Knowing how to start a Mac in recovery mode is essential when dealing with a variety of issues. Windows also includes a feature that works in a similar way to help users fix problems. Let’s look at what recovery mode is and how to utilize it on a Mac.
What is Mac Recovery Mode, exactly?
The first appearance of macOS Recovery (also known as Mac Recovery Mode) was in OS X 10.7 Lion, which was launched in 2010. You may use this recovery HD partition to access the most recent macOS version to fix problems with your Mac. Most Mac users will never need to use it unless one of the following applies:
- You need to clean the Mac because you want to sell it or give it to someone else. You may wipe your Mac clean with macOS Recovery, removing all of your data and deleting your Apple ID.
- You want to revert to an earlier version of macOS since the current one is giving you problems.
- Alternatively, you may do a clean installation of macOS, which may be essential to fix issues such as your Mac slowing down. Here’s how to do a clean and uncomplicated installation of macOS.
- You should consider doing a clean installation of macOS to repair any issues that are causing your Mac to operate slowly.
- You have a disc problem and want to use Disk Utility to resolve it.
- It’s possible that Disk Utility was unable to resolve the issue with your drive.
- You may possibly want to wipe your hard disc for another reason.
- You should restore from a Time Machine backup if you have one.
- Your internet connection isn’t working properly for you.
Let’s look at how to use Mac recovery mode now that you know when you’ll need it.
How can you quickly put your Mac into recovery mode?
The processes for entering macOS Recovery vary greatly depending on the model of Mac that is being used. The first step is to determine if you’re using an Intel-based or an Apple M1 Mac. In most circumstances, heading to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview menu item will reveal what CPU your Mac model has. You may also conduct a search at support.apple.com.
Follow the steps detailed below to put your Intel-based Mac into recovery mode:
- Shut down your Mac and then turn it back on by clicking the power button or the Touch ID button.
- Press and hold the Command and R keys together as soon as your Mac starts up or you hear the startup chime.
3.Hold down the keys for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears, then release them to put your Mac into recovery mode.
You’ll see a utility window with many recovery and troubleshooting tools once you’ve successfully booted into macOS Recovery.
In macOS Recovery, how do you start an Apple M1 Mac?
Macs with the M1 CPU require a unique set of actions. The same approach applies whether your MacBook Pro 2021 is equipped with an M1 Pro or M1 Max CPU.
Before you do anything, be sure your Mac is connected to the Internet. Why? The Internet Recovery Mode has been combined with the usual macOS Recovery Mode on Apple M1 Macs, resulting in a more smooth experience. If your M1 Mac cannot boot into recovery mode, the online macOS Recovery mode will be launched immediately.
- Shut off your M1 Mac completely.
- Press and hold the Touch ID button for a few seconds until the message “Loading startup selections” appears.
- Click Continue after selecting Options from the drop-down option next to the Macintosh HD disc.
- If asked, key in your admin name and password to access the macOS utility panel.
After you’ve booted your MacBook into macOS Recovery or M1 Mac Internet Recovery Mode, you may use the programmes to do a variety of tasks.
How to Exit Recovery Mode on a Mac
Before beginning the operation, make sure you have a basic grasp of each macOS recovery tool. If you’re intending on reinstalling your operating system, you need now back up your Mac’s data beforehand.
If you don’t know anything about these macOS recovery solutions and don’t want to risk losing your data, it’s best to stop now.
- Simply hover your mouse over the Apple logo in the top left corner.
- To return to the desktop or turn the machine off, select Restart or Shutdown, as applicable.
You may choose a different choice from the beginning disc menu if you want to start your computer from a different drive.
Key combinations that can be used to boot your Mac into recovery mode (Intel processor)
If your Mac has an Intel CPU, you may enter Recovery Mode by holding down the following keyboard keys as soon as you turn it on or restart it.
- If you want to restore a previous macOS version on your Mac, press [CMD] + [R]. While this will not upgrade the version of your system, it will utilize the one that is already installed before restarting.
- The following is the outcome of combining [OPTION] + [CMD] + [R]: This combination will update your system to the most recent version of macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
- Press [SHIFT] + [OPTION] + [CMD] + [R] to restore to the version of macOS that came with your Mac (should it no longer be available as a download).
What should you do if the recovery mode on your Mac isn’t working properly?
If your Mac’s hard disc has been physically destroyed or if your copy of macOS stored on your recovery partition is corrupted, you won’t be able to boot into Mac Recovery Mode. It’s conceivable that your Mac will instead try to access a recovery HD stored on Apple’s servers.
This might happen on its own. If the familiar Apple logo is replaced by a spinning globe during the restart process, your Mac is attempting to enter recovery mode through the Internet.
You may, however, make it do so if you want to. After you’ve attempted and failed to enter Mac Recovery Mode, restart your Mac. In this scenario, repeat the process using the key combinations that can install multiple macOS versions.
Wrapping Up
During the boot procedure, you may alternatively hold down the Option key and choose the Recovery partition. This is possible on some older Macs and Macs running earlier versions of Mac OS. In both circumstances, the end result is the same.
If you don’t have Internet connectivity, you can use Internet Recovery to restore the original Mac OS or Mac OS X system software that came with the Mac. The aspects of Internet Recovery are similar to those of normal recovery. However, the entire procedure is carried out over the Internet. And in order to utilize it, you must be connected to the Internet and have a strong internet connection.
