Mac Safe Mode: Quick Fixes & How to Start It

What Is Mac Safe Mode 

Mac safe mode—sometimes called Safe Boot—starts macOS with only essential components. It disables most third-party extensions and login items, clears some caches, and runs basic checks on your startup disk. Use Mac safe mode when you notice:

• Repeated app crashes or kernel panics

• A macOS update that never completes

• A login loop or a desktop that never fully loads

• Beachballs, fan spikes, or extreme sluggishness after installing new software

Think of Mac safe mode as a clean room: fewer moving parts, more signal. If your problem disappears in Mac safe mode, the culprit is probably a login item, extension, or cache outside the core system.

Stream Smoothly - Anywhere, Anytime!

One click to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc, and enjoy buffer-free streaming.

Unblock Now

How to Start Mac in Safe Mode (Apple Silicon)

For M1/M2/M3 Macs, entering Apple silicon Safe Mode uses the power button and Startup Options:

1. Shut down the Mac completely.

2. Press and hold the power button until you see Loading startup options.

3. Click your startup disk.

4. Hold Shift, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

5. Log in. On Apple silicon you may need to log in twice. You’ll see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar or on the login screen.

You are now in Mac safe mode. Work through the checks below before rebooting normally.

How to Start Mac in Safe Mode (Intel Macs)

For Intel-based Macs, the process relies on the Shift key:

1. Shut down (not restart) the Mac.

2. Turn it on and immediately hold Shift.

3. Release Shift when the login window appears.

4. Log in, and look for “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

If your keyboard or Bluetooth misbehaves, plug in a wired keyboard to trigger Mac safe mode reliably.

Fix Common Issues Using Mac Safe Mode

With the system stabilized, use Mac safe mode to remove the cause—not just the symptoms.

1) Update and reboot

• Open System Settings → General → Software Update and install pending updates.

• Update the troublesome app from its official site or the App Store.

• Reboot normally to test. If the issue returns, go back to Mac safe mode for the next steps.

2) Trim login items & launch agents

• System Settings → General → Login Items: Disable anything you don’t recognize.

• In ~/Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchAgents, move non-essential items to a backup folder on your desktop. Reboot and test again.

3) Remove old system extensions & antivirus leftovers

• In Mac safe mode, uninstall third-party drivers, legacy VPN clients, or antivirus tools you don’t use. Most vendors ship cleanup utilities—prefer those over manual deletion.

4) Clean problematic caches (safely)

• Empty ~/Library/Caches for specific apps you suspect (quit the app first).

• Avoid wholesale deletion of system folders; Mac safe mode already clears core caches on boot.

5) Check disk health

• Launch Disk Utility → select your startup volume → First Aid.

• If errors persist, back up and plan a reinstall.

6) Rebuild Spotlight & reset preferences (only when needed)

• To reindex Spotlight: System Settings → Siri & Spotlight → disable/enable categories or run mdutil from Terminal.

• To reset a single app’s settings: move its plist from ~/Library/Preferences to the desktop; the app will create a fresh one.

Work in small steps. When a change in Mac safe mode fixes the issue, re-enable items one at a time during normal boots to confirm the true cause.

Mac Safe Mode vs Recovery Mode: Key Difference

People often mix Mac safe mode with Mac Recovery Mode. They’re different tools:

• Mac safe mode = minimal macOS with your user data mounted. Great for ruling out add-ons, clearing caches, updating apps, and uninstalling problematic software.

• Mac Recovery Mode = a separate environment for heavy repairs: Disk Utility on the system volume, Time Machine restore, Reinstall macOS, Startup Security Utility, and Terminal. Use Recovery if disk repairs fail in Mac safe mode, if macOS is missing/corrupted, or when you need to reset the system.

A simple rule: try Mac safe mode first; if you can’t even reach the desktop—or First Aid reports unfixable errors—switch to Mac Recovery Mode. 

Pro Tips: How to Keep Your Mac Private 

When you’re done, restart normally—don’t hold any keys. If “Safe Boot” keeps appearing, check that Shift isn’t stuck and verify Login Items didn’t re-enable a problematic extension.

Once you’re back online, restore your everyday privacy routine:

• Use a trusted VPN on untrusted networks. After troubleshooting, reconnect with free proxy VPN- UFO VPN before you sign in to apps or sync large files on café, hotel, or campus Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your traffic end-to-end and masks your IP from local operators.

• Know Safe Mode limits. Some third-party VPN drivers and split-tunnel features may be disabled inside Mac safe mode by design. That’s normal—connect the VPN after you return to a normal boot.

• Hygiene checklist: Keep macOS and apps updated, review Login Items quarterly, and remove kernel/system extensions you no longer need. Use strong passwords and passkeys; pair them with a reputable VPN when you’re away from your trusted network.

✨4 Steps to Get Your Mac Helper

Windows macOS iOS Android

Step 1

Download UFO VPN for Windows

Grab the free Windows VPN installer right below. UFO VPN is lightweight and secure on all Windows systems. Double-click the downloaded file and complete the installation. Once installed, launch UFO VPN.

Free Download

Watch Video Guide

Step 2

Select a VPN Server

Inside the app, you can click the "Connect" button for quick connection, or browse the list of servers by Location or categroy: Video& Stream, Game, etc. Choosing the right server ensures fast speeds and smooth access.

Pro Tip

UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN that offers unlimited access to 4D streaming like Netlfix, Disney Plus, no-ping gaming as PUBG, Roblox, CODM and social networking for YouTube, X, Facebook and more.

Step 3

Enable Advanced Features

In addition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on extra protections via Ad Blocker and features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Smart Hop. Users can optimize online gaming/streaming/chatting as much as possible.

Step 4

Check Your New IP

Use UFO VPN's built-in " What is My IP" feature to see your new IP address and location. This confirms your VPN is working, hides your real IP, and ensures privacy while browsing.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for macOS

Click the button below to download offcial Mac VPN free. Open the .dmg file, drag UFO VPN to your Applications folder, and launch it. You're just a few clicks away from secure browsing.

Free Download

Watch Video Guide

Step 2 Pick Your IP Server

Tap "Connect" button for the fastest server automatically. Or you can select a server from the global server list in 100+ countries. UFO VPN is an UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN or gaming, video streaming, social platforms, and AI tools.

Step 3

Unlock Pro Features

If you have upgraded to premium plan , feel free to enjoy premium servers for 4K streaming and advanced features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and gaming acceleration. Your Mac is now fully optimized and protected. Inaddition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on

Step 4

Verify Your IP Now

Use UFO VPN's " What is My IP " feature to see your new IP and location. This confirms your connection is secure, anonymous, and ready for safe browsing online anywhere at any time.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for iPhone/iPad

Download this free iOS VPN via official link or App Store. Once installed, launch the app to get started. UFO VPN is now trusted by over 2 million users worldwide with optimzed service.

Free Download

Watch Video Guide

Step 2 Select a Perfect Server

Hit "Connect" button for the fastest server near you instantly. Or you can choose a favorite location/platform from the server list manually for full control. UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN companion for gaming, streaming, social media, and AI tools.

Step 3 Lookup IP and Enable Pro Features

Now you can check your current IP via built-in IP lookup tool. Pro features in premium plan offer you premium servers, blazing speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, so you can protect your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices all at once.

Step 1 install UFO VPN for Android

Get free Android VPN from offcial website or Google Play Store. Follow the instructions for easy download. Then open the app and get ready to surf safely.

Free Download

Watch Video Guide

Step 2 Choose Your Ideal Server

UFO VPN is an all-in-one powerhouse for gaming, video streaming, social apps, and AI tools. The"Connect" button links you to the fastest server instantly, or you can choose among the server list manually via Location/ Video&Stream/Games for easy access.

Step 3 Power Up Pro Features

Pro users can look up current IP via built-in "What Is My IP" feature, and unlock premium features like 4K servers, turbo speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, keeping all your Android phones, tablets, and other devices safe at once.

With this workflow, Mac safe mode fixes the system; your daily practices keep it fast and private.