Starting a Mac in safe mode: how to do it

Does your Mac freeze at startup, keep crashing, or has it been slow since you installed something? Then safe mode is a useful test. In safe mode your Mac starts with only the parts macOS needs: no extra programs at login, no third-party extensions, and some caches are cleared. This article explains how to start a Mac in safe mode, per type, and what you can do with it.

Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. Safe mode helps you see whether a problem is in the software or the hardware.

Which Mac do I have?

Choose About This Mac in the Apple menu. If it shows a chip such as M1 or newer, or an A chip as on the MacBook Neo, follow the steps for an Apple chip. If it says Intel, follow the Intel steps.

Safe mode on a Mac with an Apple chip

1. Shut the Mac down and wait until it is completely off.
2. Hold the power button (Touch ID) until you see "Loading startup options".
3. Choose your startup disk, usually Macintosh HD.
4. Hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode.
5. Log in. The Mac may ask you to log in twice.

Safe mode on an Intel Mac

1. Turn on or restart the Mac, and immediately hold Shift.
2. Release when you see the login window.
3. Log in. You may need to log in twice.

How do I know it worked?

On the login screen "Safe Boot" appears at the top right of the menu bar. You can also check in System Information, Software: Boot Mode then says "Safe". The screen may be a bit jerkier and some features do not work; that is normal.

What can you test in safe mode?

• The Mac no longer freezes? Then a program that starts at login, or an extension, is probably to blame. Check System Settings, General, Login Items and turn items off there.
• Is it just as slow or does it crash in safe mode too? Then macOS itself or the hardware is more likely.
• Does installing an update work now? Installing an update from safe mode sometimes helps.

Also read MacBook keeps freezing: causes and fixes and Activity Monitor explained.

Leaving safe mode

Simply restart the Mac without holding any keys. It then starts normally again, with your login items and extensions back as before.

The Mac will not start in safe mode

• Use the built-in keyboard; a wireless keyboard is sometimes recognised too late.
• If FileVault is on on an Intel Mac, you sometimes have to log in first before safe mode is active.
• If the Mac gets no further than the Apple logo, try Recovery mode. See opening Recovery mode and reinstalling macOS.

Safe mode or Recovery mode?

Safe mode starts macOS with only the basics, to test problems. Recovery mode is a separate system for repairing your drive, reinstalling macOS or restoring a backup. Use safe mode first; if that does not work, Recovery mode.

What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam

If your Mac also crashes in safe mode, or no longer starts at all, we test the storage, memory and logic board. You hear beforehand what is needed. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose files in safe mode?

No. Only a few caches are cleared; your files stay.

Why does my screen look odd in safe mode?

Some graphics features are off. After a normal restart it is fine again.

How long should I stay in safe mode?

As long as you need to test. It is not a mode for daily work.