How to Troubleshoot an M1 Mac

With the introduction of Apple silicon Macs, Apple has made significant changes to the troubleshooting modes and key sequences compared to what was previously available. As the new Macs no longer require the integration of various components for Intel-based systems, Apple deliberately simplified certain aspects of the system to minimize the potential for issues. This streamlined approach can be seen as a positive development.

However, these changes can sometimes leave you puzzled, akin to searching for a screwdriver only to find an empty toolbox. To help clarify the situation, here's a breakdown of how Intel behaviors correspond to M1 Macs and which ones are now missing or replaced.

To start your M1 Mac in Recovery mode, follow these steps:

The method of invoking Recovery mode has changed for M1 Macs compared to Intel Macs. On Intel Macs, different key combinations such as Command-R and Command-Shift-R were used to access Recovery mode. However, on M1 Macs, these combinations have been consolidated into a single restart operation.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Power on the Mac, but continue to hold the power key.
3. Keep holding the power key until you see the message "Loading startup options."
4. Once you see this message, you can proceed with the necessary actions in Recovery mode.

By following these steps, you can access Recovery mode on your M1 Mac and perform the required tasks.

M1 Macs can only allows startup from the latest operating system downloaded on an internal volume.

With Intel Macs, it was possible to enable a firmware password in recoveryOS as a security measure to prevent the Mac from being restarted from an external drive. However, Apple has discontinued this feature with M1 Macs. Instead, the process of selecting an external startup volume now requires authentication either within macOS, through the Startup Disk preference pane, or in recoveryOS when choosing an alternate volume.

In addition, by default, Apple only allows an M1 Mac to start up with an Apple-validated copy of either the latest operating system installed on the internal volume or the most recent version released by Apple. This measure prevents unauthorized individuals from booting the Mac with a compromised system, providing an additional layer of security.

Previously, it was possible to have one Mac behave as a mounted volume on another by selecting that option from the Startup Disk preference pane or by using a specific key combination at startup. However, with M1 Macs, this functionality has changed. Instead, M1 Macs now offer the ability to appear as a network shared volume on another Mac.
To set up this feature, follow these steps:

1. Connect both Mac computers using a USB Type-A, USB 3 over USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3 cable.
2. Restart the M1 Mac into recoveryOS, as described earlier.
3. In recoveryOS, click on "Options," enter the account password, and then choose "Utilities" > "Start Sharing."
4. On the other Mac, navigate to "Go" > "Network" to discover the shared volumes from the M1 Mac.
5. Once you've finished using the shared volume, eject it just as you would with Target Disk Mode before restarting the shared M1 Mac.

By following these steps, you can establish a network shared volume between an M1 Mac and another Mac, allowing for easy access and file transfer. Remember to eject the shared volume before restarting the M1 Mac to ensure proper disconnection. If you need help setting up file share for your office in NJ call Tech Depot and a member of our team can go to your office and help your company setup a shared secured drive.

Safe mode on an M1 Mac is primarily useful when experiencing issues with third-party kernel extensions, which are required by certain apps to access low-level system resources. For example, Rogue Amoeba's audio software relies on a kernel extension-like plug-in called ACE. Please note that lowering system security is necessary to install kernel extensions, and Rogue Amoeba provides a user-friendly, illustrated guide detailing the process.
In cases where you encounter startup or stability problems, Safe mode allows you to restart your Mac with kernel extensions disabled for troubleshooting purposes. While triggering Safe mode was as simple as pressing a key at startup on an Intel Mac, the process on an M1 system involves a few steps.
Here's how to access Safe mode on an M1 Mac:

1. Restart your Mac and enter recoveryOS, following the instructions mentioned earlier.
2. Wait until your startup volume is displayed on the main screen alongside the Options icon.
3. Hover over the volume and hold down the Shift key, which triggers the appearance of a label.
4. Click on "Continue in Safe Mode" and release the Shift key.
5. Your Mac will restart without loading kernel extensions. If the problem is resolved in Safe mode, refer to the developer's instructions to remove extensions until the problematic one is identified.

When you restart your M1 Mac after being in Safe mode, macOS will load kernel extensions again, provided any are still present.
By utilizing Safe mode on an M1 Mac, you can diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to kernel extensions while ensuring their proper functioning upon subsequent restarts. If you need help installing Kernel contact Tech Depot for IT solutions.

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