Everything you need to know about Recovery Mode in macOS

Simple instructions to help you reinstall the OS, try out Terminal, and more.

To solve all kinds of problems, macOS provides a special mode with which you can reinstall operating system, restore data to your computer from a Time Machine backup, transfer files from one Mac to another, as well as set a firmware password, google something in Safari, or use the Terminal.

Previously, this required a recovery disk or flash drive, but for a long time all these actions have been carried out from a special partition on the built-in drive that is created during the installation of macOS. And even in situations where the disk is damaged or fails, the problem can still be solved – thanks to the ability to start recovery via the Internet.

How to enter recovery mode

The procedure is several differs depending on which chip is used in the computer, but is equally simple in both cases.

On a Mac with Apple processors

1. Complete Mac from the Apple menu → Shut Down.
2. Press and hold the power button until Loading Launch Options appears.
3. Click Options and then Continue.

On a Mac with Intel processors

Completely shut down your Mac by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar and selecting Turn Off. Start the computer by pressing the power button, and then hold the indicated keys until the recovery menu loads:

• Command + R – to reinstall the latest version of macOS that was already present on the Mac;
• Option + Command + R – to reinstall via the Internet the latest macOS that is supported by Mac;
• Option + Shift + Command + R – to reinstall via the Internet the version of macOS that was on the gadget when you bought it, or the closest one to it if the original is not available.

How to reinstall macOS

Regularly introducing new versions of macOS on top of older ones can lead to an accumulation of bugs over time. You can get rid of them only with a clean installation of the system with preliminary formatting of the partition.

Important! After formatting, all data from the disk will be permanently deleted. So be sure to back up your valuable information first.

1. Enter recovery mode, enter your administrator password if necessary.
2. From the Utilities menu, open Disk Utility.
3. Select the OS disk and click the Erase button, leaving the default options.
4. When done, click Finish, then open the Disk Utility menu → Quit Disk Utility.
5. Click “Reinstall macOS” and follow the wizard.

By the way, if you want to clean your Mac and return it to factory settings before selling or giving it to another person, then there is an easier and more convenient way to do this .

How to restore from a Time Machine backup

If you set up Time Machine backups before the problem, then when If you have a working copy, you can restore your computer to a previously saved state.

1. Enter recovery mode, enter it when prompted for an administrator password.
2. Select the option “Restore from Time Machine”, click “Continue” and follow the instructions on the screen.

How to start Disk Utility

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The built-in disk tool is useful to fix file system errors or wipe the drive for a clean install of the OS.

1. Enter recovery mode. If the system asks for an administrator password, enter it.
2. Open the Utilities menu → Disk Utility and click Continue.
3. Select the target drive, and then click First Aid or Erase to correct errors or format accordingly.

How to use Terminal

Unlike the command line running inside the operating system, the “Terminal” in recovery mode allows you to perform any manipulation, including with macOS itself. Knowing the necessary commands, you can change security settings, reset the administrator password, and more.

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode, enter the administrator password if necessary.
2. Go to the Utilities menu and open Terminal.

How to transfer files to another Mac using Target Mode

Any Mac can be used as an external drive to copy data to another Apple computer. Both devices must be paired with a Thunderbolt, USB-C, FireWire or other suitable cable for this.

1. Make sure the computers are connected.
2. Shut down the Mac that will be used as the file source and turn on this computer while holding down the T key.
3. A new drive will appear on the second device. You can copy files from it or, conversely, write to it.
4. When finished, right-click on the mounted drive and select “Eject”.
5. Turn off the Mac, which was in the role of external disk, and then unplug the cable.

How to reset your FileVault password

If the data on the drive is encrypted with FileVault and you have forgotten your unlock password, you can reset it. Proceed as follows:

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode.
2. When prompted for an administrator password, select “Forgot all passwords?”
3. Sign in your Apple ID and follow the prompts on the screen.

How to use Safari

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If macOS won't boot and you don't have another device handy to search the Internet, you can do it right in Recovery Mode.

1. Enter Recovery Mode. Enter an administrator password if required.
2. Select Safari and click Continue.

How to set a firmware password

To For enhanced security, you can use the Firmware Password. It will protect your Mac by making it impossible to start it from any drive other than the default one, and will also prevent strangers from entering recovery mode. To enable this feature, do the following:

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode, entering an administrator password if necessary.
2. Open the Utilities menu and select Firmware Password Utility, or Secure Boot Utility
3. Click Enable Firmware Password, set the code and remember it.
4. Close the utility and choose Restart from the Apple menu.