Problem
A Mac user experiences a problem with their computer and wish to try running in safe mode to isolate the problem furher.
Applies to
- Mac desktop and laptops
Resolution
One can run the Mac OS operating system in Safe Mode to identify if any third party apps or drivers may be responsible for the problem.
Steps for Apple Silicon Macs
- Fully shut down the Mac and wait approximately 10 seconds before continuing with the step below.
- Press and hold power button, then release when "Loading startup options" is displayed.
- Click on the Macintosh HD or whatever the name of the internal SSD volume is.
- Press and hold SHIFT key, then click "Continue in Safe Mode". The Mac will restart, and "Safe Boot" will appear in red in the menu bar when the login window appears.
Steps for Intel Macs
- If the Mac is running close all applications.
- Then click Apple menu > Shut down and wait 10 seconds.
- Press and hold with left or right shift key on the keyboard.
- With the shift key held down press power button.
- Hold shift key until the Mac starts up.
If for some reason you are unable to get into Safe Mode you may need to Boot into recovery mode instead to fix the operating system.