Single User Mode not working (at least not the way it used to do before Ventura)

Question

Single User Mode not working (at least not the way it used to do before Ventura)

When I try to start up my iMac using Single User Mode (holding "Command + S" whilst booting), I get the usual white text scrolling over a black screen, but after a short while the cursor stops underneath a line saying "... Finished" and I'm unable to give any input (i.e. typing a command) using the keyboard. I have no other option but to reboot my iMac by pressing and holding the power button for several seconds.

I was able to start up in Single User Mode without any issues before upgrading to macOS Ventura 13.

Does anyone else have the same issue and has found a solution or workaround?

iMac 27″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 02:36 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dialabrain

Level 10

133,499 points

Dec 20, 2022 04:20 AM in response to Barney-15E

Yes, it works on Intel hardware. Although, on a 27" screen it defaults to 5120x2880 which makes the text incredibly tiny. Plus, I had to plug in my wireless Apple keyboard before it would recognize it.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,250 points

Dec 20, 2022 03:24 AM in response to Deep Sky Diver

Single User Mode has been gone for several years. Just startup in Recovery and use Terminal from there (Utilities menu)

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

133,499 points

Dec 20, 2022 03:43 AM in response to Deep Sky Diver

FWIW, if you are running an Intel-based Mac with an Apple T2 Security Chip, you need to change Full Security to No Security in Startup Security Utility under Mac Recovery Mode first.

Single User Mode is gone with Apple Silicon Macs.

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Answer 4

Dec 20, 2022 05:17 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks, dialabrain, I can't check right now if I can type in commands once I have plugged in my wireless Apple keyboard but I will soon and will report back if the issue is then solved. I'm on an Intel-based iMac, yes, but one without an Apple T2 Security Chip.

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