How to Use Internet Recovery to Reinstall macOS - All Options!

Summary

This video demonstrates how to install macOS on a brand new or upgraded SSD in a Mac using Internet Recovery, without needing a USB drive. Chris from Family Geekery explains how to access recovery mode via different keyboard shortcuts depending on whether you want the newest compatible macOS or the original version that came with your Mac. The tutorial covers formatting the new drive with Disk Utility, selecting the correct installation options, and proceeding through macOS installation. It also highlights tips for downgrading or upgrading macOS, connecting to the internet, and safely navigating recovery utilities, making it ideal for upgrades, clean installs, or preparing a Mac for resale.

Takeaways

• 💻 If you install a brand new SSD in a Mac, it will show an icon indicating no operating system is present.
• 🌐 Internet Recovery allows you to install macOS directly from Apple's servers without using a USB drive.
• 🆕 To install the newest compatible macOS, boot the Mac using Option + Command + R.
• 📜 To install the original macOS that came with your Mac, use Shift + Option + Command + R.
• 🔌 Connecting via Ethernet can speed up the Internet Recovery process, but Wi-Fi works as well.
• 🛠️ Use Disk Utility to format and partition a new SSD: select the drive, erase it, choose APFS, and set GUID Partition Map.
• 📦 After formatting, return to the macOS Utilities screen to reinstall macOS on the prepared SSD.
• ⏹️ To back out of installation at any time, use the menu option 'Quit' instead of looking for a red X.
• 📱 Command + R boots into local recovery, which requires an existing recovery partition on the drive.
• 🔄 Installing the original macOS first allows you to upgrade incrementally through the Mac App Store to reach a newer version if needed.
• 🗑️ Reformatting via Disk Utility is essential when wiping a Mac for resale or after hardware upgrades.
• 💡 Internet Recovery is ideal for a one-time OS installation, while a USB drive is more convenient for multiple installations.

Q & A

What does the icon on a brand new SSD in a Mac indicate?

The icon indicates that there is no operating system installed on the new drive.

What is Internet Recovery on a Mac?

Internet Recovery is a feature that allows you to download and install Mac OS directly from Apple's servers without needing a physical installer or thumb drive.

Which key combination installs the newest compatible version of Mac OS on a Mac?

Option + Command + R starts up the Mac and installs the newest version of Mac OS that is compatible with the machine.

Which key combination installs the original version of Mac OS that came with the Mac?

Shift + Option + Command + R starts up the Mac and installs the version of Mac OS that originally came with the computer.

Why might someone choose to install the original Mac OS instead of the latest version?

Someone might want the original Mac OS for nostalgia, or because certain software they use only works with older versions.

What is the purpose of Disk Utility in the installation process?

Disk Utility is used to format and partition a new or existing drive before installing Mac OS. For a new drive, you typically select APFS and GUID partition map and erase the drive to prepare it for installation.

Can you install Mac OS on a new SSD without a thumb drive?

Yes, using Internet Recovery, you can install Mac OS directly from Apple's servers without needing a thumb drive.

What should you do if your new hard drive doesn’t appear in Disk Utility?

Make sure to select 'Show All Devices' in Disk Utility to see the actual drive and its partitions.

What is the difference between Command + R and the other recovery key combinations?

Command + R boots the Mac into recovery mode using the local recovery partition if it exists. Option + Command + R and Shift + Option + Command + R use Internet Recovery to download Mac OS from Apple servers, usually needed for new or corrupted drives.

After installing an older version of Mac OS, how can you upgrade to versions in between the original and the newest?

After installing the oldest version, you can go to the Mac App Store to download and install any intermediate versions of Mac OS until you reach the newest compatible version.

Why might someone erase a new hard drive during installation?

Erasing a new hard drive formats and partitions it correctly so the Mac can install the operating system, ensuring it functions properly.

What should you do if you want to quit the Mac OS installer during installation?

You can go to the top menu, select 'Install Mac OS,' and then click 'Quit' to return to the Mac OS Utilities screen.