How to start your MacBook in safe mode

Facing software issues on your MacBook? One of the first things you can do – besides giving it the customary restart – is to boot it in safe mode to try and figure out the issue. Not sure how to go about it? Well, read on to find out.

Before starting MacBook in safe mode

But you can boot in safe mode, you will first need to know which version of Apple’s laptop you are using. 

1. On macOS, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner. Then select the About This Mac option. 

2. Here you will find all the important information about your MacBook. 

ALSO READ: How to start your Windows laptop in safe mode 

3. If you see an entry with the word Chip followed by its name, you have a MacBook powered by an Apple Silicon. 

4. If you see an item with the word Processor, then you have an Intel processor-powered MacBook.

How to start Mac with Apple Silicon in safe mode

If you own a Mac powered by Apple Silicon, then follow the below steps to boot in safe mode.

Step 1:  Long press the power button till you get the option Loading Startup options. 

Step 2: Select the boot drive/volume and press and hold the Shift key. 

Step 3: Click on Continue in Safe Mode under the chosen boot volume. 

Step 4: After these steps, your Mac will start automatically. 

How to start Mac with Intel in safe mode

If you own a Mac powered by an Intel processor, then follow the below steps to boot in safe mode.

Step 1: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key. 

Step 2: Keep pressing the key until the login window appears. 

Step 3: Enter the credentials to log in. You might be asked to enter the credentials again. 

Step 4:  On either the first login window or the second one, you should see the Safe Boot option in the menu bar.

How to verify that your Mac started in Safe Mode

If you are wondering whether your Mac started in Safe Mode or not, follow the steps below. 

Step 1: On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, select the Apple menu, and then select System Information. 

Step 2: In the System Information application, select Software from the sidebar. 

Step 3: Check the displayed value next to Boot Mode in the overview. 

Step 4: If it says Safe, your Mac uses Safe Mode. If it says Normal, then your Mac is not using Safe Mode.