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MacBook and macOS

The MacBook shows a circle with a line through it

Topic #295 · Updated · Pataisoma.lt

Troubleshooting guide

How to fix the problem

A circle with a dash indicates that the selected startup drive contains an invalid or unbootable macOS system for this Mac. Open the appropriate Recovery for your model, check disk detection and compatible system version. Make a backup before reinstalling First Aid or macOS. Erasing the drive is not a necessary first step.

Possible solutions

Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.

  1. Boot disk and version check

    In Recovery, check the detection of the disk and the appropriate macOS for the model.

    Steps to follow

    1. According to the type of Mac, open Recovery: Apple silicon - holding power until Options; Intel - Command+R on boot.
    2. In Disk Utility, select View > Show All Devices and see if your drive is detected. Unlock legally if needed.
    3. If the disk is present, in the Startup Disk menu of the Recovery Apple, when available, select the appropriate boot system and reboot.
    4. If the drive is missing or unstable, do not format. In the case of a circle with a dash, also check the macOS supported by the model.

  2. Installation of First Aid or compatible system

    Only after making a copy and evaluating the drive, apply the official fix or reinstall without erasing.

    Steps to follow

    1. Before reinstalling, have a verified copy of the files and make sure the drive is detected stably.
    2. Open the appropriate macOS Recovery for your model and view the status in Disk Utility if necessary; do not erase the disc.
    3. If the official instructions call for installing a compatible macOS on an existing system, choose Reinstall macOS and an existing system volume.
    4. Follow the wizard with power and connection. If it asks to delete, the options don't match, or there is no copy, stop and ask for help.

If the problem persists

In Recovery, check the disk detection and the version of macOS supported by the model. If the disk is visible, but the system is not correct, install a compatible version only after obtaining a copy; deletion is not the first step.

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