MacOS Recovery mode is used to install and reinstall macOS operating system. How to access Mac boot modes and what they do: Here is a list of the different Mac startup keys and boot commands: Or you can boot into Recovery Mode and run Disk Utilities to repair your disk, or, at worst, reinstall macOS. If your Mac won’t start up in regular boot mode, or if it starts up but behaves erratically, you need to be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.ĭifferent boot modes allow you to, for example, start your Mac with only the bare minimum of extensions loaded, so you can figure out if they are at the root of the problem. The simple answer is: to allow you to troubleshoot problems. Why are there different Mac boot options?

But did you know there are several other Mac boot commands? These useful combinations help start up the Mac properly and fix system errors. We all know that when you want to start up your Mac, you just press the power button and when you want to restart, you visit the Apple menu and choose Restart from there. But to help you do it all by yourself, we’ve gathered our best ideas and solutions below.įeatures described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X. NOTE: Your Mac must be running macOS Sierra to work with the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.So here's a tip for you: Download CleanMyMac to quickly solve some of the issues mentioned in this article. 31, 2016 I believe the regular price is $49.) The adapter is here: -adapter (Note this is a special price until Dec. So all you should need is the T3/USB-C to T adapter (plus a Thunderbolt cable). You shouldn't need to do it that way though, as your MBP has a Thunderbolt port on it. I've never tried it nor heard about anybody trying it yet, so I have no idea if it will work, but an Apple support document says it should, and if it does, you're going to need two adapters, one from Thunderbolt 3/USB-C to Thunderbolt and the other from Thunderbolt to FireWire 800 (plus a FW cable). I don't believe there is an adapter to go directly from USB-C to FireWire, as they are different protocols. If TDM doesn't work like this, it may by connecting the two Macs first, but that's another story. If you have a logic board failure, I don't think this is going to work. Again, I haven't heard of anyone using this method yet, so I can't say if it will work for sure.įirst, see if your MBP will boot into Target Disk Mode by holding down the T key while booting. Obviously the $9 USB-C to USB cable is the least expensive, so I'd try that route first if you don't have USB external enclosures they're only $10-15, so I think that would be worth a try to get your data.

EDIT, I should have put this first: If your MBP cannot start in TDM, I believe the only thing you can do is put the HDD in an external enclosure: if it's USB, this adapter should work:, if it's FW, use those adapters, if it's Thunderbolt use that adapter.

Boot mac in target disk mode