How to Put Your Mac in Recovery Mode: Step-by-step Guide

Sometimes, Mac users may need to access recovery mode to troubleshoot system problems, reinstall macOS, restore from a Time Machine backup or access system utilities. At iRepairs, we explain how to put your Mac in recovery mode easily and safely. Follow these simple steps to solve any problem with your device.

What is macOS Recovery Mode?

macOS recovery mode is a built-in tool that allows you to perform various maintenance and repair tasks. From here, you can:

• Reinstall macOS: Ideal if you need a clean installation or if the operating system has problems.
• Disk Utility: To repair, erase or partition hard drives.
• Restore from Time Machine: To recover lost data.
• Access Safari: To search for solutions online in case your Mac does not boot correctly.

Steps to Put Your Mac in Recovery Mode

Step 1: Turn off your Mac

Before you begin, make sure to completely turn off your Mac. If your device is on, click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and select «Shut Down». Wait for the screen to go completely dark.

Step 2: Start Recovery Mode

1. Turn on your Mac and hold down the corresponding key depending on the chip your Mac has:
   • For Macs with Intel chip: Hold down the Command (⌘) + R keys immediately after pressing the power button. Hold the keys until you see the Apple logo or a login screen.
   • For Macs with Apple Silicon chip (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2, etc.): Hold down the power button until you see the «Startup Options» window. Then, select «Options» and click «Continue».

Step 3: Select an Option in Recovery Mode

Once your Mac is in recovery mode, you will see a window with several options. Below, we explain some of the most common ones:

• Restore from a Time Machine backup: To recover data from a previous backup.
• Reinstall macOS: To install a new copy of the operating system.
• Disk Utility: To manage and repair hard drives.
• Get help online: To access Safari and search for information.

Step 4: Perform the Necessary Task

Select the option that best suits your needs and follow the on-screen instructions. It is important to keep in mind that some actions, such as reinstalling macOS, may take a considerable amount of time and require an internet connection.

Step 5: Exit Recovery Mode

Once you have finished using recovery mode, you can restart your Mac or shut it down. Simply select the corresponding option in the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.

Common Problems When Starting Recovery Mode and How to Solve Them

Recovery mode generally works without problems, but sometimes issues can arise. Here we offer solutions to some of the most common problems:

• Black screen when trying to start recovery mode: This problem may be due to a failure in the screen or in the video connection. Try connecting your Mac to an external monitor to check if it is a screen problem.
• Mac does not recognize recovery commands: Make sure the keys are working correctly. If the problem persists, it may be useful to try an external keyboard or check the internal connections.
• Alternatives if recovery mode is not available: If you cannot access recovery mode in any way, you can try creating a macOS installer on a USB drive from another Mac. This option will allow you to reinstall the operating system and repair your disk.

Tips and Precautions

• Before performing any operation in recovery mode, make sure you have a recent backup of your data.
• Some functions, such as reinstalling macOS, require a stable internet connection.
• If your Mac does not respond to commands, there may be a hardware problem. In this case, consult Apple technical support.