By Achilles Hill | Last Updated
Starting Mac in safe mode means that safe boot Mac with only necessary kernel extensions, which usually happens when the Mac cannot boot normally because of incompatible software or hardware issues.
If you have no idea about how to boot Mac in safe mode, please follow the article. Two effective options will help you to enter Mac safe mode.
What you need: workable keyboard and power supply
Undoubtedly the keyboard makes Mac safe boot easy for someone who just wants to boot Mac in safe mode once.
1. Start or restart Mac and press and hold down Shift key.
2. Release the key until you see Apple logo.
3. When login screen appears, choose a user to access Mac computer.
Note: Computer login is always required while you safe boot Mac even though you have set Mac automatic login with one user.
Now you can check the Mac boot mode in System Report Software. And if you restart Mac again, Mac will boot normally and you will leave safe mode.
Probably it seems a little difficult for someone who is not familiar with Terminal but it will help you safe boot Mac while there is no keyboard attached to your Mac or you want to boot Mac in safe mode until you disable it by yourself.
1. Open the Terminal in FinderApplicationsUtilities.
2. Type command sudo nvram boot-args="-x" and press Enter.
Note: Please type your user password when prompted. Remember, Terminal doesn't show your password you type it. If you enter the wrong password, Terminal asks you to try again.
3. Restart Mac from Apple Menu and Mac will automatically boot in safe mode.
4. Choose a user on login screen to sign in Mac.
You will find even you have set automatic login on Mac, now there are still login screen appearing with "Safe Mode" letter at the right-bottom corner. Select a user to sign in Mac safe mode.
If you want to exit safe mode now, please open Terminal again and type the following command to run. Enter password if required. Then restart Mac and it would boot normally.
sudo nvram boot-args=""
How to check whether your Mac is booted in safe mode?
1. Click on Apple logo in the Mac menu bar and then About this Mac.
2. Click System Report on pop-up window.
3. Click Software and you can see the Boot Mode is Normal or Safe.
Related Articles:
