{"id":4790,"date":"2026-03-31T23:29:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T21:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/?p=4790"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:10:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T09:10:05","slug":"start-mac-in-safe-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/demarrer-mac-mode-sans-echec\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe mode: troubleshooting your Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"article-blog\">\n\n<h1>Starting a Mac in safe mode: a complete troubleshooting guide<\/h1>\n\n<div class=\"article-meta\">Reading: 10 min | macOS Tutorials<\/div>\n\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/demarrer-mac-mode-sans-echec-guide.webp\" alt=\"Safe mode Mac start troubleshooting guide\" title=\"Starting a Mac in safe mode: a complete troubleshooting guide\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" loading=\"eager\">\n\n<div class=\"answer-box\">\n<strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> Safe Mode starts your Mac with the bare minimum: only the essential macOS components are loaded, with no third-party extensions, custom fonts or startup items. It's the number one diagnostic tool when your Mac crashes, freezes or doesn't boot normally. On Apple Silicon Macs, hold down the power button, then select your drive by holding down Shift. On Intel Macs, hold down Shift when booting.\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"toc-box\">\n<strong>Contents<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#cest-quoi\">What exactly is safe mode?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#quand-utiliser\">When to use safe mode<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#demarrer-apple-silicon\">Booting into safe mode - Mac Apple Silicon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#demarrer-intel\">Start in safe mode - Mac Intel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#verifier-safe-mode\">How to check that you are in safe mode<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#que-faire\">What to do in safe mode<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#quitter-safe-mode\">How to exit safe mode<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#autres-modes\">Other Mac boot modes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"cest-quoi\">What exactly is safe mode?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Safe Mode (or Safe Boot) is a special macOS boot mode that loads only the essential system components. Specifically, when you boot into Safe Mode, macOS does several things automatically:<\/p>\n\n<table class=\"tg-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>What safe mode does<\/th>\n<th>Why it's useful<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Checks the boot disk (fsck)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Automatically detects and repairs file system errors<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Only loads Apple kernel extensions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Excludes third-party drivers that can cause conflicts or crashes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Disables opening elements<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Applications launched at start-up are ignored<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Disables custom fonts<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Eliminates corrupted fonts that can block start-up<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Clears certain system caches<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Removes potentially corrupted caches (kernel caches, font caches, etc.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p>In short, Safe Mode isolates problems. If your Mac works normally in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, it means that a third-party extension, a boot item or a corrupted cache is responsible for the problem.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"quand-utiliser\">When to use safe mode<\/h2>\n\n<p>Safe mode is your first troubleshooting reflex in the following situations:<\/p>\n\n<table class=\"tg-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Problem<\/th>\n<th>What safe mode can solve<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Mac stuck on Apple on startup<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Bypasses an extension or driver blocking normal start-up<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Mac very slow to start up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Identifies whether the slowdown comes from third-party start-up components<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Repeated kernel panics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Isolates incompatible third-party kernel extensions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Screen frozen after connection<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Bypasses problematic opening applications<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Problem after installing software<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Allows you to start up without the problematic software and uninstall it<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Sudden deterioration in performance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Clears caches and identifies responsible third-party processes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p>If your Mac won't boot at all (no sign of life, no sound, no light), Safe Mode won't help because it requires a minimal start-up. Instead, take a look at our <a href=\"\/en\/mac-wont-turn-on\/\">Mac guide that won't turn on<\/a> or our <a href=\"\/en\/macbook-black-screen-solutions\/\">MacBook black screen guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"demarrer-apple-silicon\">Booting into safe mode - Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4)<\/h2>\n\n<p>The procedure is different on Apple Silicon Macs compared with Intel Macs. Here are the detailed steps:<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Turn off your Mac completely. If the Mac freezes, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to force it to shut down.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Hold down the power button until you see the boot options (you'll see your boot disk and possibly the Options icon).<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>3.<\/strong> Select your start-up disk (usually \u00abMacintosh HD\u00bb).<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>4.<\/strong> Hold down the <strong>Shift<\/strong> and click on \u00abContinue in Safe Mode\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>5.<\/strong> The Mac starts up. The process is slower than usual as macOS checks the disk and clears the caches.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mode-sans-echec-mac-apple-silicon-demarrage.webp\" alt=\"Safe Mode Mac Apple Silicon startup Safe Mode\" title=\"Booting in safe mode on an Apple Silicon Mac\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\n<div class=\"info-box tip\">\n<strong>Tip:<\/strong> On Apple Silicon Macs, if you don't see the start-up options, make sure you hold down the power button long enough (about 10 seconds). Release it only when you see \u00abLoading startup options\u00bb.\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"demarrer-intel\">Start in safe mode - Mac Intel<\/h2>\n\n<p>On Intel Macs (all Macs before the end of 2020, plus certain 2020 models), the procedure is simpler:<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Switch off your Mac completely.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Turn on the Mac and immediately hold down the <strong>Shift<\/strong> pressed.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>3.<\/strong> Hold down Shift until you see the login screen. You will see the words \u00abBooting without extensions\u00bb in red in the menu bar, confirming that you are in safe mode.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>4.<\/strong> Log in with your usual password.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you don't know whether your Mac is Intel or Apple Silicon, use our <a href=\"\/en\/identify-your-mac\/\">Mac identification tool<\/a> or click on the Apple menu then \u00abAbout this Mac\u00bb: if you see \u00abChip\u00bb followed by M1\/M2\/M3\/M4, it's Apple Silicon. If you see \u00abProcessor\u00bb followed by Intel, it's Intel.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"verifier-safe-mode\">How to check that you are in safe mode<\/h2>\n\n<p>Several visual clues confirm that the Mac is indeed in safe mode:<\/p>\n\n<p>On the connection screen, the words \u00abBooting without extensions\u00bb appear in red in the menu bar (Intel Mac) or the text \u00abSafe Mode\u00bb is displayed (Apple Silicon Mac).<\/p>\n\n<p>Once you've logged in, you can check via the Apple menu: click on the Apple menu, then on \u00abAbout this Mac\u00bb, then on \u00abSystem Report\u00bb (or hold down Option and click on \u00abSystem Information\u00bb). In the sidebar, click on \u00abSoftware\u00bb. The \u00abStartup Mode\u00bb line should read \u00abSafe\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n<p>You'll also notice that the Mac is slower than usual, that some features are unavailable (no Wi-Fi on some models, no sound on others, no file sharing) and that the interface may look slightly different (no transparency effects).<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"que-faire\">What to do in safe mode<\/h2>\n\n<p>Safe mode is not designed for prolonged use. It is a diagnostic and repair mode. Here are the actions to perform:<\/p>\n\n<h3>If the Mac works normally in Safe Mode<\/h3>\n\n<p>This means that the problem comes from a third-party component. The usual suspects are kernel extensions (antivirus, virtualisation software, VPN), startup elements (applications that launch when a session is opened) and corrupted caches.<\/p>\n\n<p>Recommended actions:<\/p>\n\n<p>Open <strong>System settings<\/strong>, then <strong>General<\/strong>, then <strong>Opening<\/strong> (or \u00abOpeners\u00bb). Deactivate all suspicious opening items, especially those you have recently installed. Restart normally (without holding down Shift). If the problem has disappeared, reactivate the elements one by one to identify the culprit.<\/p>\n\n<h3>If the Mac still does not start in Safe Mode<\/h3>\n\n<p>A failure in Safe Mode suggests a deeper problem: corrupted file system, failing SSD or hardware problem. In this case, try macOS recovery (Cmd + R at boot on Intel, or power button held down then Options on Apple Silicon) to reinstall macOS or repair the disk with Disk Utility.<\/p>\n\n<p>If recovery also fails, a <a href=\"\/en\/create-bootable-macos-usb-drive\/\">macOS bootable USB key<\/a> may be the solution, or a <a href=\"\/en\/free-mac-diagnostic\/\">professional diagnosis in the workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/depannage-mode-sans-echec-mac-actions.webp\" alt=\"Troubleshooting Mac safe mode diagnostic actions\" title=\"Troubleshooting in safe mode on the Mac\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\n<div class=\"info-box warning\">\n<strong>Please note:<\/strong> Don't delete system files in safe mode unless you know exactly what you're doing. Deleting an essential kernel extension can render the Mac unusable even in Safe Mode.\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"quitter-safe-mode\">How to exit safe mode<\/h2>\n\n<p>Leaving Safe Mode is simple: restart your Mac as normal. Click on the Apple menu, then \u00abRestart\u00bb, and don't hold down any keys during start-up. The Mac will then start up in normal mode with all the extensions and opening items.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you have made changes in Safe Mode (deleting software, disabling boot items), they will be applied on normal restart.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"autres-modes\">Other Mac boot modes<\/h2>\n\n<p>Safe Mode is just one of the boot modes available on the Mac. Here are the other useful options for troubleshooting:<\/p>\n\n<table class=\"tg-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Mode<\/th>\n<th>How to get there<\/th>\n<th>Usefulness<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Recovery mode<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel: Cmd + R on start-up. Apple Silicon: hold down the power button, then Options<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Reinstall macOS, Disk utility, restore Time Machine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Internet recovery<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel: Cmd + Option + R. Apple Silicon: automatic if local recovery not present<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Download and reinstall macOS from Apple servers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Target Disk Mode<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel: T at start-up. Apple Silicon: hold button, then Share Disk<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Accessing the Mac disk from another Mac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Verbose mode<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel: Cmd + V on start-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Display system messages during start-up to identify errors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">Apple diagnostics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel: D at start-up. Apple Silicon: hold button, then Diagnostics<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Testing hardware (RAM, SSD, sensors, battery)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"cell-label\">NVRAM reset<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"cell-desc\">Intel only: Cmd + Option + P + R on start-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Reset start-up, resolution and volume settings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p>For a complete guide to resetting your Mac, see our <a href=\"\/en\/reset-mac-to-factory-settings\/\">Mac reset tutorial<\/a>. If your Mac is slow to start up and use normally, our <a href=\"\/en\/slow-mac-solutions-optimization\/\">Mac optimisation guide<\/a> offers 12 complementary solutions.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"faq-section\">\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Does safe mode delete files?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Safe Mode automatically deletes certain system caches (kernel, font and system library caches). Your documents, photos, applications and other personal files are never affected. These caches are automatically recreated at the next normal start-up.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Does Wi-Fi work in safe mode?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Not always. Safe Mode only loads essential kernel extensions, and Wi-Fi requires specific extensions. On most recent Macs (Apple Silicon), Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode. On some Intel Macs with a third-party Wi-Fi card, it may be unavailable.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>My Mac won't start in safe mode. What can I do?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>If the Mac doesn't start up in Safe Mode, the problem is probably hardware (faulty SSD, faulty RAM) or the file system is badly corrupted. Try recovery mode to repair the disk or reinstall macOS. If that doesn't work, a workshop diagnosis is recommended.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Is safe mode the same as recovery mode?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>No. Safe Mode starts macOS with limited functionality, you can use the Finder and applications. Recovery mode loads an independent mini-system that allows you to reinstall macOS, use Disk Utility or restore Time Machine, but not use your normal applications.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Can I use my Mac normally in Safe Mode?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Limited. You can browse the Internet, consult files and uninstall applications. However, certain functions are unavailable: Wi-Fi (sometimes), file sharing, DVD playback, iCloud and certain third-party applications. Safe Mode is for troubleshooting, not for prolonged use.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>How long does it take to boot into Safe Mode?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Longer than a normal boot. Safe Mode checks the disk and clears the caches, which adds 1 to 5 minutes to the usual boot time. On a Mac with a fast SSD, count on 2 to 3 minutes. On an older Mac with a hard disk, it can take up to 10 minutes.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Can Safe Mode solve a slow Mac?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Yes, in some cases. By clearing corrupted system caches, Safe Mode can resolve slowdowns caused by outdated or corrupted cache files. If the Mac is fast in Safe Mode but slow in normal mode, third-party software is causing the problem.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Do I need a password for safe mode?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Yes, Safe Mode requires your usual session password. If you have FileVault (disk encryption) enabled, you may need to enter your password twice: once to unlock the disk and again to log in.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>Does safe mode work on iMac and Mac mini?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>Yes, Safe Mode works on all Macs: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. The procedure is identical, the only difference is Intel vs Apple Silicon.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<div class=\"faq-question\"><span>My problem persists after starting up in safe mode. What should I do?<\/span><span class=\"faq-toggle\">+<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\"><p>If the problem also exists in Safe Mode, it is probably related to the macOS system itself or to the hardware. Try resetting NVRAM (Intel Macs), reinstalling macOS from recovery mode, or performing a hardware diagnostic (D key at startup). If nothing works, a <a href=\"\/en\/free-mac-diagnostic\/\">professional diagnosis<\/a> is the next step.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"related-links\">\n<strong>Related articles<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/mac-wont-turn-on\/\">Mac won't turn on: 7 troubleshooting solutions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/macbook-black-screen-solutions\/\">MacBook black screen: 8 repair methods<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/create-bootable-macos-usb-drive\/\">Create a bootable macOS USB key<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/reset-mac-to-factory-settings\/\">Reset Mac to factory settings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>D\u00e9marrer un Mac en mode sans \u00e9chec : guide complet de d\u00e9pannage Lecture : 10 min | Tutoriels macOS En r\u00e9sum\u00e9 : Le mode sans \u00e9chec (Safe Mode) d\u00e9marre votre Mac avec le strict minimum : seuls les composants essentiels de macOS sont charg\u00e9s, sans extensions tierces, polices personnalis\u00e9es ni \u00e9l\u00e9ments de d\u00e9marrage. C&rsquo;est l&rsquo;outil [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4793,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[104,127,24,23,20,121,126,76,74,73,128,125],"class_list":["post-4790","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutoriels-macos","tag-apple-silicon","tag-demarrage","tag-depannage","tag-diagnostic","tag-imac","tag-intel","tag-kernel-panic","tag-mac-mini-2","tag-macbook-air-2","tag-macbook-pro","tag-mode-sans-echec","tag-safe-mode"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4790","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4790"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4790\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4790"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4790"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reparationmac.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}