Graphics will no longer be accelerated as default drivers are loaded. Past the login screen, you’ll notice slower overall performance. If you’re in safe mode, the words “Safe Boot” in red letters will appear in the menu bar in the upper right corner of the screen. The first indication that you’re starting up in safe mode appears when you land on the login screen. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re in safe mode, take note of the following signs that give it away.

3 ways of telling if you’re started in safe mode

Tip: If you use the FileVault feature to encrypt the entire startup disk, release the key when your Mac prompts you to unlock the disk, type in your password, and press Enter.Ĥ) Release the Shift key when the desktop or Mac’s login screen appears. You would ideally hit Shift as soon as possible after you hear the start up tone. Otherwise, just power it on and proceed to step 3.Ģ) After your Mac shuts down, power it on again.ģ) Immediately press and hold the Shift key.ĭo not press the Shift key before you hear the startup chime (if you normally hear the start up chime on your Mac). How to boot Intel-based Mac in safe modeįollow these steps to start up your Mac with an Intel processor in safe mode:ġ) If your Mac is awake, shut it down by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu. You will see the words “Safe Boot” in Mac’s menu bar and System Information. Now, your Mac will now boot in safe mode. You may have to enter your Mac’s password. You will see Continue below it.Ĥ) Press and hold the Shift key and Continue will change to Continue in Safe Mode. How to start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe modeįollow these steps to boot your M1 Mac in safe mode:ġ) Shut down your Mac by clicking  > Shut Down.Ģ) Press and then quickly press and hold your Mac’s power button and release it when “ Loading startup options” appears on the screen.ģ) Select a startup volume. As a bonus, booting in safe mode also forces a check of your startup disk.

This is by design to help you troubleshoot your Mac and isolate the cause of a software conflict. What does get loaded are the bare minimum level of drivers and essential software. In safe mode, your Mac prevents some software, such as startup items, from loading. Not only does starting up in safe mode help isolate software issues from hardware failures, but it is a recommended way of diagnosing problems should you encounter problems that cannot be fixed any other way.

Like safe mode on Windows, macOS’s safe booting mode is designed for troubleshooting purposes. 13) Still having issues? What is safe mode?

Entering safe mode on mac pro