Getting stuck in recovery mode on a Mac can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to get out of it. Whether you accidentally entered recovery mode or encountered an unexpected issue, there are several ways to exit and regain access to your Mac’s operating system. Understanding the reasons for entering recovery mode and the methods to exit it will help you resolve the issue efficiently and minimize any inconvenience caused by the unexpected interruption.
One potential cause for entering recovery mode is attempting to start your Mac from a bootable external device or USB drive. To exit recovery mode in this scenario, simply remove the external device or USB drive and restart your Mac as usual. The computer will boot from its internal hard drive, and you will be able to access your operating system. However, if you are in recovery mode due to a software issue or system problem, additional steps may be necessary to resolve the underlying cause and successfully exit recovery mode.
Another common reason for entering recovery mode is to troubleshoot system issues or perform maintenance tasks. Recovery mode provides access to various utilities and tools that allow you to repair your Mac’s hard drive, reinstall the operating system, or restore your Mac from a Time Machine backup. If you entered recovery mode intentionally to perform these tasks, you can exit it once the desired actions are complete. To do so, simply click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Restart.”
Exiting Recovery Mode from the Menu Screen
To exit Recovery Mode from the menu screen, follow these steps:
- On the menu screen, use the arrow keys to select the “Exit Recovery Mode” option.
- Press the Enter key.
- Your Mac will restart and boot into the normal operating system.
Restarting Your Mac from the Recovery Mode Menu
To restart your Mac from the Recovery Mode menu, follow these steps:
- On the menu screen, use the arrow keys to select the “Restart” option.
- Press the Enter key.
- Your Mac will restart and boot into the normal operating system.
Using Terminal to Exit Recovery Mode
You can also use Terminal to exit Recovery Mode. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Terminal by pressing Command + Space and typing “Terminal”.
- Type the following command into Terminal and press Enter:
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Your Mac will restart and boot into the normal operating system.
sudo reboot
Using Terminal to Exit Recovery Mode
Follow these detailed steps to use Terminal to exit Recovery Mode effectively:
1. Open Terminal
Click on “Utilities” from the menu bar and select “Terminal” to launch Terminal.
2. Enter Exit Command
Type the following command into the Terminal window and press “Enter”:
“`
reboot
“`
3. Confirm Reboot
You will be prompted with a confirmation message asking if you want to reboot your Mac. Click on “Restart” to confirm and exit Recovery Mode.
4. Terminal Alternative for Exit Mode
Alternatively, you can enter the following command in Terminal to exit Recovery Mode without restarting:
“`
exit
“`
However, this method may not always work effectively.
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Click “Utilities” from the menu bar and select “Terminal” |
| 2 | Type “reboot” and press “Enter” |
| 3 | Click on “Restart” to confirm and exit Recovery Mode |
| 4 | (Alternative) Type “exit” in Terminal to exit without restarting |
Restarting the Mac to Escape Recovery Mode
Restarting your Mac is the most straightforward way to exit Recovery Mode and boot into your regular operating system. Here’s how you can do it:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
- Your Mac will restart and boot into its normal operating system.
Additional Tips for Restarting Your Mac from Recovery Mode
If you’re having trouble restarting your Mac from Recovery Mode, try the following tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mac won’t restart after clicking “Restart” | Press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on. |
| Mac restarts loops back into Recovery Mode | Try resetting the NVRAM or SMC. Instructions for resetting these settings can be found on Apple’s support website. |
| Other issues restarting the Mac | Contact Apple Support for assistance. |
Troubleshooting Recovery Mode Exit Issues
1. Check for Corrupt Files
Corrupted system files can prevent your Mac from exiting Recovery Mode. Use Disk Utility to repair your hard drive by selecting “First Aid” from the “Utilities” menu in Recovery Mode.
2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Resetting your Mac’s NVRAM (or PRAM) can resolve issues related to system settings. To do this, power off your Mac and then press and hold the following keys simultaneously: Command + Option + P + R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds before releasing them.
3. Reset SMC
The SMC (System Management Controller) controls various hardware components. Resetting the SMC can help resolve issues preventing your Mac from exiting Recovery Mode. The reset process varies depending on your Mac model. Consult Apple’s support website for specific instructions.
4. Reinstall macOS
If the above methods fail, you may need to reinstall macOS. Start by creating a backup of your data. Then, use Recovery Mode to reinstall macOS. Select “Reinstall macOS” from the “Utilities” menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Contact Apple Support
If none of the previous steps resolve the issue, contact Apple Support. They can provide advanced troubleshooting assistance and potentially diagnose and resolve hardware or software problems.
6. Common Exit Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|---|
| Mac restarts repeatedly | Check for third-party software or hardware conflicts. Disconnect external devices and run diagnostics. |
| “Command + R” not working | Boot your Mac into Internet Recovery Mode by pressing and holding Shift + Option + Command + R. |
| Recovery Mode stuck on a progress bar | Wait patiently as the process can take time. If stuck for an extended period, try resetting the SMC or NVRAM. |
| “An error occurred while preparing the update” | Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try downloading the update again or use the “Reinstall macOS” option. |
Considerations for Rebooting After Recovery Mode
When you reboot your Mac after exiting Recovery Mode, you should keep the following considerations in mind:
1. Verify Successful Restart
Once you exit Recovery Mode, observe the Mac screen to ensure it restarts successfully and reaches the login prompt or desktop.
2. Check for Updates
If possible, access the App Store and verify if any macOS updates are available. Install any pending updates to enhance system stability.
3. Restore Data Backups
If you created Time Machine or other data backups before entering Recovery Mode, consider restoring them to recover files and settings.
4. Test Functionality
Open essential applications and perform basic tasks to ensure all functions are working correctly and as expected after exiting Recovery Mode.
5. Monitor Performance
Keep an eye on system performance after rebooting. Note any unusual behavior, such as slower speeds or unexpected application closures.
6. Evaluate Hardware Issues
If you entered Recovery Mode due to potential hardware problems, monitor your Mac for any recurring issues or error messages related to hardware.
7. Contact Support if Needed
If you encounter persistent issues or concerns after exiting Recovery Mode, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose and resolve any remaining problems.
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Successful reboot | Verify updates, restore backups, test functionality, monitor performance |
| Persistent issues | Evaluate hardware, contact Apple Support for assistance |
How To Get Out Of Recovery Mode Mac
If you’re stuck in Recovery Mode on your Mac, don’t worry. It’s a common problem that can be easily fixed. Here are the steps on how to get out of Recovery Mode Mac:
- Restart your Mac. This is the most common way to get out of Recovery Mode. Simply click on the Apple menu and select “Restart.” Your Mac will restart normally.
- Press and hold the “Command” and “R” keys. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode. Once you’re in Recovery Mode, you can click on the “Restart” button in the menu bar.
- Press and hold the “Option” key. This will boot your Mac into Startup Manager. Once you’re in Startup Manager, you can select your normal startup disk and click on the “Restart” button.
If you’re still having trouble getting out of Recovery Mode, you can try the following:
- Reset the SMC. The SMC is a small chip that controls the power and other hardware on your Mac. Resetting the SMC can sometimes fix problems with Recovery Mode.
- Reset the NVRAM. The NVRAM is a small amount of memory that stores certain settings on your Mac. Resetting the NVRAM can sometimes fix problems with Recovery Mode.
- Reinstall macOS. If all else fails, you can try reinstalling macOS. This will erase all of the data on your Mac, so be sure to back up your data before you start.
