Q&A for How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode

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I migrated all of my files and apps to a new mac and evidently it sucked everything out of my older mac because now that one doesn't work at all. It's not even starting up in safe mode! There was nothing wrong with the computer, I just wanted to update to the newer one.

Community Answer

If the computer is not starting up, you may need to reinstall the operating system. You can take a look at the article on How to Install MacOS for general guidelines.

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Why does my Mac not start in Safe Mode?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Your keyboard is probably not working. Insert an external keyboard, hold the shift key on the external keyboard, and try again.

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What do I do if my Mac goes into safe mode on its own when I turn it off, and back on again?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Your Mac likely started from something different called macOS recovery. This is used when the necessary boot files are damaged or destroyed. Your Mac may also be starting from internet recovery, which uses a PXN network to download damaged boot files.

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Question

I started my Mac in safe mode. It just flashes a file folder with a question mark instead of the login dialog. What's wrong and what should I do?

Community Answer

It seems like your Mac cannot find a startup disk or no longer has a functioning macOS operating system. You're going to need to boot into macOS Recovery by pressing keys Command and R. Try to use Disk Utility to see if you can repair anything wrong with your disk. If there is nothing wrong or any issues had been resolved, reinstall macOS from there.

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My Mac is showing a lightning sign and not restarting. Why is that?

Aasim

Top Answerer

The lightning bolt indicates that your Mac is currently in target disk mode. This allows you to connect a Thunderbolt cable to another Mac and view all of your Mac's files. To exit this mode, hold the power button down to turn your Mac off, then press the power button again to turn your Mac back on.

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