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what if when you push command-r at start up it doesnt do anything? The question mark just keeps flashing.

A question mark keeps flashing on the screen. It says to turn off and then turn back on and immediately push command-r at the same time. This is not working, it continues to flash. What now?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Dec 27, 2021 8:04 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 27, 2021 8:05 AM

If your Mac starts up to a question mark

A folder with a flashing question mark means that your startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.




If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally:

  1. Reset NVRAM.
  2. Make sure that your preferred startup disk is selected in Startup Disk preferences.

If the question mark persists, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
  3. While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
  4. If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
  5. If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.


9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 27, 2021 8:05 AM in response to Kprice72

If your Mac starts up to a question mark

A folder with a flashing question mark means that your startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.




If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally:

  1. Reset NVRAM.
  2. Make sure that your preferred startup disk is selected in Startup Disk preferences.

If the question mark persists, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
  3. While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
  4. If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
  5. If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.


Jan 4, 2022 6:31 AM in response to PRP_53

I recall having to reinstall the OS on a neighbour's Mac when the machine wouldn't boot (flashing question mark). In that case, the only option available was to use internet Recovery. Note that it's best to use an ethernet connection if possible.


- Pie Lover


Other macOS installation options (from https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904)


When you install macOS from Recovery, you get the current version of the most recently installed macOS, with some exceptions:


    • On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Shift-Option-Command-R during startup, you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. If you use Option-Command-R during startup, in most cases you're offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. Otherwise you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.


See also Mac startup key combinations

what if when you push command-r at start up it doesnt do anything? The question mark just keeps flashing.

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