MAC Startup Keys

In order to use these key combos, you must press and hold them right after you press the power button or a restart. Remain holding them until the desired effect.

Command -R : This is to access the built-in macOS recovery system.

Option-Command- R or Shift- Option-Command-R: This is to access the built-in macOs recovery system over the internet.

Option or ALT : This will open the Startup Manager.

Option-Command-P-R : This will reset the NVRAM or PRAM.

Shift : This will start up Safe mode. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

D : This opens Apple Diagnostics.(This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

Option-D : This will open Apple Diagnostics over the internet. (This is disabled when firmware password is in use.)

N : This will cause you to start up from a NetBoot Server if supported. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

Option-N : This will use the default boot image on the server. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

Command-S : This will startup in single user mode. ((This will not work if firmware password is in use, or in macOS Mojave and later.)

T : This will start up in target disk mode. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

Command-V : This will start up in verbose mode. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)

Eject or F12 or Mouse button or trackpad button : This will eject removable media. (This will not work if firmware password is in use.)