Mac OS - Boot a Mac or MacBook into recovery mode

Mac OS - Boot a Mac or MacBook into recovery mode

Problem

A Mac computer does not properly boot into Mac OS normally, and you need to boot the machine into recovery mode to fix the problem.


Detail

Recovery mode is a state that you can boot into that allows maintenance to be carried out to restore normal operation to a Mac which is equivalent to Safe Mode on a Windows computer.

Resolution

Apple Silicon Macs were made from November 2020 starting with M1 processor if in doubt check what type of Mac you have first then follow the steps below as appropriate.

    For Apple Silicon Mac

    1. Boot into recovery mode to troubleshoot there.
    2. Turn off Mac.
    3. Press and hold power button until you see booting into recovery mode.
    4. Then click options and continue.

    For Intel Macs

    Intel Macs are usually those that are produced mid 2020 or earlier.

    1. Press and hold the power button until the Mac turns off.
    2. Restart the Mac and immediately press and hold the Command and R keys.
    3. Release those keys when you see the loading bar

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