How to use mac recovery mode effectively [2025]

Detailed explanation of macOS recovery mode: The ultimate guide to saving data

First time using Mac recovery mode? don’t worry! This article will help you easily master the startup methods and practical skills of macOS recovery mode, help you solve Mac system problems and protect valuable data.

Key points:

• Intel Mac boot recovery mode: After shutting down, press and hold the Command R key, and then press the Power key. Release Command R key after seeing the Apple logo or other image.
• Apple Silicon Mac boot recovery mode: After shutting down, press and hold the power key until you see the boot options screen.

What is macOS recovery mode?

macOS recovery mode is a software tool that is loaded before macOS startup, and can repair the Mac system even if the operating system cannot be started.

Why use macOS recovery mode?

macOS recovery mode is widely used, such as:

• Mac for sale: Securely erase all data, including Apple ID.
• Fix Mac issues: Troubleshooting in a resource-minimized environment.
• Using Disk Utility: Fix hard drive issues.
• Restore from Time Machine Backup: Restore the entire system.

Tips: Every time you restart in recovery mode or make major changes to your Mac, it is recommended to clean up the system first, such as using a Mac such as CleanMyMac to maintain applications to optimize system performance.

How to start Mac recovery mode?

The startup method depends on whether your Mac is based on an Intel processor or an Apple Silicon chip. Go to System Settings > About this unit to view the processor type.

Start Apple Silicon Mac recovery mode:

1. Shut down.
2. Press and hold the power key until you see "Load Startup Options".
3. Click Options > Continue.
4. Enter the administrator account password.

Start Intel Mac recovery mode:

1. Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen and select Restart.
2. Press and hold Command R key until you see the startup screen.
3. Enter your Mac password (if any).
4. Select the disk you want to recover.
5. Select the administrator account and enter your password.

Different start key combinations:

• Command R : Install the latest macOS version installed on your Mac. This combination should also be used when selling or giving away Macs running OS X El Capitan or earlier.
• Option/Alt Command R : Upgrade to the latest macOS version that is compatible with your Mac.
• Shift Option Command R : Install the macOS version that comes with your Mac, or install the closest available version.

How to start recovery mode over the Internet?

If local recovery is corrupted or inaccessible, you can use Internet recovery mode to load recovery tools from Apple servers.

Intel Mac:

1. Completely shut down.
2. Press and hold the Power key and hold the Command Option R or Command Shift Option R keys simultaneously until the Rotate Globe and Start Internet Recovery message appears.
3. Select Wi-Fi and enter your password.
4. Wait for the Mac to boot into Internet recovery mode (may take several minutes to several hours).

Apple Silicon Mac: Internet recovery mode has been merged with standard macOS recovery mode. Starting the Internet recovery mode is the same as starting the standard recovery mode, both require a network connection.

1. Press and hold the Touch ID button for a few seconds to start the Mac.
2. Click the Wi-Fi icon to make sure the network is available.
3. Click "Options" and "Continue" to enter macOS Internet recovery mode.

Other options in recovery mode:

After entering recovery mode, you can:

• Using the terminal: Execute command line tasks.
• Access the Startup Security Utility: Set the Startup Disk options.
• Access Network Utility: Test the network connection.
• Restore from Time Machine Backup: Restore the system to its previous state.
• View recovery log: View log information during recovery process.

My experience and advice:

To avoid data loss, it is recommended to back up the data regularly and store it on a separate drive. I recommend using Get Backup Pro for incremental compression backups and conveniently back up individual folders.

FAQ:

• How to exit recovery mode? Just restart or shut down.
• Can recovery mode be activated without a keyboard? No, you need to press the key combination. It is recommended to connect an external keyboard.
• What to do if your Mac cannot start recovery mode? Try restarting, checking the keyboard, Safe Mode startup, Time Machine recovery, or creating a bootable installer.

In short, mastering macOS recovery mode can effectively solve Mac system problems and protect data security. Remember to back up regularly to rest assured!

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