Mac Internet Recovery Mode, How to Start Up [Full Guideline]

Mac Recovery Mode can boot from a hidden recovery partition on the hard disk to reinstall macOS, quickly check the linked drives, and do other things. But suppose the built-in recovery partition gets damaged. In that case, you can enter Mac Internet Recovery Mode instead, an Internet-based version of Recovery Mode on Mac that accesses Apple's servers online to get recovery tools.

What Can Mac Internet Recovery Mode Do

When your Mac is in Internet Recovery Mode, you may use a variety of utilities to execute fixes, modify security settings, and more. Here are the main features of Mac Internet Recovery Mode.

Restore data from a Time Machine backup.

You may always restore your Mac's contents from a previous Mac Time Machine backup. If something goes wrong with macOS that you are unsure how to fix, or if you wish to transfer all of your data to a new Mac, recovering data from a Time Machine backup in Mac Internet Recovery Mode is helpful.

Reinstall macOS

You may easily install a new version of macOS by using the macOS Recovery Mode. Similarly, with the Internet Recovery Mode on your Mac, you may quickly reinstall macOS or restore your existing operating system with an Internet connection.

Set the bootable disk for your Mac.

If the starting disk has been corrupted or destroyed, the startup modes won't be much used now. And in such a situation, understanding how to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode might be helpful.

How to Start Up Mac Internet Recovery Mode

Your Mac's processor determines the procedures to start the Internet Recovery Mode. The following instructions apply to Macs with Intel processors and Macs with M1 chips.

Enter Internet Recovery Mode on Mac with M1 chips

Here's how to enter the Mac Internet Recovery Mode with the Apple M1 chip:

Step 1. Select "Shut Down" from the Apple menu and wait for it to shut down completely.

Step 2. Hold down the Mac power key, waiting for the "Loading startup choices" screen appears.

Step 3. Chose "Options" - "Continue".

Step 4. After choosing a disk volume, click "Next".

Step 5. Next, click the administrator account and type the password. Get into Recovery Mode by pressing Continue.

Enter Internet Recovery Mode on Intel Mac

Here's how to launch Internet Recovery Mode on your Intel-based Mac:

Step 1. Restart your Mac from the Apple menu, or turn it on if it's already off.

Step 2. Press and hold the keys: Command + Option + R or Command + Option + Shift + R when you hear the starting bell or see the startup screen. Let them go until the globe that reads "Starting Internet Recovery" shows on the net.

Step 3. In case a lock icon appears, enter your Mac's password.

Step 4. To view the list of accessible Wi-Fi networks, pick one and enter the password to connect to it.

Step 5. You'll see the macOS utility window if everything works as planned. Select the tool or option that you wish to utilize.

Mac Internet Recovery Mode Not Working, Fixed Now

However, you may encounter the problem of your Mac Recovery Mode not working. Things go worse if your Mac Internet Recovery Mode is in error.

For instance, you will find the "macOS Utilities" window won't appear, or you'll see the default login window being a blank screen. Perhaps your mouse isn't working, or your keyboard won't let you access the Mac Internet Recovery Mode.

Here are some fixes to solve these problems.

1. Fix 1. Identify the type of your Mac and ensure the way you access it.
2. Fix 2. Check your Internet/WIFI connection.
3. Fix 3. Check and alter your peripherals, like the keyboard and mouse.
4. Fix 4. Install macOS from USB to restart your Mac.

Bonus Tip: How to Recover Data on Mac When Mac Recovery Mode Not Working

The Mac Recovery Mode error may warn of an OS malfunction and irreparable data loss. Whatever the reason for Mac Internet Recovery Mode not working, there is something wrong with your Mac that prohibits you from typically starting up. As a result, you pay attention to your data loss.

Data loss on a Mac is disappointing, and recovering permanently deleted files might be difficult for a Mac user. However, using specialized Mac data recovery software will become extremely easy.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, a sophisticated and professional file recovery program for Mac, is at the top of the recommended list.

The methods below might help you if data loss occurs after you fail to enter Mac Internet Recovery Mode.

Note: You can create a backup by clicking the "Disk Backup" on the left first. When the disk is damaged or the data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost, you can get the data back from the backup image.

Step 1. Select the location

Select the disk where you lost data after updating to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Then, click "Search for lost files".

Step 2. Find lost data after the scan

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. Use the file type and file path to find wanted data on Mac.

Step 3. Recover data after macOS update

Select the target files that were unknowingly lost during or after the update and click the "Recover" button to get them all back.

Conclusion

After reading this post, you may learn about the Mac Internet Recovery Mode. However, it is necessary to be mindful of protecting your data when your Mac Internet Recovery Mode is not working. So, you might benefit from EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to safeguard the security of your data.

Mac Internet Recovery Mode FAQs

Here are 4 additional questions and answers to help you know more about Mac Internet Recovery.

1. What does Command + R do on Mac?

You may enter Recovery Mode to fix the startup disk, reinstall macOS, or generally stop the Mac from starting up by pressing Command + R.

2. How do I boot into Recovery Mode?

1. Step 1. On the desktop, click the Apple logo - Restart.
2. Step 2. Press down the Command + R keys until an Apple logo or a globe sign emerges.
3. Step 3. Select from the Recovery Mode Utility.

3. How to restart a Mac in Internet Recovery Mode?

The standard method for restarting a Mac in recovery mode is: Pressing Command + R to bring up the macOS Utility page, where you may choose to Reinstall macOS or launch Mac Disk Utility.

4. What can I do via Internet Recovery Mode Mac?

• Utilize Mac Time Machine backup.
• Access the Terminal.
• Check and fix the errors on the disk.
• Reinstall the macOS.