Start your Mac with Apple Silicon in Safe Mode
To start a Mac with an Apple silicon chip in Safe Mode, follow these steps: Your computer will restart by itself. When you get to the login window, there should be a label that says “Safe Boot” on the top menu bar. This means you’re in Safe Mode.
↪ Start your Intel-based Mac in safe Mode
To start your Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode, follow these instructions:
How do you know you are in Safe Mode?
When you’re in Safe Mode on your Mac, you can tell by a few signs. One clear indicator is the words “Safe Boot” in the menu at the top right corner of your screen. This is especially true for the latest versions of macOS. You might also notice other signs that you’re in Safe Mode. Your system may respond more slowly than usual, and the animations might not be as smooth. To confirm that you’re in Safe Mode, you can follow these steps:
Start Mac in Safe Mode using Terminal
Starting your Mac in Safe Mode using Terminal might sound tricky, especially if you’re not used to working with Terminal. However, it’s useful when you don’t have a keyboard connected to your Mac or want it to always start in Safe Mode until you decide otherwise. Here’s a simple way to do it: This Command tells your Mac to start in Safe Mode. Remember, this will keep happening until you change the setting. Note: Enter your user password when prompted. Remember, Terminal doesn’t display your password when you type it. If you type the wrong password, Terminal asks you to try again.
To leave Safe Mode, you’ll need to use Terminal again. Open Terminal and type this Command: sudo nvram boot-args=””. You might need to enter your password again. After this, restart your Mac, and it will boot up normally, exiting Safe Mode.
How do I exit Safe Mode on my Mac?
To exit Safe Mode (also known as Safe Boot) on your Mac, you just need to restart it. Do this the way you usually would, but remember that restarting from Safe Mode might take longer than a normal restart. If your Mac has already restarted on its own while in Safe Mode, it probably means it fixed a problem with the startup disk. But, if your Mac keeps restarting repeatedly and you can’t get out of this loop, it’s a good idea to contact Apple Support or take your Mac to an authorized repair shop.
Fix Mac won’t boot into Safe Mode
If your Mac won’t start in Safe Mode, here are some steps you can try to fix the problem:
Option key method: Hold down the Option key and press the Power button on your Mac. This will show you the startup disk. Choose it to try booting into Safe Mode.Reset SMC (System Management Controller): First, shut down your Mac. Then press the Option, Control, and Shift keys together for about 10 seconds. This resets the SMC. After that, try starting your Mac in Safe Mode again.Turn off the Firmware password: Restart your Mac and immediately press Command + R. This will take you to the Mac Recovery Mode. Enter your firmware password if you have one and choose your language. Then go to Utilities > Startup Security Utility and select “Turn Off Firmware Password.”Turn off FileVault: Go to the Apple menu, System Settings, and Privacy & Security. In the right window, scroll down to find FileVault. If it’s on, click the “Turn Off” button to disable it.
These steps can help if your Mac has trouble starting in Safe Mode. Remember, these are more advanced steps, so if you’re not comfortable with them, you might want to get help from someone who is more experienced with Macs.
