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how to restart mac in safe mode

To restart a Mac in safe mode, you shut it down, then start it again with a special key sequence that depends on whether it has Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, etc.) or an Intel processor. Safe mode loads only essential macOS components so you can troubleshoot crashes, freezes, or weird app behavior.

Quick Scoop

  • Safe mode = stripped‑down macOS that helps you diagnose and fix problems.
  • Apple silicon vs Intel Macs use different steps to enter safe mode.
  • To exit safe mode, just restart your Mac normally.

Check your Mac type

  • Click the Apple menu  > About This Mac.
  • Look for Chip (Apple M1/M2/M3…) or Processor (Intel). Apple chip = follow Apple silicon steps; Intel = follow Intel steps.

Apple silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) Macs

  1. Click Apple menu  > Shut Down , then wait until the screen is black and all lights are off.
  1. Press and hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options” on screen.
  1. When disks appear, select your startup disk (usually “Macintosh HD”).
  1. Now press and hold the Shift key , then click Continue in Safe Mode and release Shift.
  1. Your Mac will restart; at the login screen you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar or a Safe Mode label.

Intel-based Macs

  1. Click Apple menu  > Restart (or shut down and then turn on).
  1. Immediately after the Mac starts to power on, press and hold the Shift key. Keep holding until the login window appears, then release.
  1. Log in (you may have to log in twice), and you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar indicating safe mode.

How to exit safe mode

  • Click Apple menu  > Restart and let the Mac boot normally without holding any keys.
  • If “Safe Boot” no longer appears at the top when you log in, you are back in normal mode.

Extra troubleshooting tips

  • In safe mode, test the issue:
    • Try opening the app or feature that was causing problems.
    • If it works in safe mode, the cause is often login items, extensions, or third‑party software.
  • You can also open System Information > Software and check that Boot Mode shows Safe to confirm you’re in safe mode.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.