If you find that your Mac is getting slower or has recurring bugs that make the system crash, you may be able to fix it yourself by trying some of these solutions from our in-house tech experts.

Restart your computer in Safe Mode

Safe Mode prevents certain software from loading as your Mac starts up, such as login items and unnecessary extensions. It can help you figure out if any issues you may be experiencing are caused by that software.

Here’s what to do.

Step 1. Determine whether your Mac has a silicon or Intel processor. See how to determine if your processor is silicon or Intel via Apple Support

If you have a silicon processor, continue here

Step 2. Shut down your computer.

Step 3. Turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button until the startup options screen appears. Learn more about startup options via Apple Support

Step 4. Select the startup disk option — it might be named “Macintosh HD” for example, but disk names can differ. 

Step 5. Press and hold the “Shift” key while selecting “Continue in Safe Mode”.

Step 6. Your computer will automatically restart. Once done, you may need to log back in.

Well done, now you’re in Safe Mode.

If you have an Intel processor, continue here

Step 2. Shut down your computer.

Step 3. Turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button.

Step 4. Press and hold the "Shift" key until the login window pops up.

Step 5. Release the key and log in.

Step 6. You may be prompted to log in again — you should see the words “Safe Boot” appear in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.

Well done, now you’re in Safe Mode. 

If the issue continues even when in Safe Mode

If the issue continues or your Mac restarts several times and then powers down again while in Safe Mode, you should reinstall your macOS. 

Reinstall your macOS

Use macOS Recovery, your computer’s built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Here’s what to do.

Step 1. Before diving in, back up your Mac to be safe. See how to back up your computer via Apple Support

Step 2. Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.

Step 3. Determine whether your Mac has a silicon processor or an Intel processor. See how to determine if your processor is silicon or Intel via Apple Support

If you have a silicon processor

Step 1. Shut down your Mac. 

Step 2. Once shut down, press and hold the power button again. As you continue to hold it, your Mac will turn on and load startup options. When you see “Loading startup options” or the options icon, release the power button.

Step 3. Select "Options”.

Step 4. Select “Continue”.

Step 5. When your Mac has successfully started from Recovery, it will show the startup options window. Select the option to reinstall your macOS. 

Step 6. Select “Continue”.

Step 7. Follow any prompts.

Step 8. Let the installation finish without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.

Note that when installation is complete, your Mac might show you a setup assistant. Follow the prompts, and you’re all set.

If you have any issues or unexpected prompts, check out Apple Support’s full guidelines on reinstalling macOS

If you have an Intel processor

Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

Step 2. Turn it back on and select Option (⌥)-Command (⌘)-R at the same time. Continue to hold the keys until the Apple logo or another screen appears.

Step 3. If prompted, select your user profile, select “Next,” and enter your password.

Step 4. When your Mac has successfully started from Recovery, it will show the startup options window. Select the option to reinstall your macOS. 

Step 5. Select “Continue”.

Step 6. Follow any prompts.

Step 7. Let the installation finish without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.

Note that when installation is complete, your Mac might show you a setup assistant. Follow the prompts, and you’re all set.

If you have any issues or unexpected prompts, check out Apple Support’s full guidelines on reinstalling macOS