Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
A flashing folder with a question mark means that the Mac cannot find a suitable startup disk or system. Open the appropriate macOS Recovery for your model, Disk Utility > View > Show All Devices, check disk detection and unlock if necessary. If the data is important, make a copy of it before correction; don't erase the disc just because of this symbol.
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.
Choosing the right startup disk
In Recovery, check the detectable disk and Startup Disk selection without formatting.
Steps to follow
- According to the type of Mac, open Recovery: Apple silicon - holding power until Options; Intel - Command+R on boot.
- In Disk Utility, select View > Show All Devices and see if your drive is detected. Unlock legally if needed.
- If the disk is present, in the Startup Disk menu of the Recovery Apple, when available, select the appropriate boot system and reboot.
- 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.
Disk Utility scan
If the drive is visible and the files are saved, check it according to the official First Aid procedure.
Steps to follow
- Save a copy before editing; an unstable or undetectable drive requires data evaluation first.
- Open the appropriate Recovery and Disk Utility > View > Show All Devices for your model.
- In Apple's order, start with volumes, then containers, and finally the device itself, choosing First Aid > Run for each. Enter the key only if you need a legitimate unlock.
- Write down the result and reload. If it doesn't fix or the drive disappears, don't press Erase to save the files.
Data and hardware diagnostics
If the drive is not visible or unstable, stop the tests and ask for a data save.
Steps to follow
- Save important files if your computer or drive is stable. If it makes unusual noises, smells like burning or the battery is swollen, stop testing.
- Write down the exact pattern of when the problem started and what action it took to reoccur. Take a picture of the visible error or deformation without opening the case.
- Submit a repair request with this information.
If the problem persists
If the drive is not visible even in Disk Utility > Show All Devices, do not try to format it or reinstall macOS. If visible but no copy and the data is important, first evaluate its preservation.
Request a repair