Booting a MacBook Pro M4 (which likely refers to a model with Apple Silicon) into safe mode without a keyboard is challenging because the typical method involves holding down the Shift key during startup. However, there are alternative approaches you can consider:
1. Remote Access: If you have remote access to your MacBook Pro, you can use Terminal to configure it to boot into safe mode. You would need to access the Terminal remotely or log in using SSH. Once connected, you can use the following command to boot into safe mode:
bash
sudo nvram boot-args="-x"
After executing this command, restart your MacBook Pro. It will automatically boot into safe mode. To exit safe mode, use the command:
bash
sudo nvram boot-args=""
and restart again[1][4].
2. Bluetooth Pairing Mode: If you have Bluetooth devices available but they are not paired, your MacBook Pro will automatically enter pairing mode if no input devices are connected. This might allow you to pair a Bluetooth keyboard and then boot into safe mode using the Shift key on the paired keyboard[2].
3. Borrow a Keyboard: If possible, borrowing a USB or Bluetooth keyboard from someone else could be the simplest solution to boot into safe mode using the Shift key method[2].
4. macOS Recovery Mode: While not directly booting into safe mode, you can enter macOS Recovery mode by pressing and holding the power button until the startup options appear. From there, you might be able to access some diagnostic tools or reinstall macOS, which could indirectly help resolve issues[8][9].
In summary, without a keyboard, using remote access to configure safe mode via Terminal is the most direct method for booting into safe mode without physical keyboard input.
Citations:[1] https://www.isunshare.com/mac/how-to-start-mac-in-safe-mode.html
[2] https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/397295/log-into-mac-mini-with-unpaired-bluetooth-keyboard-and-mouse
[3] https://nordvpn.com/blog/mac-safe-mode/
[4] https://healthit.com.au/using-safe-mode-on-mac/
[5] https://superuser.com/questions/1028096/how-to-start-with-boot-disk-selection-without-access-to-apple-keyboard
[6] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250435151
[7] https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1hpok08/how_can_i_boot_into_recovery_mode_on_m4_mac_mini/
[9] https://support.apple.com/en-us/102603