{"id":1722,"date":"2021-12-10T06:58:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T06:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleanerone.trendmicro.com\/blog\/?p=1722"},"modified":"2022-07-07T13:28:20","modified_gmt":"2022-07-07T13:28:20","slug":"command-r-not-working-fix-recovery-mode-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleanerone.trendmicro.com\/blog\/command-r-not-working-fix-recovery-mode-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"Command R Not Working? How to Fix Recovery Mode Issues on Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recovery mode<\/strong> can be a lifesaver when things go wrong with your Mac. But what can you do if Command R<\/strong> or Recovery mode<\/strong> aren\u2019t working?<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll show you some of the reasons why Recovery mode might be failing to load, how to troubleshoot the issue, and some alternative ways you can fix your Mac.<\/p>\n

What is Recovery mode?<\/h2>\n

A hard drive is split into multiple areas, known as partitions or volumes. There are four partitions, but it is the Recovery partition that is the one that can be used to reinstall macOS. Your Mac creates the Recovery partition during the initial setup and it is set aside in case your Mac\u2019s operating system needs to be completely reinstalled.<\/p>\n

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\n(Image credit: Hawkdive)<\/em><\/p>\n

Normally, you can press Command+R at startup to boot into Recovery mode. However, sometimes the Recovery partition is missing or inaccessible for some reason. There are many reasons why it might not work. There could be something wrong with your hard drive or even your keyboard. Fortunately, there are some solutions available.<\/p>\n

What to do if Command+R isn\u2019t working?<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Determine which type of processor your Mac has.<\/h3>\n

If your Mac has an Apple M1 chip \u2014 one of the new Macs introduced since November 2020, Command+R<\/strong> won\u2019t work for you. You\u2019ll need to use a different method to boot into Recovery mode.<\/p>\n

\"different-methods-to-boot-into-Recovery-mode\"<\/picture>
\n(Image credit: Laptop Mag)<\/em><\/p>\n

1. How to start an M1 Mac in Recovery mode<\/strong>
\n– With your Mac powered off, press and hold the power button<\/strong>.
\n– When you see \u201cLoading startup options\u201d, let go of the power button.
\n– Eventually, you will be able to select Options<\/strong> > Continue<\/strong> and this will open up Recovery mode.<\/p>\n

2. How to start an Intel Mac in Recovery mode<\/strong>
\n– Turn on your Mac.
\n– As soon as it starts to power up, press and hold Command+R<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you have an Intel Mac and Command+R isn\u2019t working, don\u2019t worry and follow the steps below.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Check your keyboard<\/h3>\n

Getting into Recovery mode on an Intel Mac requires a keyboard shortcut. So if there’s a problem with your keyboard, you might not be able to access it.<\/p>\n

How to test your keys:<\/strong>
\n1. Plug your keyboard into a working computer and test all the keys in an application like Word.
\n2. If you\u2019re using a Bluetooth keyboard, try a wired keyboard.
\n3. You can also test your keys using the Accessibility keyboard. This on-screen keyboard will highlight the keys you press on your physical keyboard:<\/p>\n