How to start a Mac in safe mode

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Safe mode starts the Mac with only the software it needs and checks the startup disk on the way. If a problem disappears in safe mode, the cause is something that loads at startup, such as a login item or an add-on.

The pictures are diagrams of the keys to press.

Step by step

1. Find out which kind of Mac you have

   Click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If the window has a line called Chip, the Mac has Apple silicon. If the line is called Processor, it is an Intel Mac.

   Done

2. Apple silicon: shut down completely

   Choose Apple menu, Shut Down. Wait until the screen is black and any lights are off.

   Done

3. Apple silicon: hold the power button

   Press and hold the power button until you see Loading startup options. Then let go. On a laptop the power button is the Touch ID key.

   Done

4. Apple silicon: Shift and Continue in Safe Mode

   Click your startup disk. Hold the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode. The Mac restarts by itself.

   Done

5. Intel Mac: restart and hold Shift

   Turn on or restart the Mac and immediately hold the Shift key. Let go when the login window appears. You may be asked to log in twice.

   Done

6. Check that it worked

   The words Safe Boot appear in the menu bar of the login window.

   Done

7. Leave safe mode

   Choose Apple menu, Restart, and do not hold any key. The Mac starts normally.

   Done

Good to know

To check later, hold the Option key, click the Apple menu and choose System Information. Click Software in the sidebar. The line Boot Mode says Safe or Normal.

If the problem is gone in safe mode, restart normally and test again. Sometimes the disk check during safe mode is enough. If it comes back, remove login items one at a time.

More ideas: Mac keeps freezing or showing the spinning wheel.

In short: Apple silicon: hold power, pick disk, Shift and Continue in Safe Mode. Intel: hold Shift at startup.