Introduction:
Video Tutorial:
Safe mode is a boot option in Mac that starts your computer in a basic, minimal state with just the necessary drivers and services. This mode allows you to troubleshoot and identify issues with software that may be causing problems on your computer.
Many users might want to start their Mac in safe mode if they are experiencing problems like frequent crashing, app freezes, or performance issues. Safe mode will help users to understand if a particular piece of software is causing the issue which can then be uninstalled, updated or fixed. In this article, we will discuss the challenge of turning on Safe mode on a Mac, things you should prepare for, methods to turn on Safe mode, reasons why you might not be able to turn on Safe mode, additional tips, five frequently asked questions, and a concluding note.
The Challenge of Turning on Safe Mode on Mac:
Although booting in safe mode is a useful troubleshooting technique, it can be challenging to initiate this mode on Mac. The standard procedure for booting in Safe Mode — just hold down the Shift key during start-up — doesn’t always work the first time. In some Macs, safe mode starts up immediately with a simple keystroke, but others require a more challenging process.
The process can also be more challenging for those who are less technically proficient. You may need to restart your Mac repeatedly or look for external resources to understand the procedure to boot in safe mode. Moreover, if you encounter any issues while in Safe Mode, only basic features are enabled, so fixing the problem may be challenging.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before starting Safe Mode on your Mac, there are some important things to prepare. These include:
1. Backup Important Files: If Safe mode doesn’t work correctly, you may need to do a wipe of your Mac OS drive and start from scratch. Therefore, it’s important to backup all your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
2. Check for Updates: If you are experiencing problems with an app, make sure it is up to date with the latest software updates from the app store.
3. Disconnect External Devices: When starting up in Safe Mode, it is recommended to remove any external devices (like printers, hard drives, or other peripherals) that Mac OS uses to boot up. These devices can interfere with the startup process and prevent safe mode from functioning correctly.
Methods to Turn on Safe Mode on Mac:
Method 1: Use Built-in Apple Functions
Here are the steps to boot in Safe Mode using the built-in Apple functions:
1. Hold down the power button on the Mac to shut it down
2. Press the power button again to turn it on
3. Press and hold the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound
4. Release the Shift key once you see the Apple logo and progress bar.
Pros:
1. Simple and easy-to-understand process
2. No third-party software or resources needed
3. Works for most Mac models
Cons:
1. May not work the first time
2. No verbose boot information is displayed
3. Start-up may take longer than usual
Method 2: Use System Preferences
If the previous method doesn’t work, you can use the Mac’s System Preferences.
1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences
2. Click on Users & Groups
3. Click on the Lock icon and enter your administrator password
4. Click on Login Options
5. Click on the Restart button next to Restart in Safe Mode
Pros:
1. No need to enter multiple keystrokes
2. Neater shutdown process
3. Restarting brings you straight into Safe Mode
Cons:
1. Does not work for certain Mac models
2. Can only access this function if you are an administrator of your computer
Method 3: Use Terminal
If the previous methods fail, you can use Terminal to boot in safe mode.
1. Press Command + Space Bar to open Spotlight
2. Type Terminal and select it from the options
3. Type in the following command: sudo nvram boot-args="-x"
4. Restart your computer
Pros:
1. Useful if there are issues with keyboard commands
2. Quick and simple
3. No extra software or installations required
Cons:
1. Command-line interface may be intimidating for some
2. Very limited help information available.
Method 4: Use Apple Diagnostics
If you suspect there may be hardware issues with your Mac, you can use Apple Diagnostics to identify the problem.
1. Turn off your Mac
2. Press and hold the D key while pressing the power button to start up the computer
3. Continue to hold the D key until you see the Apple Diagnostics screen
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix the hardware issues
Pros:
1. Comprehensive testing of the internal hardware
2. Free of cost.
3. Helps you identify hardware issues in your Mac.
Cons:
1. Only works on newer Mac models
2. Diagnosing hardware issues may be difficult for non-professional users
Why Can’t I Turn on Safe Mode on Mac?
1. Faulty Keyboard: If you are using a wireless keyboard, the batteries may be low or not working. When the keyboard isn’t working, you can’t enter the keyboard commands to start up.
2. Stuck Keys: Holding down the Shift key during the startup process is crucial to boot in safe mode. If any other key is sticking down your Mac might not recognise it, and you won’t be able to access Safe mode.
3. Outdated Mac Version: If you are running an outdated macOS version, you may experience issues attempting to boot into safe mode. Some older models may not support this feature with the latest updates.
Fixes:
1. Replace the batteries of your keyboard if required. Alternatively, consider changing the keyboard if it isn’t functioning.
2. Clean your keyboard in case a key is stuck. Alternatively, attach an external keyboard to the Mac.
3. Check if your Mac is compatible with the latest macOS version. If it isn’t, consider upgrading only to a more suitable and compatible version.
Additional Tips:
1. Exit Safe Mode: To exit Safe Mode, restart your computer as usual without holding down any key.
2. Check if it machine boots slowly: If you find that your computer is running slowly when in Safe Mode, try performing a disk cleanup, and clear the cache and history of the applications you frequently use.
3. Reset the SMC or PRAM: If you have followed all methods and still can’t boot up your Mac in Safe Mode, you may perform SMC or PRAM reset.
FAQs:
Q. How long does Safe Mode take to start up on Mac?
A. Safe mode may take longer than usual to startup as only the required drivers and services are loaded.
Q. Can I use the internet while in Safe Mode on Mac?
A. Yes, you can use the internet unless your internet settings or configuration is causing the issues. In some cases, some websites may not function correctly, so it’s best to troubleshoot the browser issues.
Q. Will everything on my computer be deleted if I restart in Safe Mode?
A. No, safe mode is designed to load up only the essential drivers and services that are required for the OS to function. No personal files or data will be deleted when you start up in Safe Mode.
Q. Can I print or use an external drive when in Safe Mode on Mac?
A. No, high-level features like USB ports, microphone, and speakers won’t work in safe mode due to the minimal drivers loaded.
Q. How do I identify if the Safe Mode is activated on Mac?
A. The menu bar will read "Safe Mode" when you start up in this mode.
In Conclusion:
Starting a Mac in Safe Mode is a useful technique to identify software and hardware issues. Although the process can be challenging, these four methods described above should help you get started in Safe Mode on your Mac. Make sure to backup your important files, remove any peripherals and check for software updates before attempting any of these methods. If the methods don’t work, consider consulting a professional to diagnose the problem.