Summary: This post is about how to fix when Mac won't boot after macOS update. If macOS Big Sur or macOS Catalina update makes your Mac not booting up, you'll know why and how to fix it quickly and easily.

• Next Update After Yosemite 10.10.5
• Software Update After Yosemite
• Update After Yosemite 10.10.5
• Apple Update After Yosemite
• Mac Update After Yosemite

• After your Mac has found the latest update, click Update Now This begins the installation process, which can take around half an hour to complete depending on your MacBook Pro, and which ends with your device restarting.
• Warning In response to COVID-19, the Yosemite Conservancy wilderness team has implemented a new online contact form. At this time, this online form is the best way to reach us with questions about your 2021 wilderness permit. All permits will be distributed via email. Planning Your Wilderness Trip Please plan your trip before you.
• The roads may also remain very icy even after they're plowed. Avalanche zones (26 potential areas). The Olmsted Point avalanche zone requires careful work, including application of charcoal over the snow to help with melting and blasting the snow slab to make it safer for personnel. Heavy snow pack slows the whole operation.

A stone’s throw from Yosemite Valley, Turtleback Dome sits at 5,280 feet (1,620 m) offers a lesser-known yet equally beautiful view westward to where the mountains give way to the Sierra foothills. Unbeatable after a storm when clouds roll through the Merced River Canyon or at sunset when the golden switch is flipped!

Apple releases macOS and software updates periodically for better user experience. However, it backfires when your Mac won't boot after macOS update. Especially for some Mac newbies, Mac not turning on would drive them crazy.

Hence, this post will walk you through this problem. Then, you'll know what to do when Mac gets stuck on the Apple logo.

All right. Let's begin with why your Mac is not booting up after the macOS update.

Why is the Mac not turning on after macOS update?

Why won't Mac update successfully? It's fair enough to say, most of the time, Mac won't turn on after macOS update because of software incompatibility and bugs.

As we all know, technology inspires new programs and hardware to be released constantly. So, your Mac needs to update to work with most software and hardware. Sometimes, it's an overall macOS update. And sometimes, it's a tiny patch like this.

In detail, a macOS update could involve those activities.

1. Upgrade certain necessary drivers. Sometimes, it simply installs patches to fix bugs. But sometimes, it will replace the whole driver structure to better use hard drives, keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, etc.
2. Upgrade the Kernel programs. Such updates will improve the security, accessibility, and management of core data.
3. Redesign or update certain built-in applications. Utilities like Disk Utility, Safari, and Mail come along with the operating system. So, it could be updated for a better user experience.
4. Other updates like operating system structure, file system, user interface, etc.

These updates are usually for a better user experience. Or they are for better supporting most of the latest hardware and software. However, as it is pointed out, the updated macOS can only work 'most' of them.

For example, Nvidia GTX 750 Ti can't work with Mac OS X earlier than Yosemite. After such a software update, Mac is not worknig, or the Mac or MacBook gets stuck on a loading bar after update. Once the third-party software and hardware on your Mac won't work with the latest macOS, your Mac won't turn on，or appears a pink screen on your Mac.

Common boot problems after macOS update

macOS is an improved range of Mac operating systems after Mac OS X. Up to now, there are three macOS systems available: macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, and macOS Catalina. Nevertheless, updating to each of them could cause problems.

1. Mac won't turn on after macOS Big Sur update

The newest major release of Mac operating system is macOS 11 Big Sur, which now is in beta version. Up to now, known boot issues of macOS Big Sur Beta include the following, or more.

• If you updated to macOS Big Sur 11.0 but not the newest vesion that has fixed existing bugs.
• You choose a wrong startup disk after installing macOS Big Sur 11.

A Complete List of macOS Big Sur Problems and Solutions

It talks about macOS 11 Big Sur update problems including downloading, installing, apps not working, not booting, battery issues and so on. Read more >>

2. Mac won't boot after macOS Catalina update

Then it comes to macOS Catalina. Even though it should be better than the previous two, (In some aspects, it is.) Catalina update problems like Mac won't boot after macOS update still occur.

Except for APFS conversion, the macOS Catalina update will automatically divide your hard drive into two volumes. One is the read-only Macintosh HD system volume, and the other is Macintosh HD - Data for saving your files. But if there is not enough free space for an update, your Mac will get stuck on a update loop.Whta's worse, you might see the Mac folder with question mark at startup because macOS Catalina update is not found.

What's more, the 'Full Disk Access' permission might be a lion in the way for some unauthorized applications. For instance, you have a program that requires certain Kernel extensions. But after updating to macOS Catalina, this program can't access the Kernel resource anymore. It doesn't have permission. As a result, your Mac will be frozen at the loading bar because this program keeps asking for resource permission.

A Complete List of macOS Catalina Problems and Solutions

It talks about macOS Catalina problems including downloading, installing, apps not working, not booting, battery issues and so on. Read more >>

3. Mac won't restart after macOS Mojave update

macOS 10.14 Mojave is coming after 10.13 High Sierra. Thus, the same boot problems on macOS High Sierra could also happen to macOS Mojave. As you might know, Apple introduced the System Integrity Protection (SIP) feature since OS X EI Capitan. It was originally introduced to keep system security. But once this feature was disabled previously before you update to macOS Mojave, it could cause boot problems.

For example, the Google software update on September 23, 2019, was shipped with a bug. This flaw damages the macOS file system on computers where System Integrity Protection is disabled. Many video professionals reported that their Mac crashed due to this.

So, just think about it, even Google can't avoid such software conflict, how about other third-party software? That's one of the reasons why many users who disabled SIP previously get Mac crashed after installing macOS Mojave.

4. Mac won't boot after macOS High Sierra update

One of the major updates in macOS High Sierra is the introduction of the Apple File System (APFS). As a part of the upgrade process, the macOS High Sierra installer will automatically convert the SSD to the APFS file system.

Even though Apple claims that the conversion process is supposed to be risk-free, many Mac users still meet problems. And disk corruption during the update is one of them. In this case, it's sure that the Mac won't restart after update. Mac will stop loading after update for such corruption.

Except for hard drive corruption, hardware or software incompatibility is another major reason. As your computer needs to work with so much hardware and software, the in-between conflict is inevitable. Those incompatibilities could slow your Mac down. They could make your Mac not responsive. Or, the Mac won't let you log in with right password. Also, the Mac could freeze on a black or Mac white screen of death.

• Recover/reset your forgotten Mac password to enter your macOS

What to do if Mac can't turn on after macOS update?

Having discussed why Mac won't boot after macOS update, you may find that it's tricky to hit the point. But don't worry, here are some inspirations so that you can troubleshoot this issue step by step:

• 1. Check if the Mac hard drive is corrupted
• 2. Check if any program is not compatible with your macOS
• 3. Check for a hardware incompatibility

Step 1: Check and repair the Mac hard drive in macOS Recovery mode

If your Mac refuses to boot after the update, you should check the Mac hard drive. Chances are that your MacBook ran out of power and the APFS reformatting process was interrupted. Or the hard drive is corrupted for bad sectors.

• How to Boot into & Use M1 Mac Recovery Mode

In this case, you can try to repair the hard drive with Disk Utility under Recovery Mode. Disk Utility helps Mac boot up in some ways sicne it's the built-in free disk repair tool on your Mac.

Learn how to run First Aid on the startup disk and repair the file system or disk errors.

If no disk error was found by Disk Utility, then the hard drive should not be responsible for this issue. To find out why you can't turn on your Mac after macOS update, you can try Safe Mode.

Next Update After Yosemite 10.10.5

Step 2: Boot your Mac into Safe Mode

You may be wondering 'why should I do this in Safe Mode?' The reason is that Safe Mode will only launch some basic necessary programs at startup. It’s easier to isolate incompatibility software that makes your Mac unbootable.

Make sense, right? Then let's dive into details on how to do this.

• 1. Press and hold the power button until the Mac forcibly shuts down.
• 2. To start the Mac up in Safe Mode, restart this Mac with Shift key pressed and held.
• 3. Release the key when you see the progress bar.

If you boot into Safe Mode successfully, you'll see Safe Boot at the right top. At least, it indicates that the macOS update is not failed. Then, it should be third-party software incompatibility.

But to figure out exactly which program makes your Mac unbootable, you need to reboot into Verbose Mode. Verbose mode allows you to see what's happening when macOS is starting up.

You can hold Command + V at startup. Then you'll see a live report when your Mac is booting up. Once you find out the culprit, you can simply uninstall the software in Safe Mode

But if you fail to boot into Safe Mode, it means it's a macOS update failure. The system data is damaged or broken. You need to reinsall the macOS in macOS Recovery mode. You can simply boot into macOS Recovery Mode and choose Reinstall macOS. If you don't want to update macOS anymore, you can try your luck with using APFS snapshot to recover your system.

The point is that macOS reinstallation will risk your data on the Mac. Thus, you should first check your backups. Or you can recover data from unbootable Mac first.

Learn how to get your important files off the startup disk when your Mac won't boot.

Tips: You can prevent APFS conversion with start to install this time if you want to avoid unnecessary problems. But you are not advised to unless you are a Mac command geek.

Step 3: Ask Apple repair store for help

The toughest thing is that your hard drive is fine. And there is no software incompatibility noticed in Verbose Mode. In this case, you should check the hardware inside your Mac.

The reason is that macOS updates are always for better supporting the latest software and hardware. So, the hardware or drivers on your Mac may be too outdated to work with the newer OS.

In this case, you can ask help from the Apple repair store and reset the Mac. If it's the Mac machine itself is too old, you should replace it with a newer Mac model. Or you simply don't allow automatically update the macOS.

How to avoid macOS update failure?

Every time there is a new macOS update available, you'll receive a notification. It asks 'Do you want to restart to install these updates now or try tonight?'. However, it's not safe to update directly because your Mac could get stuck on update or even lose important files. In case the Mac won’t boot after macOS Big Sur or Catalina update, you surely can do some preparations in advance.

• Read several reviews from tech enthusiasts to learn problems when a new macOS beta is released.
• Make sure your Mac model and its hardware work with the updated macOS.
• Read macOS update instructions carefully when you are up to update your system.
• Back up your files, photos, documents, etc.
• Make sure there is enough free disk space for macOS update.
• Make sure your Mac is connected to power to avoid the black screen of death during macOS update.

So, you'd better do these preparations before you update to any operating system. But if your Mac can't boot up already, you should calm down and follow this guide to fix this issue. If you have any more any feasible solution to enrich this article, kindly drop us a hint at [email protected]

Vehicle Reservations

Reservations are not required to enter Yosemite. Yosemite National Park continues to implement CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.

Campgrounds

Which campgrounds are open?

Currently, only a portion of Upper Pines Campground is open. Reservations are required. Check our campground page for updates.

Are any first-come, first-served campgrounds open?

No. If you intend to stay overnight, you must have a reservation. Same-day reservations may be available on recreation.gov due to any last-minute cancelations.

Why are some campgrounds temporarily closed?

Camp 4 is closed due to the shared nature of the campsites, which doesn’t allow for adequate social distancing.

All other campgrounds are closed due to lack of staffing or are normally closed in winter. Park housing for seasonal employees is significantly lower than usual this year in order to keep employees safe. Employees are necessary in each campground to ensure compliance with campground regulations, clean restrooms in accordance with new CDC guidelines, and remove trash and recycling for human and wildlife protection.

Can I sleep in my vehicle in Yosemite National Park?

Sleeping in a vehicle is only allowed in a campsite registered to you or another member of your group. Sleeping in a vehicle in a parking lot or along the side of a road is prohibited. Additionally, day-use reservations are not valid for overnight use.

Hiking and Backpacking

Are any trails closed or modified?

All trails are open except for normal winter closures on portions of the Mist, John Muir, and Four Mile Trails. All trails may be very icy and/or snowy. Please check at the information desk behind the Valley Visitor Center for condition updates.

When hiking, keep your distance. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, wear a cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC.

Is backpacking allowed?

Yes, with a wilderness permit. All wilderness regulations and quotas are still in effect. Wilderness permits are available at the Valley Visitor Center, Wawona Visitor Center, Big Oak Flat Information Station, and Hetch Hetchy Entrance; you must get your permit from the permit station closest to your trailhead. Skiers and snowshoers can get permits for Glacier Point Road area from Badger Pass Ranger Station (open through April 1) and for the Tuolumne Meadows area at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center. Bear canisters are available at the Valley Visitor Center (if you don't have your own allowed container).

Yosemite Destinations

Are any areas of the park closed?

Due to public health and safety concerns, some locations and facilities may be closed in addition to normal winter road closures.

Closed:

• Mariposa Grove (due to storm damage)
• Bridalveil Fall area (this area is closed due to scheduled project work)

What is different about visiting Yosemite Valley?

Yosemite Valley is open. However, some lodging facilities and services are reduced. A visitor information desk and limited Yosemite Conservancy bookstore sales are available outside the Valley Visitor Center. The theater (including park films) and Yosemite Museum are closed, however, the Indian Cultural Village is open. Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee are open.

Camp 4, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, the Mountain Room Restaurant (Yosemite Valley Lodge), Degnan’s Loft (Yosemite Village), Happy Isles Art & Nature Center are among facilities that are temporarily closed.

There is no shuttle service in Yosemite Valley. Please consider walking or cycling to reduce vehicle use when possible.

What is different about visiting the Crane Flat Area?

The Crane Flat area, including Merced and Tuolumne Groves of Giant Sequoias, as well as the Crane Flat Gas Station, is open. Crane Flat Store is closed.

What is different about visiting Hetch Hetchy?

The Hetch Hetchy area is open with day-use reservations not required. However, access is limited when parking fills. Hetch Hetchy Road is only open from 8 am to 5 pm. Day visitors must exit the area prior to 5 pm.

Services and Facilities

As conditions permit, the park may increase services with appropriate safety precautions in place.

Additional information about Yosemite Hospitality services is available on their website.

Are roads and gas stations open?

All major roads are open all year except Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Mariposa Grove Road (all of which are normally closed in winter). Gas is available in El Portal and Crane Flat.

Are restrooms, showers, or a laundry available?

Public restrooms are available throughout the park. Restrooms are being cleaned multiple times per day, which results in restrooms being closed at times.

Showers and laundry are not available.

Are trails and scenic vistas open?

All trails and viewing areas are open, conditions permitting. See modifications above.

Are emergency services available?

The Yosemite Medical Clinic is open. Ambulance, search and rescue, and law enforcement services are operating.

Are visitor centers and museums open?

Visitor centers, the Yosemite Museum, Happy Isles Art and Nature Center, and Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center are closed. Rangers and volunteers are staffing an outdoor visitor information kiosk behind Valley Visitor Center.

Are ranger walks and other interpretive programs available?

A limited amount of interpretive programming may be available. Check local listings for dates, times, and locations.

What hotels and campgrounds are open?

Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee are open. A portion of Upper Pines Campground is open.

Vacation rentals on private land inside the park are available in Wawona and Foresta, and outside the park in Yosemite West.

Is public transportation available?

Shuttle service is not available in Yosemite this season. This includes shuttles in Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows.

Software Update After Yosemite

Yosemite Hospitality is not operating any bus tours. This includes the Valley Floor Tour, Glacier Point Tour, Grand Tour, and Tuolumne Meadows Tour and Hikers Bus.

YARTS is operating its regional transit system with reduced capacity (30 people per bus, with 22 available by reservation—reservations are strongly recommended).. Visit https://www.yarts.com/ for more information.

Are markets and gift shops open?

Groceries and gifts are available in Yosemite Valley at the Village Store and at Yosemite Valley Lodge. The Ansel Adams Gallery is closed. Limited sales are available outside the Valley Visitor Center.

What food service is available?

Yosemite National Park, in response to guidance from the State Health Department and to support the nation’s effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, will temporarily limit some indoor services at the park. You can find a list of currently operating food services facilities at https://www.travelyosemite.com/alerts/2020/covid-19-guest-updates/.

The health and wellbeing of visitors and park employees remains our top priority. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. Our operations will be flexible, continually evaluated and adjusted as necessary to ensure public health and safety. Updates on the park’s operations will be posted at https://go.nps.gov/covid and on the park's social media accounts.

Public Health Information

Update After Yosemite 10.10.5

What should I do if I feel sick or think I am infected with or have been exposed to COVID-19?

First, if you feel sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to arriving at Yosemite National Park, please stay home and call your medical provider. If you are traveling and not near home, stay where you are and call your medical provider.

Apple Update After Yosemite

Mac Update After Yosemite

If you are in the park and feel sick or are concerned you were exposed to COVID-19, you are welcome to call the Yosemite Medical Clinic at 209-372-4637. Please call before visiting the clinic as appointment availability and clinic hours can vary. Other sources of medical care are available in Mariposa, Oakhurst and other neighboring communities. If it is an emergency, please call 911. For more information on what to do if you are sick, please refer to the CDC’s webpage on COVID-19.