If your MacBook Pro M4 won't boot into safe mode, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue. Here's a detailed guide:
1. Check Basic Settings and Hardware
- Power and Keyboard: Ensure your MacBook is properly charged and the keyboard is functioning. Sometimes, a dead battery or a malfunctioning keyboard can prevent you from entering safe mode.- Firmware Password: If your MacBook has a firmware password set, it might prevent safe mode boot. You'll need to disable it by booting into recovery mode (press Command + R during startup), then go to Utilities > Startup Security Utility, and turn off the firmware password[1][4].
2. Boot Using the Option Key
- Shut Down your MacBook.- Press and hold the Option (â¥) key while pressing the Power button. This will open the Startup Manager.
- Select your startup disk (usually Macintosh HD) and press Enter.
- If your MacBook boots, try entering safe mode again by holding the Shift key during startup[1][4].
3. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
- For Macs with M1 chips like the M4, simply shut down your MacBook, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This resets the SMC.- For older models, you might need to unplug the power cable, press the Shift + Option + Control keys while pressing the power button, hold for 10 seconds, and then release. Plug the power cable back in and start your MacBook[1][7].
4. Force Restart and Try Safe Mode Again
- If your MacBook freezes during safe mode boot, try a force restart by pressing Command + Option + Control + Power or holding the Power button until it shuts down.- Wait a few seconds and then try booting into safe mode again by holding the Shift key during startup[1][10].
5. Disable FileVault
- FileVault encryption might interfere with safe mode. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault, and turn it off. You'll need to enter your password to make these changes[1][4].6. Check for Hardware Issues
- If none of the above steps work, it's possible there's a hardware issue, such as a failing hard drive. Consider booting from an external drive or visiting an Apple Support center for further diagnosis[8].7. Reinstall macOS
- If your MacBook still won't boot into safe mode after trying the above steps, you might need to reinstall macOS. This will erase all data, so ensure you have backups before proceeding[2][6].By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue preventing your MacBook Pro M4 from booting into safe mode.
Citations:[1] https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/mac-wont-start-in-safe-mode.html
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/use-safe-mode-resolve-mac-startup-issues/
[3] https://nordvpn.com/blog/mac-safe-mode/
[4] https://cleanmymac.com/blog/mac-wont-boot-in-safe-mode
[5] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254690432
[6] https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-your-mac-doesnt-start-up-as-expected-mchlp2889/mac
[7] https://iboysoft.com/mac-data-recovery/mac-wont-start-in-safe-mode.html
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookrepair/comments/x11nu2/macbook_pro_a1706_not_booting_up_wont_go_into/
[9] https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac
[10] https://recoverit.wondershare.com/mac-problems/mac-wont-start-in-safe-mode.html