How to Transfer Files in Recovery Mode [Full Guide]

Learn how to transfer files in recovery mode on a Mac. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and solutions, ensuring your data remains accessible even if your Mac won't boot up.

A Mac that fails to start owing to a system problem might be concerning. However, there is no reason to worry. This article will lead you through how to transfer files in Recovery Mode on a Mac, ensuring your important data is secure and accessible.

Whether you're having problems with your Mac's hardware or software, understanding how to use recovery mode properly might help you transfer Mac files in Recovery Mode to protect your data before seeking repair services.

If you haven't created a Time Machine backup before, don't worry! EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a powerful data recovery solution for effectively recovering data from a MacBook that won't turn on normally without creating a USB installer drive. Download this trusted recovery tool and read on to learn detailed steps.

Run Mac Data Recovery Software in Recovery Mode [Without Create USB Installer]

EaseUS data recovery software can perform Mac data recovery in Recovery Mode. This adaptable application provides a smooth recovery procedure that can be started immediately from the source page using a simple command line, avoiding needing a USB installation. Users can quickly and easily recover their data without creating extra bootable disks.

Install the EaseUS Mac data recovery tool, and follow three steps to transfer Mac files from macOS Recovery Mode:

One of the most notable characteristics of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is its user-friendly design, which makes it suitable for users of all skill levels. Whether you're a newbie or an intermediate user, this program offers a simple method for retrieving data when in recovery mode.

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Quick Solutions: Restore Your Mac from a Recent Time Machine Backup

Restoring your Mac from a Time Machine backup is simple using Apple's built-in backup tool. Here are a few easy steps:

Step 1. Connect your Mac to the Time Machine backup external disk. Verify connectivity and activation.

Step 2. After restarting your Mac, use the Command and R keys to reach Recovery Mode, which is necessary for system recovery.

Step 3. Proceed with restoration in macOS Utilities by selecting "Restore From Time Machine Backup".

Step 4. Select the most recent backup before the troubles.

Step 5. Launch the restore procedure on the destination disk, generally your Mac's internal drive. Select disks accurately to avoid data loss or overwrites.

Transfer Files in Recovery Mode [2 Different Ways for Intel/Apple Silicon Mac]

When confronted with a Mac that won't boot up owing to a system fault, moving files in recovery mode is critical for protecting sensitive data. Below, we provide two separate approaches for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs; let's have a look:

#1. Use Target Disk Mode to Transfer Files on an Intel Mac

Target Disk Mode is a dependable option for transferring data from Mac to Mac, mainly developed for Intel-based Macs. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Connect the two Macs using a Firewire or Thunderbolt connection (not a conventional USB cable).

Step 2. Ensure that the source Mac (the one that won't boot) is off.

Step 3. To boot into Target Disk Mode, press the power button on the source Mac and hold down the 'T' key.

Step 4. Once Target Disk Mode is enabled on the second Mac, the drive from the source Mac should display on the desktop or in the Finder sidebar under "Locations."

Step 5. To access the drive, double-click on it. If the disk is protected using FileVault, you will be requested for the password to unlock it.

Step 6. Transfer the required files, remove the disk, and turn off the source Mac when finished.

#2. Use Mac Sharing Mode to Transfer Files on an Apple Silicon Mac

This alternative to Target Disk Mode for Apple Silicon-equipped Macs allows users to transfer files from one Apple Silicon Mac to another, assuring flawless data retrieval even when in recovery mode. Follow these instructions to use Mac Sharing Mode efficiently.

Step 1. Connect the two computers with a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt connection.

Step 2. Turn off the Apple Silicon Mac (source) and press and hold the power button until the message "Loading startup options" shows on the screen.

Step 3. To boot into Recovery Mode, choose "Options" then "Continue" and input the password when requested.

Step 4. In Recovery Mode, go to Utilities > Share disk, select the disk for share, then click "Start Sharing".

Step 5. To see the source Mac, open Finder on the recipient Mac and choose "Network" from the "Locations" column.

Step 6. To access and transfer files, double-click on it, choose "Guest", and then click "Connect".

Step 7. Once the file transfer is complete, eject the disk and shut off the Apple Silicon source Mac.

Transfer Files in Recovery Mode by Copying

When the Mac won't start, enabling Recovery Mode is critical for moving data to another external hard drive. This approach allows users to skip the standard boot procedure and use Recovery Mode's capabilities, such as a Terminal window, to transfer data efficiently. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. You can enter Recovery Mode on older Intel Macs by holding down the Command and R keys during startup.

Step 2. For recent Apple Silicon Macs, turn off the machine, press the power button until "Loading startup options" displays, then choose Options > Continue.

Follow the steps below to Copy Files using the Command Line:

Step 1. In the Terminal window, use the necessary commands to go to the directory containing the files you want to copy. For example ls /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/

Step 2. To begin copying, use the 'cp' command followed by the source file path and destination directory. For example cp -R /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Users/htg/ /Volumes/Rescue\ Disk/

Step 3. Monitor the copy procedure in the Terminal window to ensure all files are copied.

Step 4. Once you're done copying, remove the external hard disk and turn off the Mac.

Conclusion

This article contains complete methods for transferring files in Recovery Mode on Mac, guaranteeing that users can recover their essential data even while experiencing booting troubles. Whether using Target Disk Mode, Mac Sharing Mode, or copying files from the command line, users have various choices customized to their unique Mac models and settings.

However, for a smooth and easy data recovery experience, we suggest installing EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. Its comprehensive capabilities and user-friendly interface provide a dependable solution for recovering lost or inaccessible information. Please do not hesitate to download our program for quick data recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQs below are some queries asked by Mac users related to how to transfer files in recovery mode:

1. Can I access files in recovery mode?

Yes, you can access files when in recovery mode on your Mac. Recovery mode grants access to critical applications such as Terminal and Disk Utility, enabling you to explore your system and retrieve files for recovery or troubleshooting.

2. Can I copy files in Mac recovery mode?

Yes, you can copy files in Mac Recovery Mode. Using Terminal commands or built-in applications like Disk Utility, you can transfer files from your Mac's internal storage to an external disk or another place, guaranteeing data protection and recovery even under challenging circumstances.