Get your Mac past the Apple logo when startup gets stuck

Why it happens

A Mac can stall at the Apple logo when an update didn't finish, when files it needs at startup are damaged, or when an accessory confuses it. After an update, a bar that looks frozen is often still working, so patience comes first. Safe Mode and Recovery start your Mac with the bare minimum so you can repair it.

How to fix it

1. Unplug drives, docks, hubs, extra displays and other USB devices. On a MacBook, keep the charger connected.

2. If you've just installed an update, give it at least an hour, even if the bar doesn't move. Otherwise, a few minutes is enough.

3. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the Mac turns off.

4. On a Mac with Apple silicon, press and hold the power button until you see Loading startup options, then let go.

5. On Apple silicon, to try Safe Mode, select your startup disk, hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode. If the Mac starts, restart it normally from the Apple menu. That alone often clears the problem.

6. On an Intel Mac, turn it on and straight away hold Shift until the login window appears. That starts it in Safe Mode.

7. If Safe Mode doesn't get you in, open Recovery. On Apple silicon, go back to startup options and click Options, then Continue. On an Intel Mac, hold Command-R as it starts.

8. In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select your startup disk and run First Aid. Then quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS. Reinstalling keeps your files and apps, but it needs an internet connection.

Still not fixed?

1. If you have a Time Machine backup, Recovery can also restore your whole Mac from it. Use this if reinstalling doesn't help.

2. If the Mac only gets stuck with a certain dock, display or drive plugged in, that accessory is the cause. Try a different cable, or check its maker for an update.

3. If an update was interrupted, start the Mac normally once it's working and run General > Software Update again.

   General›Software Update

4. If Recovery won't load, Reinstall macOS fails, or the Mac restarts over and over, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. That can mean a hardware problem, such as the internal storage.