Review Mac startup modes
Understanding Mac startup modes helps you guide users to the right startup environment when they need system maintenance or recovery options. Each startup mode serves a specific purpose and uses different key combinations to access various system functions.
Overview
Mac computers offer multiple startup modes that provide access to different system environments. These modes help users perform maintenance tasks, recover from issues, or access diagnostic tools when the standard startup process doesn’t meet their needs.
Available startup modes
Mac computers include two types of recovery systems that serve different purposes:
Paired recoveryOS: Every macOS installation has a dedicated paired recoveryOS installed into the corresponding APFS volume group. This paired version ensures that only that specific recoveryOS can perform security-downgrading operations, protecting installations from tampering by other macOS versions.
Fallback recoveryOS: A backup recovery system that provides access when the paired recoveryOS isn’t available or functioning properly. This secondary recovery system ensures users can always access recovery tools even if the primary paired recoveryOS becomes corrupted or inaccessible.
macOS
Key combination: From a shutdown state, press and release the power button.
Description: This mode is the normal system startup. The Mac starts with the installed macOS and loads all standard applications and user settings.
macOS Recovery
Key combination: From a shutdown state, press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears. Then click Options and Continue. (If FileVault is turned on, you might need to authenticate first.)
Description: This built-in recovery system allows you to run maintenance, including restoring from a Time Machine backup, reinstalling macOS, or erasing the storage.
Paired recoveryOS
Key combination: From a shutdown state, press and hold the power button.
Description: This specific type of startup environment is paired with the currently set default startup volume of macOS (macOS Recovery). To start up into a paired recoveryOS for any macOS installation, that installation needs to be selected as the default, which is done using Startup Disk in System Settings or by starting any recoveryOS and holding Option while selecting a volume. For more information, see Paired recoveryOS restrictions in Apple Platform Security.
Fallback recoveryOS
Key combination: From a shutdown state, double-press and hold the power button.
Description: This backup recovery system starts up to a second copy of recoveryOS.
Accessing startup options
When you press and hold the power button, your Mac displays the startup options window. This window shows:
Available startup disks
Options button (gear icon) for accessing recovery tools
Shut Down and Restart buttons
From this window, you can select different startup volumes or access recovery utilities based on your support needs.
When to use different startup modes
Standard startup (macOS): Use for regular system operation when no maintenance is needed.
Recovery modes: Use when users need system maintenance, backup restoration, or when normal startup fails to complete properly.
Key combination tips
To ensure successful access to startup modes:
Make sure the Mac is completely shut down before attempting startup mode access.
Press and hold key combinations immediately after pressing the power button.
For laptops with Touch ID, press and hold the Touch ID button as the power button.
Wait for visual confirmation like “Loading startup options” before releasing keys.
If you can’t access startup modes
What to look for:
User reports they can’t access startup options or recovery modes.
Steps to take:
Ensure the Mac is completely shut down. The screen should be black with no lights visible.
Press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears.
Verify the startup options window displays available disks and Options button.
If unsuccessful, wait a few seconds after pressing power button before attempting again.
For laptops with Touch ID, confirm user is pressing and holding the Touch ID button firmly.