The issue arises when the user tries to use the recovery mode of his Mac but the system starts in the normal mode. The issue is not limited to a particular model and year of Mac. Before starting the troubleshooting process to force Mac into the recovery mode, make sure there is no firmware password in place, if so, then remove the password as you will not be able to use the recovery options if the firmware password is in place. Moreover, the recovery options are only available to the Lion macOS or above, so, make sure your system is at least Lino macOS, otherwise, perform a clean install of the macOS by using a DVD or USB drive. Additionally, it will be better to use a Mac keyboard during the troubleshooting process. Moreover, power off your system and then power it on (not a simple restart) to check if the issue is of a temporary nature. Also, make sure the keyboard of your system is working fine. If you are trying to factory reset the Mac by using a Windows keyboard, then try different keys to perform the recovery if the usual Windows + R keys are not working.
Solution 1: Switch to a Wired Keyboard
Mac users usually use Bluetooth or a wireless keyboard with macOS. But sometimes wireless/Bluetooth keyboard light shows on very late during the boot process and thus the keys are not pressed in-time which may result in the error under discussion. In this case, switching to a wired keyboard may solve the problem.
Solution 2: Reset NVRAM to the Defaults
NVRAM is responsible for many processes during the startup of your system. You may encounter the error under discussion if the NVRAM of your system is corrupt. In this scenario, resetting the NVRAM to the defaults may solve the problem. This method may not apply to all users.
Solution 3: Try Different Combinations of Power On Buttons and Command + R Keys
You may encounter the issue at hand if the keys and the power-on buttons sequence to go to the recovery mode is different than the one you are trying to use. In this case, trying the combinations mentioned below may solve the problem.
Perform Multiple Taps on the Keys
Press and hold the Command + R Keys
Press the Keys After the Green Light Flashes
Hold the Keys and Power Buttons
Press the Keys Before Powering on the System
Press the Keys After NumLock Flash
Solution 4: Clean Install the macOS
If the recovery partition is not preset or installed, then you may fail to boot into the recovery mode using the Command + R keys. In this case, you may have to clean install the macOS to wipe the Mac without the recovery mode by using an external media (like a DVD or a USB device). You can confirm if the recovery partition is present by running the following command to launch the Disk Utility in the Terminal: If the recovery partition is not there, then follow the steps below to clean install the macOS. If you have recently switched your SSD or HDD, then the older disk might have the recovery disk. And if that disk is available, then use that disk to perform the recovery operation. If nothing has helped you so far, try to perform an Internet recovery (Command + Option + R keys) of your system (plug your system directly to the router). If the issue persists, then visit the Apple store for advanced troubleshooting.
How to Use the Force Quit Command on a MacHow to Fix Mac Stuck on Setting Up Your MacFix: Alienware Command Center not WorkingHow to Fix Command Shift 4 Shortcut not Working on MacOS
