How to Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode

Learn how to boot your Mac in safe mode with our step-by-step guide. Troubleshoot issues and optimize performance easily.

Safe Mode in macOS can be a lifesaver when it comes to troubleshooting startup issues on your Mac. It is a stripped-down version of the operating system that allows you to boot your Mac without launching any other programs, including login items, system extensions, and third-party fonts. This helps to identify and resolve any problems that may be preventing your Mac from starting up properly. In addition, Safe Mode also cleans out temporary files and caches, which can help improve the overall performance of your computer.

Safe Mode is particularly useful when your Mac is experiencing issues such as a frozen or unresponsive screen, unexpected shutdowns, or a spinning beach ball that just won't go away. It can also be used to troubleshoot problems with login items, system extensions, and other software that may be causing conflicts. However, it is worth noting that Safe Mode does come with some limitations, such as not being able to use certain apps, limited peripheral support, and limited internet access.

If you're new to using a Mac or have never had to troubleshoot startup issues before, don't worry – starting your Mac in Safe Mode is a fairly straightforward process. The steps may vary slightly depending on whether your Mac is powered by Intel or Apple silicon, so it's important to check which type of processor your Mac has before proceeding.

To start your Mac in Safe Mode if it's powered by Intel, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac completely by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and selecting 'Shut Down.'

2. Once your Mac is fully shut down, press the power button to turn it back on.

3. Immediately press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard as soon as you hear the startup chime. Keep holding the Shift key until you see the Apple logo and a progress bar appear on your screen.

4. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen. You should now be logged into Safe Mode.

To start your Mac in Safe Mode if it's powered by Apple silicon, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac completely by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and selecting 'Shut Down.'

2. Once your Mac is fully shut down, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Release the power button when you see the startup options appear on your screen.

3. Click on the Options icon that appears on your screen and select 'Continue in Safe Mode.'

4. Your Mac will now boot into Safe Mode.

If you're unable to start your Mac in Safe Mode using the above steps, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. This will erase all of your data and settings, so it should only be done as a last resort. 

To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac completely by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and selecting 'Shut Down.'

2. Once your Mac is fully shut down, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Release the power button when you see the startup options appear on your screen.

3. Click on the Options icon that appears on your screen and select 'Reinstall macOS.'

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reinstallation process.

Starting your Mac in Safe Mode can be a great way to troubleshoot startup issues and improve the overall performance of your computer. However, it's important to keep in mind that Safe Mode does come with some limitations, so it should only be used when necessary. If you're still experiencing issues after starting your Mac in Safe Mode, it may be worth seeking further assistance from a professional or contacting Apple Support for help.