macOS Tahoe 26.1 update on Mac mini 4 failed to let me start up

Question

Level 1

4 points

After updating to macOS Tahoe 26.1 on my Mac mini 4. it allowed me to login with my main user ID.

However after login - it was not able to start and keep freezing and get stuck at loading screen.

After I click on system configuration... it freezes too.

Another scenario I tried login to safe mode, but it did not work.

The only scenario is I was able to login with my backup user ID and enable me to read/write to my main user ID to backup my data.

Anyway I can fix this issue?

Mac mini, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 6:02 PM

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Answer 1

Level 6

17,090 points

I would start in recovery and reinstall the OS. Your files should remain intact.

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Answer 2

Level 10

102,553 points

By default, when macOS 26 Tahoe is installed

It Automatically Enables FileVault

Two ways to see if FileVault is ON or OFF

System Setting and the search in top left >> FileVault

Is it set to On

Below - FileVault is OFF

Or

Terminal command below

sudo fdesetup status

This command will return one of two primary statuses:

FileVault is On: This indicates that FileVault encryption is enabled and active on the system's boot volume.
FileVault is Off: This indicates that FileVault encryption is not currently enabled on the system's boot volume.

During the encryption or decryption process, the command may also provide information about the progress.

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