iMac Stuck in Restart Loop

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Level 1

8 points

iMac Stuck in Restart Loop

Hey all, I have an iMac (Retina 4K 21.5-inch 2019). I turned on my computer and only got as far as typing in my password. After that, the computer restarted itself and is now doing it over and over again like this:

Apple logo screen
"Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press a key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up."
Progress bar screen, only gets to about a third full
Screens 1-3 repeat three times
A "no" prohibited symbol with line through circle) screen
Black screen, I assume powered off entirely

If I start the computer normally, it gets stuck in that loop again.

I've tried multiple times now to catch it while restarting holding Command-R immediately after pressing the power button to get to Disk Utility up and it's just not working. I haven't done anything too differently on my computer lately, this is pretty much out of nowhere. No peripherals are plugged in.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 12:32 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

66,758 points

Aug 2, 2022 08:57 AM in response to AlexandraP

Excellent suggestion by @DeathStalker13. I would add that you should use a wired USB keyboard when attempting to access the special startup keys since a wireless keyboard may not register soon enough to use those special startup keys.

Also try running the Apple Diagnostics (unfortunately the diagnostics don't detect most drive failures):

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

Here is how to access Safe Mode:

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Aug 1, 2022 06:45 PM in response to AlexandraP

Have you tried booting in safe mode? Turn on the iMac and immediately press and hold the Shift key. I don't think it matters which one, but I prefer the left lol.

In safe mode, you might have some video issues cause it's running bare bones for the OS, but this may allow you to get on disk utility to run a check. I know the recovery way is preferable, but if it's not letting you get that far....

The circle with the slash through it usually means the Mac isn't recognizing the drive or the OS isn't compatible with the Mac. I worry that your internal drive might be failing. Just make sure you back up your stuff.

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Answer 3

AlexandraP Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 6, 2022 01:49 PM in response to HWTech

Thank you, that makes plenty of sense to use a wired keyboard!! I’ll try this tonight.

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iMac Stuck in Restart Loop

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