How to start Mac in Recovery Mode [2024 Updated]

Have you run into a problem in your start Mac in Recovery Mode and are unable to solve it? Do you want to know how specialists can repair and restore your MacBook?

You’ve landed on the right page. Recovery Mode was introduced in 2010 with the introduction of OS X 10.7 Lion, allowing users to play geek when their Macs needed it the most.

Let’s go over this step-by-step method for starting your Mac in recovery mode.

What is Mac Recovery Mode?

In layman’s terms, it’s a recovery system integrated into your Mac. The capability works by running several utilities from a separate disk partition created after macOS installation.

The tool may be quite useful for completing a variety of tasks. Let’s look at them.

• Before transferring your computer to someone else, erase it. To wipe your data and deactivate Apple ID.
• Completely wipe your disk.
• Restore a prior macOS version.
• Address a startup failure issue.
• Scan and repair a disc.
• Set your Mac to boot from an external disk.
• Repair a Network Connectivity Error.

Note: Recovery Mode does not always operate. In such cases, you can utilize Internet Recovery Mode.

How can I boot a Mac into Recovery Mode?

• Reboot your Mac.
• Hold down Command (⌘) + R.
• Once you see the Apple logo, spinning globe, or another startup screen, release the keys.
• You’ll be asked to enter your Mac password. 
• Once you’ve entered, you’ll see the recovery mode interface, which should look like this!

Press and hold all the keys together at the same time when you restart your Mac if you can’t get into Recovery Mode, or if the Apple logo doesn’t show up. Pressing and releasing the keys must be done in a specific way. If it still doesn’t work, turn on your Mac and shut it down again. Then, hold down the same keys when the screen comes up.

Four major tools will appear on your screen when your Mac boots into recovery.

• Restore from Time Machine Backup: If you have a Time Machine back-up, you can restore the Mac by using this feature.
• Reinstall macOS: This will help you to download and reinstall macOS according to the key combination that you use.
• Get help online: You can use this mode to browse the internet and get online assistance. Apple Support links are available to help you resolve the error. It is important to note that you cannot use extensions or plug-ins in recovery mode.
• Disk utility: This feature can be used to repair or erase your disks and other compatible storage devices.

Aside from these basic tools, there are other options in the menu bar. Startup Security Utility, Network Utility, and Terminal are all available under the Utilities menu.

Does Recovery Mode delete everything on a Mac?

If you don’t have a backup, or reinstall macOS without using Disk utility before loading Recovery Mode, nothing will be deleted from your Mac.

You can boot your Mac into Recovery Mode and not worry about losing your data if you are stuck with a serious technical problem.

How to exit Mac Recovery Mode

Before using one of the macOS recovery programs, make sure you grasp the basics of each one. If you’re going to restore your Mac, you should also back up your data first.

If you are unfamiliar with these macOS recovery tools and do not want to proceed without first backing up your data, you can quit.

• Click the Apple logo in the top left corner. 
• Choose Restart or Shutdown to return to the desktop or turn it off, respectively.

If you wish to change the Startup Disk from the menu, you may do so by selecting a different option.

How to launch Terminal on start Mac in Recovery Mode?

You may launch a terminal in Recovery Mode:

• As described above, boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
• Click Utilities in the upper menu bar.
• Press Terminal.

What should you do if Recovery Mode does not work on Mac? 

For some strange reason, you may be unable to start macOS in Recovery Mode. However, determining the actual cause might be difficult; try these solutions to get it resolved quickly.

Signing Off

A big “thanks!” to macOS X 10.7, which introduced Recovery Mode and simplified disk repair and macOS reinstallation. As you learned in the lesson, booting your Mac in Recovery Mode does not compromise your data in any way. It is designed to provide technical help when needed.