How to start a Mac in Safe Mode

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for starting a Mac in Safe Mode.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To start a Mac in Safe Mode, power on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window. This mode helps troubleshoot issues by preventing certain software from loading at startup.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting your Mac in Safe Mode, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A Mac computer running macOS (version-specific instructions below).
  • •Access to an administrator account for troubleshooting if needed.
  • •Backup important data using Time Machine or another backup solution.
  • •Ensure your Mac is connected to a power source if it's a laptop.

Method 1: Starting in Safe Mode via Keyboard Shortcut

This is the primary method to boot your Mac in Safe Mode. Use this when you suspect issues with startup items or extensions.
  • •Step 1: Shut down your Mac completely by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting 'Shut Down'.
  • •Step 2: Once the Mac is off, press the power button to turn it on, and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  • •Step 3: Release the Shift key when you see the login window. You should see 'Safe Boot' in the menu bar on the right.
  • •Step 4: To verify it worked, go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Software. Look for 'Boot Mode: Safe' in the overview.

For macOS Ventura and later

In macOS Ventura and later, the process remains the same, but you may also use the Startup Options menu.
  • •Step 1: Shut down your Mac.
  • •Step 2: Press and hold the power button until you see 'Loading Options'.
  • •Step 3: Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking 'Continue in Safe Mode'.

For macOS Monterey and earlier

The method is consistent across these versions, focusing on the Shift key during startup.
  • •Step 1: Shut down your Mac.
  • •Step 2: Power it on and immediately hold the Shift key until the login window appears.

Method 2: Starting in Safe Mode via Terminal

This method is useful if you cannot access the graphical interface or prefer command-line tools.
  • •Step 1: Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  • •Step 2: Type the command 'sudo nvram boot-args='-x'' and press Enter. You will need to enter your admin password.
  • •Step 3: Restart your Mac. It will boot into Safe Mode.
  • •Step 4: To return to normal mode, repeat the process but use 'sudo nvram -c' to clear the boot arguments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to boot into Safe Mode, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Mac won't boot into Safe Mode' - Solution: Ensure you are holding the Shift key immediately after turning on your Mac.
  • •Issue: 'Stuck on Apple logo' - Fix: Try resetting the NVRAM/PRAM by holding Option + Command + P + R during startup.
  • •Problem: 'Safe Mode not resolving issues' - Workaround: Consider reinstalling macOS or checking for hardware issues.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some additional tips to enhance your experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + R - Boot into Recovery Mode for advanced troubleshooting.
  • •Command line: 'fsck -fy' - Use in Single User Mode to check and repair your disk.
  • •Hidden feature: Use Activity Monitor in Safe Mode to identify problematic processes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Using Safe Mode effectively can help isolate and resolve issues without the interference of third-party software.