Are you wondering how to start Mac in recovery mode? Read this article as we have shared the complete guide to accessing recovery mode, why you need to use it, and its features.
What is Recovery Mode on Mac?
Recovery mode allows you to restore and reinstall your Mac. It is a software tool that helps you troubleshoot and fix problems; with this tool, you can fix your Mac problems and restore data even if you cannot start the operating system.
How to Start Mac in Recovery Mode?
Intel Macs
Follow the below steps to go into recovery mode if you own an Intel processor.
- Click on the Apple logo on the screen. Select restart.
- Now, instantly press and hold the command + R key until you see an Apple logo or spinning globe icon. If you see a spinning globe icon, that means your Mac is trying to boot via internet recovery mode.
- Choose the mode of recovery from the Recovery Mode Utilities window. This will include restarting from time machine backup, reinstalling MacOS, getting help online, or Disk utility.
M-series
If you have a New Mac with an Apple-based processor like an M1, M2, or M3 chip, the process will be slightly different. Here are the steps to restart your Apple silicon-based Mac recovery mode.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the power button.
- While holding the power button, you will have access to the startup options.
- Choose the option and click on Continue to open up recovery.
OR
If the above method does not work for you, you can use this method to enter Mac recovery mode.
- Restart your Macbook.
- Hold option +command + R key to force your Mac to boot into macOS recovery mode by internet.
- This will boot the Mac into recovery mode.
- Select the recovery mode feature and click on continue.
Why You Need to Use Mac Recovery Mode?
Below, we mentioned some reasons why you need to use recovery mode.
- Troubleshoot the Problems: This will boot up the Mac with minimal resources, which will help you troubleshoot the problems.
- Selling your Mac: If you are planning to sell your Mac, it is important to erase your data and Apple ID.
- Hard drive Issues: If you are facing problems with your Mac’s hard drive, then the data utility option will fix the issues.
- Restore Backup: If you have lost your data and want it back, the Time Machine backup will help you restore your Mac.
4 Options for Mac Recovery Mode
- Restore from Time Machine Backup: You can restore the entire data on your Mac by using this feature in recovery mode.
- Reinstall MacOS: This feature will help you to reinstall your macOS from starting if you are facing serious problems. As it will give a fresh start to the system and fix the software glitches.
- Erasing Your Mac: This option is for you if you are planning to sell or give away your Mac. Use erasing your Mac from recovery mode to erase the hard drive and remove all the data.
- Disk Utility: You can use Disk Utility in recovery mode to repair disk errors and permissions. This will be helpful if your Mac disk is problematic and has start-up disk issues.
3 Keyboard Shortcuts to Enter in Recovery Mode
Here are several key shortcuts to enter in the Mac recovery mode while starting the setup.
- Command + R: Press and hold the command and R key together after turning on or restarting your Mac. This is the standard keyboard shortcut to go to the recovery mode in the majority of the macs.
- Option + Command + R: Press and hold the option + Command + R key instantly after turning on or restarting your Mac. These shortcut keys allow you to boot into the Mac recovery mode, which downloads a minimal version of macOS from Apple’s server.
- Shift + Option + Command + R: Press and hold shift + option + Command + R keys instantly after turning on or restarting your Mac as it will take you to the recovery mode and install the macOS version that came with your Mac, even its older than the currently installed version.
How to Exit macOS Recovery?
To exit from Mac recovery mode, you need to restart or shut down the Mac. To do this, go to the Apple menu and click on restart or shutdown. If you restart the Mac so that it will boot as usual, or if you shut it down, your Mac will start as normal when you power it on.
Other Choices in Recovery Mode
You can access the Terminal from the recovery mode. Here are the steps to do so.
- Boot into recovery mode and click utilities.
- Now, click Terminal.
- You can use the startup security utility app and network utility app from here.
Does Recovery Mode Delete Everything on a Mac?
It depends on the option you have chosen; booting into recovery mode will not delete everything. However, if you have selected to reinstall macOS or Disk utility, then it will delete everything on your Mac.
FAQs
Q: How do I rest a Mac into recovery mode without a keyboard?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot reset your Mac into recovery mode without a keyboard.
Q: What is the command to reboot Mac?
A: Press and hold control + command + power key until you see an Apple logo.
Wrap Up
In this article, we have shared a complete guide on how to start Mac in recovery mode for Intel Macs and m-series. We have also described that when you need to use recovery mode and its features.
