Startup key combinations for Mac
Some Mac features are available by holding down certain keys during startup.
Press and hold the keys immediately after you turn on your Mac and hear the startup sound. Keep holding until
the described behavior occurs. These combinations work with Intel-based Mac computers.
Hold during startup Description
Shift ⇧ Start up in Safe Mode.
Option ⌥ Start up to Startup Manager.
C Start up from a bootable CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive (such as OS X install
media).
D Start up to either Apple Hardware Test or Apple Diagnostics, depending on
which Mac you're using.
Option-D Start up to either Apple Hardware Test or Apple Diagnostics over the
Internet.
N Start up from a compatible NetBoot server.
Option-N Start up from a NetBoot server using the default boot image.
Command (⌘)-R Start up from OS X Recovery.
Command-Option-R Start up from OS X Recovery over the Internet.
Command-Option-P-R Reset NVRAM. Release the keys after you hear the startup sound again.
Command-S Start up in single-user mode.
T Start up in target disk mode.
X Start up from an OS X startup volume when the Mac would otherwise start
up from a non-OS X startup volume.
Command-V Start up in verbose mode.
Eject (⏏), F12, mouse button, or Eject removable media, such as an optical disc.
trackpad button
Other Mac keyboard shortcuts are available after your Mac has started up.
Last Modified: Mar 16, 2016
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Additional Product Support Information
MacBook Pro MacBook Air MacBook
Mac Pro iMac Mac notebooks
Mac mini Mac desktops
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