Safe Boot is a system-wide diagnostic feature in macOS that allows users to boot up their Mac with only the essential kernel extensions and system processes running. This can help isolate issues that may be interfering with the normal operation of your Mac. While Safe Boot can be a helpful tool for troubleshooting, it can also impact the functionality of some applications and features. If you no longer need to use Safe Boot, you can easily disable it by following the steps in this guide. Here’s how to turn off Safe Boot on your Mac:
First, restart your Mac. Once the startup chime sounds, press and hold the Shift key. Keep holding the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen. Your Mac should now be booted into normal mode. In addition to turning off Safe Boot, you may also want to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM (non-volatile RAM). Resetting the SMC can help resolve issues with hardware components such as fans, keyboards, and trackpads. Resetting NVRAM can fix problems with system settings, such as startup disk selection and volume control. To reset the SMC, follow these steps:
Understanding Safe Boot on Mac
Safe Boot is a special boot mode that allows you to diagnose and troubleshoot issues on your Mac. When you start your Mac in Safe Boot, it temporarily disables certain software and features, such as:
- Startup items
- Kernel extensions
- Non-Apple fonts
- Third-party applications
Why You Might Need to Use Safe Boot
Safe Boot can solve various problems that affect your Mac’s performance. Here are a few common reasons why you may need to use Safe Boot:
- Resolving Software and Application Conflicts: Safe Boot can help identify software conflicts that impact your Mac’s stability. When you boot in Safe Mode, only essential drivers and services are loaded, isolating any problematic software.
- Fixing Startup Issues:If your Mac encounters difficulties during startup, Safe Boot allows you to bypass potential software or hardware faults. Safe Mode provides a minimal environment, making it easier to troubleshoot startup errors.
- Diagnosing Hardware Problems: By disabling non-essential peripherals and software, Safe Boot enables you to isolate hardware-related issues. If your Mac operates normally in Safe Mode, it’s an indication that the hardware is likely functioning correctly.
- Removing Malware and Adware: Adware and malware can cause performance issues and hijack system resources. Safe Boot can help detect and remove these malicious programs by limiting their ability to execute alongside essential system components.
- Resetting Permissions and Preferences: Safe Mode can help resolve issues arising from incorrect system permissions or corrupted preferences. Booting into Safe Mode resets these settings to their default values, potentially resolving unexpected behavior caused by corrupted configurations.
Safe Boot is a powerful tool that can help resolve various issues on your Mac. By understanding its purpose and limitations, you can use it effectively to diagnose and troubleshoot system problems.
Disabling Safe Boot via System Preferences
Safe Boot is a macOS feature that safeguards your Mac during startup by executing kernel extensions and loading essential system components only. While this can be useful for resolving certain issues, operating your Mac in Safe Boot mode can hinder its performance. Therefore, it’s recommended to disable Safe Boot once troubleshooting is complete.
To disable Safe Boot via System Preferences, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Locate and click “Startup Disk” under “System Preferences.”
- In the “Startup Disk” pane, select the volume you wish to boot your Mac from, typically “Macintosh HD” or “Macintosh SSD.”
- Uncheck the “Safe Boot” option.
- Click the “Restart” button.
Your Mac will now restart normally, and Safe Boot will be disabled.
Using Terminal Commands to Turn Off Safe Boot
1. Launch Terminal. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the Spotlight search bar or by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter the following command into the Terminal window:
sudo nvram boot-args="-disable-safe-mode"
3. Press Enter and enter your administrator password when prompted. Your Mac will restart in normal mode and Safe Boot will be disabled.
Details for Step 3:
When you enter the sudo command, you will be prompted to enter your administrator password. This is the password you use to log into your Mac. Once you have entered your password, press Enter.
Your Mac will then restart in normal mode. You can verify that Safe Boot is disabled by checking the Startup Disk preference pane in System Preferences. The “Safe Boot” option should no longer be selected.
If you need to re-enable Safe Boot at any time, you can do so by following the same steps and entering the following command into the Terminal window:
sudo nvram boot-args="-x"
Press Enter and enter your administrator password when prompted. Your Mac will restart in Safe Boot mode.
| Command | Description |
|—|—|
| sudo nvram boot-args=”-disable-safe-mode” | Disables Safe Boot mode |
| sudo nvram boot-args=”-x” | Enables Safe Boot mode |
How to Turn Off Safe Boot Mac
Safe Boot is a diagnostic mode on Mac computers that loads only the essential kernel extensions and system software. It’s useful for troubleshooting system issues, but it can also limit the functionality of your Mac.
To turn off Safe Boot:
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Restart your Mac.
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Hold down the Shift key while the Apple logo appears.
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Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
How to Boot in Normal Mode After Safe Mode
If you’ve turned on Safe Boot but want to return to normal mode, follow these steps:
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Restart your Mac.
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Don’t press any keys while the Apple logo appears.
Your Mac will now boot in normal mode.
How Safe Boot Works
Safe boot is a troubleshooting mode for macOS that allows you to boot your Mac with only the essential kernel extensions and system software loaded. This can help you to identify and resolve issues that may be preventing your Mac from starting up normally.
Safe boot can be disabled by restarting your Mac and holding down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears.
Common Issues When Disabling Safe Boot
Failed to Exit Safe Boot
The most common issue when disabling safe boot is that your Mac may not restart normally and may continue to boot into safe boot mode. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Corrupted system files: If the system files that are responsible for booting your Mac are corrupted, your Mac may not be able to exit safe boot mode.
- Incompatible kernel extensions: If you have installed any kernel extensions that are not compatible with your Mac’s operating system, your Mac may not be able to exit safe boot mode.
- Hardware problems: If there is a hardware problem with your Mac, such as a faulty hard drive or memory module, your Mac may not be able to exit safe boot mode.
System Crashing
If you disable safe boot and your system crashes, it could be due to a number of reasons. One possibility is that there is a problem with your hardware. Another possibility is that you have installed a software program that is incompatible with your macOS version. If you are unsure of the cause of the crash, you can try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode and then disabling Safe Mode again. If your system still crashes, you may need to contact Apple support for assistance.
Corrupted or Missing System Files
If you disable safe boot and your system starts to behave erratically, it could be due to corrupted or missing system files. This can happen if your hard drive is damaged or if you have installed a software program that has corrupted system files. If you suspect that your system files are corrupted, you can try repairing them using the Disk Utility program. If the Disk Utility program is unable to repair your system files, you may need to reinstall your macOS operating system.
Booting into Recovery Mode
If you are unable to disable safe boot and your Mac is not starting up normally, you may need to boot into recovery mode. Recovery mode is a special partition on your Mac’s hard drive that contains tools for repairing and restoring your system. To boot into recovery mode, restart your Mac and hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys until the Apple logo appears. Once you are in recovery mode, you can use the Disk Utility program to repair your hard drive or reinstall your macOS operating system.
Disable Password Protection
If you’ve set a firmware password, you’ll need to disable it before turning off Safe Boot. This is necessary because Safe Boot prevents changes to certain settings, including the firmware password.
Reset SMC
The SMC (System Management Controller) is responsible for managing various hardware functions, including power management. Resetting the SMC can resolve issues that prevent your Mac from booting normally.
Reset NVRAM
NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) stores certain settings, such as startup volume and display resolution. Resetting NVRAM can resolve issues that cause your Mac to boot into Safe Boot.
Use Single-User Mode
Single-User Mode allows you to access the command line interface without starting the graphical user interface. From here, you can run diagnostics and repair commands to resolve boot issues.
Reinstall macOS
In some cases, reinstalling macOS may be necessary to resolve boot issues. This will erase all data from your Mac, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
Troubleshooting Boot Loop After Turning Off Safe Boot
Delete Recently Installed Software
If your Mac starts booting into a boot loop after turning off Safe Boot, it’s possible that a recently installed software is causing the issue. To troubleshoot this, boot your Mac into Safe Boot again and delete any recently installed software. Then, restart your Mac normally and check if the problem persists.
Repair Disk Permissions
Disk permissions can become corrupted, causing various problems including boot issues. To repair disk permissions, boot your Mac into Recovery Mode and use the Disk Utility to repair the permissions on your startup disk.
Reset PRAM
The PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores certain settings, such as the time and date. Resetting the PRAM can resolve issues that prevent your Mac from booting normally. To reset the PRAM, follow these steps:
1. Shut down your Mac. |
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2. Press the Power button to turn it back on. |
3. Immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R. |
4. Continue holding the keys for about 20 seconds. |
5. Release the keys and allow your Mac to boot normally. |
System Integrity Protection
System Integrity Protection (SIP) is a security feature in macOS that helps protect your Mac from malicious software. SIP prevents unauthorized changes to critical system files and directories. As a result, it can make it more difficult to troubleshoot and resolve some issues. For example, if you are trying to install a kernel extension or modify a system file, you will need to disable SIP.
Safe Boot
Safe Boot is a special startup mode in macOS that can be used to troubleshoot and resolve issues. When you start up your Mac in Safe Mode, only the essential kernel extensions and system services are loaded. This can help to identify and isolate issues that may be caused by third-party software or kernel extensions.
How to Turn Off Safe Boot
1. Start up your Mac while holding down the Shift key.
2. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start up in Safe Mode.
4. To turn off Safe Mode, simply restart your Mac without holding down any keys.
Disabling SIP
1. Start up your Mac in Recovery Mode.
2. Choose the Utilities menu and select Terminal.
3. Enter the following command: csrutil disable
4. Press Return and enter your administrator password.
5. Your Mac will restart and SIP will be disabled.
Re-enabling SIP
1. Start up your Mac in Recovery Mode.
2. Choose the Utilities menu and select Terminal.
3. Enter the following command: csrutil enable
4. Press Return and enter your administrator password.
5. Your Mac will restart and SIP will be re-enabled.
Feature | Safe Boot | SIP |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Troubleshooting and resolving issues | Protecting your Mac from malicious software |
How to disable | Start up your Mac while holding down the Shift key | Start up your Mac in Recovery Mode and enter the command “csrutil disable” |
How to re-enable | Restart your Mac without holding down any keys | Start up your Mac in Recovery Mode and enter the command “csrutil enable” |
Safe Boot and Third-Party Software Conflicts
In Safe Boot, macOS only loads the necessary kernel extensions and drivers, which can help identify and resolve conflicts with third-party software.
Software Conflicts and Troubleshooting
When booting into Safe Mode, the following actions are taken:
- Disabling Login Items: All startup programs and login items are disabled, preventing potential conflicts.
- Unloading Kernel Extensions: Non-essential kernel extensions, such as those installed by third-party software, are not loaded.
- Disabling Custom Fonts: Non-standard fonts are not loaded, eliminating potential issues related to font conflicts.
- Loading Safe Mode Drivers: Only the system’s essential drivers are loaded, reducing the likelihood of driver conflicts.
Detecting and Resolving Conflicts
If Safe Boot resolves issues that occur during normal startup, it indicates a potential conflict with third-party software. To troubleshoot the conflict:
- Disable Third-Party Extensions: Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Full Disk Access. Disable any extensions that are not essential.
- Remove Suspicious Software: Uninstall any recently installed software that may be causing conflicts.
- Check for Updates: Ensure that all installed macOS and third-party software are up-to-date. Updates often include fixes for conflicts.
- Use Activity Monitor: Monitor system activity in Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities). If a specific process is consuming excessive resources in Safe Mode, it may be causing the conflict.
- Disable User Extensions: Go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and ~/Library/LaunchDaemons. Disable any third-party extensions found in these directories.
- Disable Adobe Flash: Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Flash Player. Uncheck "Allow plugins."
- Remove Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can sometimes conflict with macOS. Temporarily disable or uninstall it.
- Repair Disk Permissions: Run Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities) to repair any corrupted file permissions.
- Reinstall macOS: If all other troubleshooting steps fail, consider reinstalling macOS. This will remove all third-party software and restore the system to a conflict-free state. However, it is important to back up your data before reinstalling.
When to Consider Using Safe Boot
10. Troubleshooting Persistent System Issues
Safe Boot can be a valuable tool for troubleshooting persistent system issues that cannot be resolved through other means. When all non-essential extensions, kernel modules, and launch agents are disabled, it becomes easier to isolate the culprit causing the problems. By systematically re-enabling individual components, you can pinpoint the source of the instability and address it accordingly.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps involved in troubleshooting with Safe Boot:
How to Turn Off Safe Boot on Mac
Safe Boot is a diagnostic mode on Macs that can help troubleshoot certain issues. When Safe Boot is enabled, your Mac starts up using only a limited set of drivers and applications, which can help identify and resolve problems. However, Safe Boot can also slow down your Mac, so it’s important to turn it off when you’re finished troubleshooting.
Here are the steps on how to turn off Safe Boot on Mac:
- Restart your Mac.
- As soon as you hear the startup chime, press and hold the Shift key.
- Keep holding the Shift key until the login window appears.
- Log in to your user account.
- Safe Boot is now disabled.
People Also Ask About How to Turn Off Safe Boot on Mac
Why is my Mac stuck in Safe Boot?
If your Mac is stuck in Safe Boot, it may be because there is a problem with your startup disk. Try restarting your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode, where you can run Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
Can I use Safe Boot to recover lost files?
Safe Boot is not a file recovery tool. If you have lost files, you should use a data recovery program to try to recover them.
How do I turn on Safe Boot on Mac?
To turn on Safe Boot on Mac, restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key as soon as you hear the startup chime. Keep holding the Shift key until the login window appears.
Steps | Description |
---|---|
Boot into Safe Boot | Restart your Mac while holding the Shift key. |
Disable Non-Essential Extensions | Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. Click on Full Disk Access and revoke access for any untrusted extensions. |
Remove Kernel Modules | Open Terminal and type: sudo kextunload -b com.example.kernelmodule . Replace “com.example.kernelmodule” with the name of the kernel module you want to unload. |
Disable Launch Agents | Open Finder and go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents. Move any suspicious launch agents to the Trash. |
Reboot Normally | Restart your Mac without holding any keys. |
Re-Enable Components | One by one, re-enable the extensions, kernel modules, and launch agents you disabled. After each re-enable, reboot your Mac to check if the issue persists. |
Identify the Culprit | The component that causes the instability upon re-enabling is the likely culprit. |