How to Create a Bootable USB for Mac High Sierra — 2 Ways

This guide explains how to create a bootable USB for Mac High Sierra using two simple methods, providing step-by-step instructions to help you install or troubleshoot macOS efficiently.

Creating a bootable USB installer for macOS High Sierra is an essential step for troubleshooting, upgrading, or reinstalling your Mac's operating system. Whether you're setting up a fresh macOS installation or need a recovery solution, a bootable USB is a handy tool to have on hand.

This guide will walk you through how to create a bootable USB for Mac High Sierra using 2 easy-to-follow methods. With clear steps and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be able to prepare a reliable bootable USB in no time.

By the end of this article, you'll have a fully functional macOS High Sierra installer on a USB drive, ready to use whenever you need it. Let's get started and make the process simple and efficient for you!

How to Create a Bootable USB for Mac High Sierra – 2 Ways

Creating a bootable USB for macOS High Sierra is simpler than you might think, especially when you have the right tools and clear instructions. In this section, I'll walk you through how to create a bootable USB for Mac High Sierra using two methods - a beginner-friendly tool and a manual command-line process.

What You'll Need:

Before we start the procedure, make sure you have the following tools prepared:

• A 16GB or larger USB drive (all data will be erased).
• A macOS High Sierra installer (available from the App Store or trusted sources).
• A macOS device to perform the setup.
• A reliable internet connection (if downloading software).

Important. Always back up your data before starting the process, as creating a bootable USB will erase all data on the USB drive.

Way 1. Create Bootable USB via EaseUS Partition Master for Mac

If you're looking for a hassle-free and reliable way to create a bootable USB, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac is a great tool. It simplifies complex tasks with an easy-to-use interface, making it accessible even for beginners. With this software, you can format, partition, and create bootable USB drives effortlessly.

Here are the steps to create a bootable USB using EaseUS Partition Master:

Note: This procedure will automatically erase your USB drive to a compatible format. Due to all data on the USB drive will be erased during the process, create a backup if needed.

Step 1. Connect an external disk like a USB drive to your Mac.

Step 2. Launch EaseUS Partition Master for Mac and navigate to the macOS Installer Creator.

Step 3. Select the macOS you want and the tool will download it from Apple automatically. Also, you can use the local pkg package if you already have one on your device.

Step 4. Then, select the target USB drive to create a bootable media.

Step 5. Finally, perform the operation and wait patiently till the macOS installer is created successfully.

Step 6. Once the bootable installer creation is completed, you can restart your Mac from the USB drive for new macOS installation.

For Apple Silicon Macs:

• Shut down your Mac and press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
• Select the bootable installer drive and click "Continue."

For Intel Macs:

• Restart your Mac and immediately hold the "Option (Alt)" key.
• Release the key when the Startup Manager appears.
• Select the bootable installer drive and press "Return."

Once you're done with that, give these additional features of EaseUS Partition Master for Mac a try:

• Format USB drives using the correct file system for macOS.
• Repair corrupted USB drives to ensure smooth bootable creation.
• Manage and resize partitions with ease.

Using EaseUS Partition Master is highly recommended for its beginner-friendly interface and added functionality. Try it today for a seamless experience when creating your bootable USB. And don't forget to share this amazing tool online to help more Mac owners create bootable USB with ease on Mac:

Way 2. Using Terminal Command

MacOS Terminal provides a built-in way to create a bootable USB for those comfortable with a manual process. While it requires more steps, it's a reliable method that doesn't require additional software. Just follow these steps to create a bootable USB using Terminal (offered by Apple):

Step 1. Download the macOS High Sierra installer and ensure the installer is saved in the Applications folder.

Step 2. Connect the USB Drive by inserting the USB drive into your Mac. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities) and format the drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with the GUID Partition Map scheme.

Step 3. Launch the Terminal. Just click on Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.

Step 4. Run the Createinstallmedia command. You can do so by copying and pasting the following command into Terminal, then press Enter:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Note. Replace /Volumes/MyVolume with the name of your USB drive. 

Step 5. Authenticate and enter your Mac password when prompted. The process will erase the USB drive and create the bootable installer. This may take several minutes.

Step 6. Once the process is complete, eject the USB drive safely.

With these two methods, you can easily create and use a bootable USB for macOS High Sierra, ensuring you're prepared for upgrades, repairs, or clean installations. Share any one of them online to help more Mac users creating bootable installer USB for their Mac computers with success:

How to Use the Bootable Installer

Once you've created the bootable USB for macOS High Sierra, the next step is to use it for installation or recovery. The process varies slightly depending on whether your Mac has Apple silicon or an Intel processor. Follow the steps below for your specific Mac model.

Guide 1: Use Bootable USB Installer on Apple Silicon

Step 1. Connect the bootable USB drive by plugging the bootable USB installer into your Mac.

Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode by shutting down your Mac and pressing and holding the Power button until the startup options menu appears.

Step 3. Select the bootable USB from the startup options menu. You can choose the USB drive labeled Install macOS High Sierra or High Sierra USB and click Continue.

Step 4. Install macOS High Sierra. Just Follow the on-screen instructions to install or use recovery tools as needed.

Guide 2: Use High Sierra Bootable USB on Any Other Mac

Step 1. Connect the bootable USB drive by inserting the bootable USB installer into your Mac.

Step 2. Access Startup Manager by restarting your Mac and holding down the Option (Alt) key immediately after the chime until the Startup Manager appears.

Step 3. Select the bootable USB using the arrow keys to highlight the USB drive labeled Install macOS High Sierra and press Enter.

Step 4. Proceed with the installation or troubleshooting steps displayed on the screen.

With these steps, your Mac will boot from the USB installer, allowing you to install or repair macOS High Sierra.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB for macOS High Sierra is a crucial skill for anyone looking to reinstall or troubleshoot their Mac. This guide covered 2 simple methods: using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac for a hassle-free approach and Terminal commands for a manual process. I've also shown you how to boot your Mac from the USB installer and use it effectively.

While both methods work, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac offers significant advantages with its user-friendly interface, advanced disk management features, and compatibility with macOS. It simplifies the entire process, saving you time and effort.

If you want a reliable and versatile tool to handle disk-related tasks, EaseUS Partition Master is a must-try. With its capabilities, creating a bootable USB or managing your drives becomes seamless. 

FAQs About Creating a Bootable USB for Mac High Sierra

If you have more questions about how to create a bootable USB for Mac High Sierra, this section is here to help. Below, we've answered some of the most common queries to ensure a smooth experience with your macOS installation or recovery.

1. What should I do when Mac fails to boot after installing the High Sierra?

If your Mac fails to boot after installing High Sierra, try these solutions:

• Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your Mac while holding the Shift key to load only essential system components.
• Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Restart your Mac and press Option + Command + P + R during startup.
• Use the Recovery Partition: Press Command + R at startup to access macOS recovery tools, then reinstall High Sierra if necessary.

2. Why would I need a bootable USB for macOS High Sierra?

A bootable USB is useful for:

• Fresh Installations: Setting up a clean macOS High Sierra environment.
• System Recovery: Troubleshooting and fixing issues if your Mac won't boot.
• Offline Installation: Installing macOS without an internet connection.

It's a reliable tool for both routine upgrades and emergency repairs.

3. What if I encounter errors during the process?

Errors during the creation process could result from:

• Corrupted Installer File: Ensure the macOS High Sierra installer is downloaded from a trusted source.
• Faulty USB Drive: Try using a different USB drive or reformat the current one.
• Insufficient Space: Ensure your USB has at least 16GB of storage.

For detailed solutions, use the EaseUS Partition Master for Mac tool, which simplifies troubleshooting during bootable USB creation.