Boot into Mac OS safe mode

Boot into Mac OS safe mode

Information

Use the below procedure to boot Mac OS into safe mode for troubleshooting software issues. When in safe mode any start up apps for the user will not run and therefore will facilitate troubleshooting more easily.

Application

  • Troubleshoot Mac OS and application issues on M1 Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Steps

  1. If the Mac is running close all applications.
  2. Then click Apple menu > Shut down and wait 10 seconds.
  3. Press and hold with left or right shift key on the keyboard.
  4. With the shift key held down press power button.
  5. 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.

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