If your Mac isn't working properly or doesn't start up as usual, it may not be easy to determine the cause of the problem. Mac Safe Mode is a useful initial diagnostic and repair tool that allows you to fix configuration errors and, if necessary, remove problematic applications when the default boot fails . What is this feature and how can you boot Mac into safe mode?
The safe mode of operating systems such as macOS is used to analyze the problems and errors that interrupt or hinder their operation. In this mode, autostart programs do not run and some additionally installed programs and fonts on the system are temporarily disabled. Since most applications and processes do not automatically start in safe mode as they do in standard operation, users can experiment to see which software , setting, or driver is causing these problems or errors..
Before starting the Mac device in safe mode, we recommend that you check the Mac task manager. This tool gives you a detailed view of the active processes and their influence on system performance, so it may help you to determine the causes of some problems.
When you start your Mac in safe mode , numerous tools run in the background that diagnose problems and try to repair them. Safe mode also clears the system cache so that Mac can remap it on normal reboot. In addition, it clears the cache files of the programs that are not needed to optimize the space on the disks used..
To start your Mac in safe mode, hold down the Shift key during startup until the Apple logo appears.
The login screen indicates that the Mac is in safe mode. In the upper right corner, next to the layout of the keyboard and the battery indicator (only MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air), appear Home Safe ( Safe Boot ) in red..
Since not all drivers, programs, and features are loaded during safe startup of Mac, the desktop also looks different than usual.
While in normal mode the taskbar and the Dock appear translucent, in safe mode they are opaque.
Login may take a little longer in safe mode, because the system automatically checks for errors.
If you can't restart your Mac successfully, you can also enable Mac Safe Mode through the terminal . To do this, open the command line tool and enter the following command:
sudo nvram boot-args="-x"
After fixing the problem, you can turn off safe mode again with this command:
sudo nvram boot-args="-x -v"
If you have enabled or are using FileVault's encryption feature, you will not be able to enter safe mode from the terminal.