How to Bootable Usb in Mac

Are you looking to create a bootable USB on your Mac but unsure where to start?

In this article, we will explore what a bootable USB is, why you might need one, and the requirements for creating it on a Mac.

We will also walk you through the steps to create a bootable USB and how to boot from it on your Mac.

We will provide troubleshooting tips to help you overcome any potential issues.

Let’s dive in and get your Mac ready for booting from a USB!

What Is a Bootable USB?

A bootable USB is a storage device, typically a USB flash drive, that contains the necessary files and tools to boot and install an operating system such as macOS.

Creating a bootable USB drive for installing macOS on a Mac device can be extremely useful, especially in situations where the internal drive is corrupted or needs to be reformatted. This process allows users to perform a clean installation of the operating system, thereby solving software-related issues or setting up a new system. By following specific instructions and using tools like Disk Utility on macOS or third-party software, users can load macOS onto the USB drive, making it a portable solution for system recovery or installation.

Why Would You Need a Bootable USB?

Having a bootable USB for macOS can be essential in scenarios where your Mac encounters startup issues, requires a clean install of the operating system, or needs firmware updates that cannot be performed within the main system.

By creating a bootable USB drive, you essentially have a portable macOS system that can help you troubleshoot common startup problems, such as corrupted system files or software conflicts. This tool also comes in handy when you want to perform a fresh installation of macOS, ensuring a clean slate for your system without any previous clutter or issues.

In addition, a bootable USB is invaluable for updating your Mac’s firmware. It allows you to bypass potential limitations or restrictions set by the existing operating system, giving you direct access to the Startup Security Utility. This utility can be managed more effectively through a bootable installer, granting you greater control over the security settings and boot options of your Mac.

What Are the Requirements for Creating a Bootable USB on a Mac?

To create a bootable USB on a Mac, you will need a USB flash drive, access to the Terminal application, the createinstallmedia command, an operating system installer file, and the administrator password.

Once you have gathered all the necessary items, you can begin the process by plugging in your USB flash drive to your Mac. Next, you will need to open the Terminal application. This can be done by searching for Terminal in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

After opening the Terminal, you will need to enter the createinstallmedia command. This command allows you to create a bootable installer from the macOS installer file you have downloaded. Make sure to type the command correctly, as any mistakes can lead to errors in the process.

Before proceeding, ensure that you have downloaded the macOS installer from the App Store. It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of the installer to avoid potential issues. Once verified, follow the prompts on the screen to complete the download and have the installer file ready for the next steps.

A USB Drive

The primary requirement for creating a bootable USB on a Mac is a USB flash drive with sufficient storage capacity to hold the operating system files and tools.

When selecting a compatible USB flash drive, ensure it is formatted to a Mac-friendly file system like macOS Extended (Journaled).

For a smooth installation process, opt for a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage space, as this will accommodate the large size of most modern operating systems.

It is crucial to use a reliable and fast drive to prevent potential errors or delays during the bootable USB creation process. Consider USB 3.0 drives for faster data transfer rates.

After acquiring the drive, format it correctly by opening Disk Utility, selecting the USB drive, and formatting it to the recommended file system before creating your bootable USB for macOS installation.

A Mac Computer

You will need a Mac computer that is compatible with the macOS version you intend to install via the bootable USB. Ensure that your Mac model supports the installation of the selected macOS version.

Checking the compatibility of your Mac device with the desired macOS is crucial to avoid any compatibility issues during the installation process. To verify if your Mac model is compatible, you can visit the Apple Support website and check the list of supported macOS versions for your specific Mac model.

Identifying the supported macOS versions for your Mac is essential for creating a seamless installation experience. Make sure to match the macOS version you plan to install with the compatibility specifications of your Mac model to prevent any potential installation errors.

An Operating System Image File

Obtain the operating system installer file for the macOS version you wish to install on your Mac using the bootable USB. This file can typically be downloaded from the Mac App Store or the official Apple website.

It is crucial to ensure that the macOS installer file you download matches the specific requirements of your Mac model to avoid compatibility issues. For older Mac models that cannot run the latest macOS versions, such as High Sierra or El Capitan, finding the correct installer is essential.

To locate the appropriate macOS installer, you can visit the official Apple support page or search for the specific version, like High Sierra or El Capitan, on the Mac App Store. Once you have identified the correct version, download the installer to proceed with creating your bootable USB drive.

How to Create a Bootable USB on a Mac?

Creating a bootable USB on a Mac involves formatting the USB drive, preparing the drive with the necessary partition map, erasing existing data, and copying the macOS installer files using specific Terminal commands.

To begin, the first step is to connect the USB drive to your Mac system. Open Disk Utility and select the USB drive from the list. Next, navigate to the ‘Erase’ tab and choose ‘GUID Partition Map’ as the scheme. Click ‘Erase’ to wipe out any existing data on the drive.

After formatting, open Terminal and execute commands to copy the macOS installer files onto the USB. Ensure the path of the installer files and the destination drive are correctly specified to avoid errors.

Format the USB Drive

The first step in creating a bootable USB on a Mac is to format the USB drive using Disk Utility and selecting the GUID Partition Map scheme to ensure compatibility with macOS.

After plugging in the USB drive, open Disk Utility by searching for it through Spotlight or locating it in the Applications folder. Once Disk Utility is open, select the USB drive from the list of available drives on the left-hand sidebar. Next, navigate to the ‘Erase’ tab, where you can choose the appropriate format for macOS. It is crucial to select ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ or the newer ‘APFS’ format, depending on the macOS version you are using.

Download and Install a Third-Party Tool

For newer Mac models like the M1 Mac or Intel-powered Macs, you may need to use createinstallmedia commands or third-party tools to create a bootable USB due to changes in Apple’s hardware architecture.

When working with M1 Macs, the process of creating a bootable USB differs slightly from Intel-powered Mac models due to the new ARM-based architecture. For M1 Macs, you would typically use createinstallmedia with the appropriate parameters to create a bootable installer, while for Intel-powered Macs, the traditional method using Disk Utility or Terminal commands is followed. For both scenarios, third-party tools can simplify the process and provide additional features. One such reliable third-party tool recommended for creating bootable USBs for the latest Mac models is BalenaEtcher. BalenaEtcher is cross-platform and supports creating bootable USBs for both M1 and Intel-powered Macs effortlessly.

Mount the Operating System Image File

After downloading the macOS installation files, mount the disk image and locate the applicationpath within the package contents to access the necessary files for creating the bootable USB.

Once you have successfully mounted the disk image, navigate through the package contents to find the applicationpath directory where the key files are stored. Look for the essential files such as ‘createinstallmedia’ that are crucial for making a bootable USB drive. It is important to manage these files efficiently to ensure a seamless setup process.

Use the Third-Party Tool to Create the Bootable USB

Utilize the selected third-party tool or createinstallmedia commands to copy the macOS installer files onto the prepared bootable USB drive, ensuring that the process completes successfully before booting your Mac from the USB.

For users opting to use a third-party tool, such as DiskMaker X or TransMac, the process typically involves selecting the source macOS installer file and the destination USB drive, then initiating the file transfer operation. This tool simplifies the creation of a bootable macOS USB drive by handling the necessary file copying tasks automatically.

On the other hand, for advanced users comfortable with the command line interface, utilizing createinstallmedia commands offers more customization options and control over the copying process. This method requires executing specific commands in Terminal to copy the installer files effectively onto the USB drive.

Regardless of the chosen method, it’s crucial to double-check that the copying operation concludes without any errors or interruptions. In case of any failures during file transfer, troubleshoot by ensuring the USB drive has sufficient space, reformatting the drive if needed, or using a different USB port to rule out hardware issues.

What Are the Steps to Boot from a USB on a Mac?

Booting from a USB on a Mac requires inserting the bootable USB drive, restarting or turning on your Mac, accessing the Startup Manager, and selecting the external drive to begin the boot process.

Once you have inserted the bootable USB drive into your Mac, the next step is to restart the system. Remember, the process of booting from a USB involves overriding the standard boot sequence of your computer to prioritize the external drive.

You will then need to access the Startup Manager by holding down the ‘Option’ key immediately after restarting your Mac. This action will allow you to choose the external drive from which you want to boot.

It’s important to note that for certain installations, such as the macOS operating system, having an internet connection during the process is crucial as it may require downloading additional files or updates from Apple servers.

Insert the Bootable USB

To initiate the boot process from a USB, insert the bootable USB stick into an available port on the Mac, ensuring a secure connection before proceeding with the next steps.

When inserting the USB stick, make sure it fits properly into the port without any forceful pushing or wiggling. A loose connection can lead to errors during the booting process.

It is also crucial to use a high-quality and reliable USB stick to ensure a smooth booting experience. Cheap or faulty USB sticks may cause issues and result in unsuccessful boot attempts.

Restart or Turn on Your Mac

After inserting the bootable USB, restart or turn on your Mac, ensuring that the device’s firmware is up to date to support booting from external drives like the inserted USB stick.

Having updated firmware is crucial as it ensures that your Mac recognizes and can effectively communicate with the external bootable drive, granting you the ability to initiate the system from the USB stick. Firmware updates are essential for Mac models to maintain compatibility with external devices and provide the necessary protocols for seamless booting from various sources.

Access the Boot Menu

Access the Boot Menu on your Mac by entering Recovery Mode, allowing you to choose options like a clean install, system recovery, or firmware updates from the bootable USB drive.

Once you have entered Recovery Mode, press and hold the Command + R keys during the startup process to access the Boot Menu. From here, you can select the ‘Startup Disk’ option to boot from a USB drive. This is particularly useful for performing a clean install of the operating system or recovering the system from a backup. You can update the firmware of your Mac by selecting the appropriate option in the Boot Menu.

If you encounter difficulty accessing the Boot Menu, ensure that the USB drive is properly connected and recognized by your Mac. Restarting the system and trying again may help resolve any issues related to access. In some cases, resetting the PRAM/NVRAM can also assist in addressing boot menu access problems.

Select the Bootable USB Drive

In the Boot Menu, select the bootable USB drive as the primary boot device to initiate the installation or recovery process from the external drive onto your Mac system.

Properly selecting the bootable USB drive is crucial to ensure that your Mac boots from the correct source and carries out the desired tasks seamlessly. Navigate through the list of available drives in the Boot Menu and identify the one labeled with your USB device name or manufacturer.

Double-check this selection to avoid any potential errors that may arise from mistakenly picking the wrong boot device, such as starting the installation process from an internal hard drive instead of the intended external USB.

What Are Some Troubleshooting Tips for Booting from a USB on a Mac?

When facing issues with booting from a USB on a Mac, you can troubleshoot by checking the USB drive and image file, verifying Mac model compatibility with booting from USB, and resetting the PRAM or NVRAM for system stability.

Ensure that the USB drive is in good condition and that the image file is properly created without any errors. It’s vital to use a reliable tool to create the bootable USB. Verifying compatibility is crucial; not all Mac models support booting from a USB drive. Refer to the official Apple documentation to confirm compatibility with your specific model.

If you are still facing issues, performing a PRAM or NVRAM reset can often help resolve common boot-related problems. This will reset certain settings to default values and can sometimes fix issues that prevent successful booting from a USB drive. Consult your Mac’s user manual for precise instructions on how to execute a PRAM or NVRAM reset.

Check the USB Drive and Image File

Begin troubleshooting boot issues by inspecting the USB stick and image file integrity, ensuring that the drive is correctly formatted and the installation files are complete and uncorrupted.

Check the physical condition of the USB stick for any visible damage or wear. Ensure that the USB port is functioning correctly and securely connect the stick. Next, confirm that the image file you’re using for installation is the correct one for your system – cross-check the file against the official source or checksum values.

If you encounter errors about the USB drive, try using a different port or a different USB stick to rule out hardware issues. In case of incomplete installation files, re-download the files from a trusted source and verify their integrity using a checksum tool.

Make Sure Your Mac Supports Booting from USB

Confirm that your Mac model supports booting from USB drives, check for firmware updates that enable this functionality, and ensure a stable internet connection for accessing necessary boot resources.

Verifying the compatibility of your Mac model with USB booting capabilities is crucial to ensure a smooth installation or recovery process. It is essential to check for any available firmware updates that may be needed to enable USB boot functionality. By keeping your Mac’s firmware up to date, you can ensure that it is equipped to boot from a USB drive when required. Maintaining a reliable internet connection during this process is important to access any necessary boot resources from the web.

Reset the PRAM or NVRAM

If booting issues persist, consider resetting the PRAM or NVRAM to clear system settings and configurations that might be hindering the boot process, using the Startup Manager or similar utilities.

Resetting the PRAM or NVRAM on a Mac can be a valuable troubleshooting step when facing persistent boot problems. These memory modules store essential system information, and resetting them can often resolve issues related to startup glitches.

By utilizing the Startup Manager or its equivalent, users can have better control over which disk to boot from, making it easier to identify and resolve common boot-related issues stemming from incorrect configurations or settings. This tool provides a convenient interface for selecting alternative startup disks or entering safe mode to diagnose and resolve potential boot problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a bootable USB in Mac?
To create a bootable USB in Mac, follow these steps:

1. Insert your USB drive into your Mac.
2. Open Disk Utility from your Applications folder.
3. Select your USB drive from the list of devices on the left.
4. Click on the “Erase” tab and choose a format – we recommend “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)”.
5. Give your USB a name and click “Erase”.
6. Once the erase process is complete, go to the “Restore” tab.
7. In the “Source” field, click on the folder icon and select your Mac OS X installation file.
8. In the “Destination” field, select your USB drive.
9. Click “Restore” and confirm the action.
10. Wait for the process to complete and your bootable USB will be ready to use.

Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable USB in Mac?
No, not all USB drives are suitable for creating a bootable USB in Mac. It is recommended to use a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage and a high-speed transfer rate for optimal performance.

What operating systems can I create a bootable USB for using a Mac?
With a Mac, you can create a bootable USB for various operating systems, including Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.

Do I need any additional software to create a bootable USB in Mac?
No, Mac users can create a bootable USB without any additional software. The Disk Utility tool available in all Macs can be used for this purpose.

Can I use a bootable USB created on Mac on a PC?
Yes, bootable USB drives created on a Mac can be used on a PC. However, the operating system must be compatible with the PC’s hardware.

What can I use a bootable USB for on a Mac?
A bootable USB can be used for various purposes, including installing or upgrading an operating system, troubleshooting system issues, or creating a backup for your Mac. It is a useful tool for Mac users to have on hand.