[Solved] Command + R not working issue on Mac | Stellar (2024)

Command + R is one of the most common troubleshooting shortcuts on Macs. This combination allows you to boot into recovery mode, which allows you to reinstall macOS, reset the administrator password, wipe the hard drive, reset your Mac, and more. But what can you do if one day you try to boot into this powerful mode and Command + R suddenly stops working?

If your Mac's recovery mode isn't working, you'll see the normal login window, black, or just a blank screen instead of the macOS Utilities window. Command + R not working on Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina is just as common as it is on older macOS systems, so you can use the troubleshooting steps on almost any Mac computer.

How to Fix Command + R Not Working on Mac

There are many different reasons why Command + R doesn't work on Mac. This may include improperly following the recovery mode boot instructions, damage to the keyboard, or problems with the recovery partition.

To repairCommand+R doesn't workfollow the steps one by one:

• Try restarting in recovery mode.
• Check for keyboard problems.
• Use alternate keyboard combinations instead of Command + R.
• Reset NVRAM/PRAM.
• Use Internet recovery mode.

This article covers the most obvious reasons why you can't boot into recovery mode and the best ways to fix the problem of Command + R not working. It also includes a backup plan for reinstalling macOS or resetting Mac to factory settings, even if you can no longer access recovery mode after all these steps.

A. Reboot into recovery mode

We've all been in situations where we've read the instructions just briefly enough to come to a common understanding. But if you tryboot into recovery modeit is important to follow each step exactly as indicated in the instructions. Otherwise, it may lead you to think that Command + R is not working.

So carefully follow the steps below to boot into recovery mode:

1. Restart your Mac and pressCommando + Ron the keyboard.
2. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo and status bar.

Do not turn off your Mac, close the lid, or unplug the power cord during the charging process.

B. Check for keyboard problems

Checking peripherals is one of the first troubleshooting techniques for many Mac-related problems. Command + R not working can be caused by a faulty USB port, broken keyboard, Bluetooth issues, or physical damage to a particular key.

Connect another device or use a different keyboard to check the proper functioning of the USB port. If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, it is recommended that you replace it with a wired keyboard.

Hopefully this simple hack will help resolve Command + R not working issues. If you can't boot into recovery mode even with a new wired keyboard connected, read on.

C. Use alternate command + R keyboard combinations

Unfortunately, Command + R does not work the same for all Mac computers. If you have a very old Mac running macOS Snow Leopard (10.6) or older, there is no recovery partition available and you will need to use a disk that comes with a Mac to reinstall the operating system. Additionally, if your Mac is running macOS Sierra (launched in 2016) or earlier versions of macOS, Recovery Mode will not have full functionality and will lack some newer options.

Command + R does not work to boot into recovery mode, even on some newer Mac models running on T2 or Apple M1 chips.

OpenAbout this Macfrom the Apple menu bar or go tosupport.apple.comto find out if your Mac has an Apple M1 chip or T2 security chip. Follow the instructions to boot into recovery mode, depending on your Mac's specifications.

To boot into recovery mode on Macs with T2 security chip:

1. keep pressedOption (Alt) + Command + Rwhen you start a Mac.
2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or spinning globe icon.

How to boot into recovery mode on Macs with Apple M1 chip:

1. Press and holdPower-knap.
2. Release the button when "Load boot options".
3. To electPossibilitieson the screen and clickGet on.
4. Enter the administrator password.

D. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM which stands for Non-volatile Random Access Memory and PRAM (parameter RAM) is a small amount of special memory that stores information about essential Mac settings such as brightness, screen resolution, startup disk settings, time settings, etc. Because it uses this information to To boot Mac faster, it's important to reset NVRAM/PRAM if you have any boot options and if Command + R doesn't work.

To reset NVRAM/PRAM:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. After 10 seconds, press the power button andOption + Command + P + Rat the same time.
3. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo appear twice or hear two startup sounds.

After these actions, restart your Mac and try to boot into recovery mode.

E. Use Internet Recovery Mode

If Command + R unfortunately doesn't work after following all the previous steps, it most likely means that your recovery partition is damaged and cannot work properly. This is where Internet Recovery comes to help.

Internet Recovery mode is very similar to Recovery mode and offers the same functionality. The only difference is that the recovery options are loaded over the Internet from Apple's servers instead of from your hard drive.

To boot into Internet Recovery Mode on Intel Macs:

1. Turn off your Mac and wait 5-10 seconds.
2. Press and hold the power button and at the same timeShift + Option + Command + RofOption + Command + Rkeys on the keyboard.
3. Release the buttons when you see a rotating globe icon.
4. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.

The loading time may take some time as it depends on the internet speed, it may even feel that wayInternet recovery crashes, but it's important to wait for it to load. So plug in the charging cable and don't turn off or restart your Mac.

If even after all the above instructions you are unable to boot into recovery mode on M1 Mac, you can try using "rollback recovery mode". This new mode was introduced on M1 machines and is basically the same as Internet Recovery mode on Intel Macs.

How to Boot into Fallback Recovery Mode on M1 Mac:Quickly press and hold the power button until you see the loading bar or Apple logo.

FAQ

What is Mac Recovery?

Mac Recovery is a special boot mode that allows you to recover your Mac in several ways, including reinstalling macOS,restore from backup, erase and format drives and more.

Why doesn't Command + R work on Mac?

There are several reasons why Command R is not working on Mac. In most cases, this happens due to issues with the USB port, keyboard, Bluetooth, or a damaged recovery drive.

How to force Mac into recovery mode?

To start the M1 Mac:Press and hold the power button until you see 'Load boot options”, then clickPossibilitiesInGet on.

Starting an Intel-based Mac:Start your Mac while pressing and holdingCommando + R(Recovery Mode),Shift + Option + Command + R(Internet Recovery Mode for macOS 10.12.4 and later), orOption + Command + R(Internet Recovery Mode for all other Macs).

How can I reset Mac to factory settings without going into recovery mode?

You cannot erase or format the drive you are currently booting from. Instead of recovery mode, you can boot into internet recovery mode, which enables the same functionality.