How To Get Out Of Recovery Mode Mac

MacBook is stuck in Recovery Mode? Fix it with these steps

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Updated: Oct 12, 2020

Posted: May 2020

It is normal to get frustrated if your MacBook is stuck in Recovery Mode, but this guide will help you.
To fix the issue, you should reset the NVRAM and the SMC. Even more, try accessing the Safe Mode.
As an alternative, try to repair the startup disk in case you have a problem with the Mac storage disk.

Macbook stuck in recovery mode

Recovery Mode on MacBook can be incredibly useful if you need to restore your system, but what if your MacBook is stuck in the Recovery Mode?

This can be a big problem, so lets us give you a few troubleshooting tips on how to get out of Recovery Mode.

What can I do if my Mac's Recovery Mode isn't working?

1. Reset NVRAM and SMC

Turn off your MacBook and start it again.
Press and hold the following buttons: Option, Command, P, and R.
Keep the keys pressed until you see the Apple logo appear and disappear for the second time. On older models, you need to hold the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time.

One way to fix this problem is to reset NVRAM and SMC. To reset NVRAM, you just need to complete the above procedure.

If you have a T2 MacBook, you can reset SMC by doing the following:

Shut down your MacBook.
Now press and hold left Control, left Option, and right Shift.
Hold the keys pressed for 7 seconds. Without releasing the keys, press and hold the Power button.
Keep all four keys pressed for 7 seconds and then release them.
Wait for a few seconds, then press the Power button to start your MacBook.

On models with no T2 chip, can reset SMC by following these steps:

Shut down your MacBook.
Hold left Shift, left Control, and left
While holding these keys, press and hold the Power button as well.
Hold the keys pressed for about 10 seconds. Now start your MacBook again.

2. Repair the startup disk

Restart your MacBook and press and hold Command + R keyboard shortcut.
When the Utility Menu appears, select Disk Utility and click on Continue.
Select the desired volume, it's usually Macintosh HD, and click on the First Aid button.
Wait for the process to finish and check if the problem is still there.

If your MacBook is stuck in Recovery Mode, it's possible that there's a problem with your storage disk. To fix it, you need to repair it by doing as described above.

3. Try accessing the Safe Mode

Restart your MacBook.
While the device restarts press and hold the Shift button.
The login window should now appear. Enter your login information to access Safe Mode.

If you're stuck in Recovery Mode, perhaps you can fix the problem from the Safe Mode. To access Safe Mode, complete the steps previously detailed. Once you enter Safe Mode, try to troubleshoot the issue.

These are a couple of methods you can use if your MacBook is stuck in the Recovery Mode. If these solutions didn't work for you, perhaps you should consider reinstalling macOS.

Are things any better now? Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments area below.

FAQ: Learn more about MacBook Recovery Mode

Does recovery mode delete everything on Mac?

No, using the Recovery Mode doesn't delete any data from your Mac. It just restores the last settings that worked on your laptop.

How do I boot into Disk Utility?

To boot into Disk Utility mode, restart your laptop and press the Command+R keys. Then simply choose Disk Utility to open it.

How do you force restart a Macbook Pro?

To force restart your MacBook Pro, simply press the Command+Control keys while also pressing the Power button.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2020 and has been since revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.