How to verbose boot a Mac (step-by-step guide)

Detailed explanation of Verbose mode for Mac: Troubleshooting tool

For older Mac users, it is crucial to master some troubleshooting tips. In the era of Intel processors and Macs, the Verbose model was once a right-hand assistant for many users. Even if you don't understand Unix terms, the detailed system log generated by Verbose mode can provide valuable diagnostic information for technicians.

This article will introduce the Verbose mode of Mac in detail to help you better understand and use this feature.

What is the Verbose mode for Mac?

Simply put, Verbose mode is a diagnostic startup tool. When Verbose mode is enabled, the Mac will display a detailed system log when booting, instead of the common white Apple logo. These logs provide detailed information about the system running internally and can help identify potential problems or errors. While most users may not be able to understand these log contents, they are very useful for technicians.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The difference between Verbose mode and single user mode

Mac has multiple boot modes, which are easy to confuse. Single-user mode is also used for diagnosis, but it provides a terminal that allows users to execute specific Unix commands using the command line interface. Verbose mode directly displays real-time system logs.

In addition, there is a safe mode, which requires no user intervention and only loads necessary drivers and system files, bypassing third-party applications that may cause problems.

If your MacBook doesn't start, please refer to the guide on how to fix the MacBook that doesn't start.

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Free trial security beta version How to enable Verbose boot mode for Mac

Note that the Verbose boot mode for Mac is only available for Intel processor Macs . Apple Silicon Mac users can use recovery mode as an alternative.

Enable Verbose mode on Intel processor Mac:

1. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds, or click the Apple icon in the menu bar > Shutdown.
2. Turn on and hold down the Command V key.
3. Press and hold these keys until text appears on the screen.

A text appears on the screen that Verbose startup mode has been successfully activated.

Enable Verbose Mode on Apple Silicon Mac

For Apple Silicon Macs (such as M1 and subsequent models), there is no Verbose mode. Recovery mode can be used:

1. Use the power button to turn off, or click the Apple icon > Shutdown in the menu bar.
2. Turn on and hold the power button until the Startup Options screen appears.
3. Click "Options", and then click "Continue" to enter recovery mode.

Although recovery mode does not display real-time system logs, it allows various troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair operations to be performed.

Tips: If you need to clean disk space, check for Mac threats, evaluate performance, or delete residual files from your application, CleanMyMac can help you with all these tasks. Simply start the Smart Care scan and it will do all of these automatically without manual operations. This will help you keep a close eye on your Mac's health and actively maintain your Mac's health.

How to make your Mac always boot in Verbose mode

If you want your Mac to always boot in Verbose mode, you can use the terminal to set it up:

1. Use Spotlight to search or go to Finder > Applications > Utilities to open the terminal.
2. Enter the command sudo nvram boot-args="–v" > Press Enter.
3. Enter the administrator password.
4. Restart your Mac for testing.

After that, the Mac should always boot in Verbose mode.

How to disable automatic Verbose mode:

1. Open the terminal again.
2. Enter the command sudo nvram boot-args="" > Press Enter.
3. Enter the administrator password.
4. Restart your Mac for testing.

Verbose mode is now disabled.

Tips: Terminals are powerful tools on Mac, but may not be intuitive enough for some users. If you want to use the command line to simplify your computer operations, Core Shell is a good alternative. This streamlined emulator allows you to manage multiple sessions and helps you get the most out of your Mac with features like split-screen, customizable themes, and advanced search.

Run diagnostics without Verbose mode

Verbose mode is not the only way to run diagnostics. There are also many built-in and third-party applications and tools available for this purpose.

For example, you can use Activity Monitor to view an overview of applications and system processes on the fly and see which processes take up the most resources. You can also switch tabs to see which processes take up the most memory and energy.

Want to have a deeper understanding of the system and monitor it in real time? iStat Menus provides an overview of all the important metrics of Mac, such as CPU load, memory load, disk activity, temperature monitoring, battery life, and more. While it has a main interface, its icons are in the menu bar, so you can view all these metrics without navigating to a separate window.

Verbose Mode: Summary

in short:

• Using Verbose mode on an Intel processor Mac allows you to view detailed information during startup, which is very helpful in solving the problem.
• If you are using an Apple Silicon Mac, you can't use Verbose mode, but recovery mode is still a good choice for troubleshooting.

Whether you are a technician or just want to solve the problem, having the right set of tools is always a good idea. Keep your Mac running smoothly with CleanMyMac, if you feel that a regular terminal needs some extra features, you can use Core Shell and use iStat Menus to keep abreast of your Mac’s health. The good news is that you can get all of these apps through Setapp's single subscription plan. This platform is perfect for those who appreciate excellent macOS and iOS applications (more than 250), no matter what tasks and challenges they face. In addition, you can try it for 7 days for free!

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