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How to Restart Apple Silicon based Mac (M1/M2 Chip) in Safe Mode


In order to restart your Mac or Macbook running on Apple Silicon (M1/M2 Chip) in safe mode, follow the below steps,

  1. Click on the Apple Logo  on the Menu bar,
  2. Select Shut Down...
    Apple Menu Shut down option macOS
  3. If you see a dialog with "Are you sure you want to shut down your computer now?" click Shut Down button again.
  4. Wait till your Mac completely shuts down! (Screen goes black and no lights)
  5. Now press and hold the power button until you see the screen "Loading startup options".
  6. Now select your HD and press and hold Shift Button until you see "Continue in Safe Mode"
    Select your Disk
  7. Click on Continue in Safe Mode.

Now when your Mac restarts you would see "Safe Boot" on your menu bar of the login screen.

Safe Boot Mac Login Screen

The above steps work on,

macOS Ventura 13
macOS Monterey 12
macOS Big Sur 11.0

For macOS Catalina 10.15 and Mojave 10.14 follow the below steps,

  1. Go to Apple menu  and select Shut Down,
  2. Once your Mac shuts down, wait 10 seconds then press the power button.
  3. Press the Shift key as soon as your Mac starts, and you would hear the startup sound
  4. When you see the Apple Logo and the progress bar, release the Shift Key

How to come out of Safe Mode?

Simply restart your Mac normally and you should be out of safe mode.

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Author Info:

Rakesh (He/Him) has a Masters Degree in Computer Science with over 15+ years of experience in Web and Application development. He is the author of insightful How-To articles for Code2care.

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You can also reach out to him via e-mail: rakesh@code2care.org

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