Everything you need to know about Recovery Mode in macOS

To solve all sorts of problems, macOS provides a special mode with which you can reinstall the operating system, return data to the computer from a Time Machine backup, transfer files from one Mac to another, set a firmware password, google something in Safari, or use "Terminal".

Previously, this required a recovery disk or flash drive, but for a long time all these actions have been carried out from a special partition on the built-in drive that is created during the installation of macOS. And even in situations where the disk is damaged or fails, the problem can still be solved - thanks to the ability to start recovery through the Internet.

How to enter recovery mode

The procedure is slightly different depending on which chip is used in the computer, but is equally simple in both cases.

On a Mac with Apple processors

1. Shut down your Mac via Apple menu → Shut Down.
2. Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears.
3. Click "Settings" and then "Continue".

On a Mac with Intel processors

Shut down your Mac completely by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar and choosing Shut Down. Start the computer by pressing the power button, and then hold the indicated keys until the recovery menu loads:

• Command + R - to reinstall the latest version of macOS that was already present on the Mac;
• Option + Command + R - to reinstall the latest via the Internet macOSwhich is supported by Mac;
• Option + Shift + Command + R - to reinstall via the Internet the version of macOS that was on the gadget when you bought it, or the closest one to it if the original one is not available.

How to reinstall macOS

Regularly introducing new versions of macOS on top of old ones can lead to an accumulation of mistakes. You can get rid of them only with a clean installation of the system with preliminary formatting of the partition.

1. Enter recovery mode, enter the administrator password if necessary.
2. From the Utilities menu, open Disk Utility.
3. Select the OS drive and click the "Erase" button, leaving the default options.
4. When finished, click "Finish", then open the menu "Disk Utility" → "End Disk Utility".
5. Click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the wizard's prompts.

By the way, if you want to clean your Mac and return it to factory settings before selling it or transferring it to another person, then there is an easier and more convenient way to do this. way.

How to restore from a Time Machine backup

If you set up backups in Time Machine before the problem occurred, then if you have a working copy, you can return the computer to a previously saved state.

1. Enter recovery mode, when prompted for an administrator password, enter it.
2. Select the option "Recover from time machine”, click Continue and follow the instructions on the screen.

How to start Disk Utility

The built-in disk tool is useful to fix file system errors or wipe information from the drive for a clean installation of the OS.

1. Enter recovery mode. If the system asks for an administrator password, enter it.
2. Open the menu "Utilities" → "Disk Utility" and click "Continue".
3. Select the target drive and then click "First Aid" or "Erase" to correct errors or format, respectively.

How to use "Terminal"

Unlike the command line running inside the operating system, "Terminal" in recovery mode allows you to perform any manipulation, including with macOS itself. Knowing the necessary commands, you can change security settings, reset the administrator password, and more.

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode, enter your administrator password if necessary.
2. Go to the "Utilities" menu and open "Terminal".

How to Transfer Files to Another Mac Using Target Mode

Any Mac can be used as an external drive to copy data to another Apple computer. Both devices are paired with a Thunderbolt, USB-C, FireWire or other suitable cable for this.

1. Make sure the computers are connected.
2. Shut down the Mac that will be used as the file source and turn on this computer while holding down the T key.
3. The new drive will appear on the second device. You can copy files from it or, conversely, write to it.
4. When finished, right-click on the mounted drive and select "Eject".
5. Turn off the Mac that was in the role of an external drive, and then unplug the cable.

How to reset your FileVault password

If the data on the drive is encrypted with FileVault and you Forgot your password unlock, you can reset it. Proceed like this:

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode.
2. When prompted to enter an administrator password, select "Forgot all passwords?".
3. Sign in with your Apple ID and follow the prompts on the screen.

How to use Safari

If macOS does not boot, and there is no other device at hand to search for information on the Internet, you can do this right in Recovery Mode.

1. Enter recovery mode. Enter an administrator password if necessary.
2. Select safari and click Continue.

How to set the firmware password

For added security, you can use a Firmware Password. It will protect your Mac by making it impossible to start it from any drive other than the default one, and will also prevent strangers from entering recovery mode. To enable this feature, do the following:

1. Start your Mac in recovery mode, entering your administrator password if necessary.
2. Open the Utilities menu and select Firmware Password Utility or Secure Boot Utility.
3. Click "Enable Firmware Password", set the code and remember it.
4. Close the utility and choose Restart from the Apple menu.

Artyom Kozoriz