If you are dealing with a problematic MacBook, starting it in Safe Mode can help address issues such as slow performance, crashes, or an app causing harm. Safe mode boots your Mac with limited functionalities, clears caches, and checks start-up disks, which can return your Mac to its original processing speed. In this guide, we will show you how to enable and disable safe mode, what safe mode does and doesn’t do, and how to tell if you are in safe mode. We will also provide tips on restoring files from your Time Machine backup and fixing disk permissions, as well as troubleshooting if your Mac is automatically starting up in safe mode.
How Do You Enable Safe Mode on a Mac?
To start your MacBook Pro in safe mode, follow these simple steps:
- Turn on your Mac and wait for the startup chime.
- Once you hear the chime, press and hold the Shift key until a progress bar and Apple logo appear on the screen.
- Then wait for your laptop to boot into the safe mode environment.
How Do You Disable Safe Mode on a Mac?
To exit safe mode, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the Apple logo and select to shut down.
- Restart your Mac without holding down the Shift key.
Don’t panic if your Mac takes a little longer to shut down. However, if it won’t shut down, check out our guide on how to overcome Mac shutdown failure.
What Does Safe Mode Do and Not Do?
Safe mode loads essential kernel extensions, clears temporary files and shared caches, inspects and verifies the boot volume, deletes specific peripheral kernel extensions, and disables all but essential startup items. However, Safe Mode bypasses drives and automatically loaded applications, so your computer operates with only basic macOS in a restricted safe mode environment.
How Do You Restore Files from Your Time Machine Backup in Safe Mode?
If you’re experiencing difficulties with an application, restoring files from your Time Machine backup can help solve the issue. Connect your Time Machine external drive to your Mac, open the window for the specific file you want to restore, and find the timeline in Time Machine. Scroll through the timeline and select the timestamp just before your app started malfunctioning. Then click Restore to restore the file.
How Do You Fix Disk Permissions Using Safe Mode?
You can fix disk permissions via safe mode to keep your Mac’s files safe from third-party applications. To do this, open Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD, click First Aid, Verify Disk, and then Repair Disk.
How Do You Tell If Your Mac is in Safe Mode?
Normal and safe modes have a similar visual environment, but in Safe Mode, you may notice inconsistent screen displays, a decreased processing speed, some peripheral devices such as microphones or mice not functioning, a disabled Quartz Extreme system extension, Wi-Fi connection failure, and some video apps not working.
What Should You Do If Your Mac Automatically Starts Up in Safe Mode?
Fix a Stuck Shift Key
A stuck or dusty Shift key can cause your Mac to reboot when you press the Power button. Remove dirt under the keys, especially the Shift key, by blowing compressed air. Then restart your Mac to check if the Safe Mode issue is resolved.
Fix Automatic Secure Boot with Terminal
If your Mac is still starting in Safe Mode, remove any external USB devices, and restart your Mac. If the issue persists, let your Mac boot into the Safe Mode environment, open Terminal, and paste the code below into the Terminal window.
sudo nvram boot-args=This code reverses the other code that forces your Mac into Safe Mode.
Get Further Assistance
If you still experience problems, contact us via the contact forum section related to this article or seek further assistance from an experienced technician.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to start and exit Safe Mode on your Mac, what Safe Mode can and can’t do, and how to troubleshoot common issues, you can address problems effectively. Restore files from your Time Machine backup or fix disk permissions via Safe Mode. If your Mac automatically starts up in Safe Mode, fix a stuck shift key or automatic secure boot with Terminal, or seek further assistance. Share this helpful guide with your friends and family to benefit from Mac troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
1. What is Safe Mode on a Mac?
Safe Mode is a restricted version of the Mac operating system that bypasses drives and automatically loaded applications. It enables the loading of only essential kernel extensions, avoids specific peripheral kernel extensions, and disables everything except essential startup items. Safe Mode checks your start-up drive and clears caches and temporary files to address issues such as slow performance, crashes, or apps causing problems.
2. How Do You Enter Safe Mode on Mac?
To start your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode, press and hold the Shift key after hearing the startup chime. Continue holding it down until a progress bar and Apple logo appear on the screen, indicating that your laptop is starting up in Safe Mode.
3. How Do You Exit Safe Mode on Mac?
To exit Safe Mode on Mac, click on the Apple logo and select Shut Down. Restart your Mac without holding down the Shift key any longer to disable Safe Mode.
4. Can You Access the Internet in Safe Mode on Mac?
In Safe Mode on Mac, some necessary system extensions are disabled, so you may not be able to connect to a Wi-Fi network. You need these extensions to access the internet and function correctly.
