Safe Mode starts macOS with only essential components, skips most login items and third-party extensions, and runs basic startup disk checks. It helps separate a macOS problem from a software, font, extension, or login-item problem.
This guide applies to Apple Silicon Macs with M-series chips and Intel Macs running recent macOS versions.
Does This Affect You?
Use Safe Mode when the Mac is slow, freezes, crashes apps, or behaves strangely after login. If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, something outside the core macOS startup path is likely involved.
Start Safe Mode on Apple Silicon
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down and wait until the Mac is fully off.
- Press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears.
- Select the usual startup disk.
- Hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Keep holding Shift until the login window appears.
- Log in. macOS may ask you to log in twice.
Start Safe Mode on an Intel Mac
- Shut down the Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately hold Shift.
- Release Shift when the login window appears.
- Log in normally. Startup may take longer because macOS is checking and clearing items.
Exit Safe Mode
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose Restart.
- Do not hold any startup keys.
- Let the Mac boot normally.
What Safe Mode Tells You
Some Features May Not Work
Video conferencing, graphics-heavy apps, Wi-Fi features, and third-party tools may behave differently in Safe Mode. That is expected.
If the Problem Vanishes
Check System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, browser extensions, fonts, and recently installed apps. Disable one at a time and restart normally to isolate the cause.
If the Problem Remains
Run Disk Utility First Aid or use Recovery Mode for deeper repair. Safe Mode is your normal macOS with fewer things loaded; Recovery Mode is a separate repair environment.
Sources
- Apple Support: If your Mac does not finish starting up
- Apple Support: Start up your Mac in safe mode
- Apple Support: Isolate an issue by using safe mode on Mac