MacBook Pro M1 cannot enter Safe Mode after macOS Sequoia update

After updating sequoia 15.0 3.9.2025 I am getting system extension error. I checked the privacy safety options and re enabled a couple of programs. The error persisted. Thus far programs working well but anxious.

Checked community and this happens regularly with previous versions.

Safe mode is the next thing to try.

I cannot get it to engage, checked option system info confirms not engaged.

When I left mouse click and shift key click the hard drive option as per safe option instructions no safe mode "bubble" appears. Tried 10 times now. Others listed 3y ago had this problem.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Macpro M1 cannot enter safe mode

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 4, 2025 4:40 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 4, 2025 6:50 AM

Bazcook wrote:

Have others have had the issue with the sequoia update. Some say can be conflicts with spy checker I use Norton


That was an important piece of information.


Uninstall "Norton" in accordance with its instructions. Never install it, or anything like it, ever again. Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk.


Your problems may have only just begun, depending on the degree of damage it may have inflicted. It may be required to completely erase that Mac and reconfigure it from the ground up.

21 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 4, 2025 6:50 AM in response to Bazcook

Bazcook wrote:

Have others have had the issue with the sequoia update. Some say can be conflicts with spy checker I use Norton


That was an important piece of information.


Uninstall "Norton" in accordance with its instructions. Never install it, or anything like it, ever again. Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk.


Your problems may have only just begun, depending on the degree of damage it may have inflicted. It may be required to completely erase that Mac and reconfigure it from the ground up.

Sep 4, 2025 9:35 AM in response to Bazcook

I don't know what "ON1 2025 software" might be.


The reason for recommending completely erasing the affected Macs lies in the fact that certain well known system-altering components that may have been installed in the past have since become "baked in" to the operating system, inaccessibly locked in place effectively forever, and have become just as effectively impossible to remove.


I also happen to agree with that advice. It's akin to unscrambling an egg. Whether "Norton" falls into that category is unknown, and probably unknowable unless you know exactly which product was installed, under which macOS version, and when. It is absolutely possible that whatever it did to your Mac will prevent booting "Safe Mode".


If it is that bad then why is Norton able to sell something that is not “fit for purpose”….what is Apple’s view?


Apple does not tell its users what software to install, or not to install. They leave that decision to us (and I wouldn't want it any other way).


The participants on this site are not so constrained. "Norton" and its ilk are junk. Most third party apps are junk. In fact Symantec's own vice president for information security famously characterized "anti-virus" software as "dead" a number of years ago. That didn't stop them from gleefully accepting your money though. It makes the world go 'round.


In a similar vein, if people conclude their Mac is just too far gone to fix, Apple certainly won't mind if you run out to buy a new one.

Sep 4, 2025 8:09 AM in response to Bazcook

++ 1


I concur with @ John Galt


Once this type of software are installed and embedded into the computer >> Norton Software


Start Over from Scratch 


Heavy Handed ? - Yes


Effective in removing the AV Software ? - Yes 


For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.


Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 


This will included Norton Antivirus  or another Third Party Security Software

Sep 4, 2025 11:12 AM in response to Bazcook

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.  Read these two articles: Public VPN's are anything but private and Security Risks: The Dangers of Using Free VPNs (eccu.edu).  


Additionally, a new study ("Apple Offers Apps With Ties to Chinese Military”) is specifically about VPN apps in Apple’s App Store.


After removing Norton software according to the developer's instructions yYou can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For the Norton files you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains norton


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.  


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac, run Find Any File again and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Sep 4, 2025 6:31 AM in response to Barney-15E

Yes

o start an Apple Silicon (M1) Mac in Safe Mode, fully shut it down first, then press and hold the power button until startup options appear. Select your startup disk (e.g., Macintosh HD), then press and hold the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode. Log in, and you'll see "Safe Boot" in the menu bar, confirming you are in Safe Mode. 


Safe boot does not appear….some say it is in a bubble no idea if it is.

You cannot see safe mode when it starts ….they say it may appear…so I checked as they say by pressing option and logo and software and can see am NOT in safe mode….I know I am not alone….or rather WAS not alone ...

HOpe clear enough

Sep 4, 2025 8:36 AM in response to Bazcook

Thanks everyone for this advice.

I had to uninstall Norton to complete the last ON1 2025 software: never had the issue before but ON1 said it can happen.

I have NEVER had an issue before with updates with Norton installed but this safe mode failure is very concerning.


I will try to uninstall Norton and see what happens next: it may cure the bootup issue but I MUST be able to access a safe mode,,,


II may well have to go to an expert as you say. Very wise I am sure.



I did spend some time going over several sites just now about Norton on Macs and the world seems to be divided.


An AI summary on it is fair. (OK it is AI!!!)

"Yes, Norton can be used on Macs, including the M1 models, but many users recommend against it due to performance issues and the belief that macOS has sufficient built-in security features. Alternatives like Malwarebytes are often suggested for better resource management."


If it is that bad then why is Norton able to sell something that is not “fit for purpose”….what is Apple’s view?

Do their staff access this site?


btw;;;;;I have never had a problem spotted by Norton in the 3y or so I have had it…..I am very careful about what I open and where I go!


I presume if I search this database on Norton issues there will be more information: I will do that and thanks again.




Sep 4, 2025 9:14 AM in response to Bazcook

1 - Do not waste your time polling other websites regarding AV Software on Apple Computer


Windows-like viruses that self-replicate and affect macOS don’t exist because of the underlying UNIX Foundation and permission limitations.


The macOS operating system resides in a sealed and read-only volume that can’t be opened by users or third-party applications.


2 - As for " An AI summary on it is fair. (OK it is AI!!!) "


Do not waste your time using AI / LLM to make an educational and informed decision regarding AV Software on macOS


AI / LLM are basically a Super Version of Predictive Text which is based upon a Data Set.


When that Data Set is based upon older data points, the outcome of the response will be equally out dated and / or unreliable


AI is also the newest form for Data Mining by Large Corporations.


Suggest being very careful about this.


Some suggestions can be incorrect, misinformed , incomplete, impossible to do, out right wrong, Full Stop




Mac app security enhancements are sufficient to protect computers from malware.


Adware and Malware can affect computers and are often downloaded from “shady” websites or developers who inject them into downloads.


Source: User tip from @Kurt Lang


What is malware? - Apple Community


Sep 5, 2025 3:00 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks so much these comments are incredibly helpful.

I have been a mainly wondows user since 1985ish and was driven to Mac by HP and Acer top of the range PCs overheating when I rendered videos….the M1 has been amazing.

Having read all of these very helpful and informative articles I will go to the Norton site and use their unistall program AND check for any footprints too……I think I may still have a problem but I will give you feed back in due course..


You are all. amazing


KR

Barry

Sep 5, 2025 6:56 AM in response to Bazcook

Welcome


Barring a Hardware issue which could be possible on M1 MacBook Pro from 2021


I can boot to Safe Mode on 1 M2 Mac Mini purchased Oct 2023, 1 M4 Mac Mini purchased Oct 2024 and 1 M4 Laptop purchased July 2025


All running Sequoia 15.6.1 and No FileVault enabled on any of them


This seems to point the finger squarely towards Norton Software as the culprit

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MacBook Pro M1 cannot enter Safe Mode after macOS Sequoia update

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