Are you looking to install macOS on your Mac, but don’t have a working internet connection or prefer a more traditional installation method? Installing macOS via USB is a great alternative to downloading the operating system directly from the internet. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating a bootable USB installer and installing macOS on your Mac.
Requirements and Preparations
Before you start, make sure you have the following requirements:
- A Mac with a USB port (preferably a USB 3.0 port for faster installation)
- A USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space (the more, the better)
- A computer with internet access to download the macOS installer
- The macOS installer (downloaded from the Mac App Store or Apple’s website)
- A valid Apple ID and password
It’s also recommended to:
- Back up your important files and data before installing macOS
- Ensure your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS you want to install
- Disable any antivirus software or firewalls that may interfere with the installation process
Downloading the macOS Installer
To download the macOS installer, follow these steps:
- Go to the Mac App Store and search for “macOS”
- Click on the “Get” button next to the macOS version you want to install
- Sign in with your Apple ID and password
- Wait for the download to complete (this may take several minutes or hours, depending on your internet connection)
Alternatively, you can download the macOS installer from Apple’s website:
- Go to Apple’s website and click on the “Support” tab
- Click on “Downloads” and select “macOS”
- Choose the version of macOS you want to install and click on the “Download” button
Creating a Bootable USB Installer
Once you have downloaded the macOS installer, you can create a bootable USB installer using the following steps:
- Connect your USB drive to your Mac
- Open the Disk Utility app (located in the Applications/Utilities folder)
- Select your USB drive from the list of available disks
- Click on the “Erase” button and select “Quick Erase”
- Wait for the erase process to complete
Next, you need to create a bootable partition on your USB drive:
- Open the Terminal app (located in the Applications/Utilities folder)
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyUSB --nointeraction - Replace “[version]” with the version of macOS you want to install (e.g., “HighSierra”)
- Replace “MyUSB” with the name of your USB drive
Wait for the process to complete (this may take several minutes). Once done, your USB drive is now a bootable installer.
Booting from the USB Installer
To boot from the USB installer, follow these steps:
- Connect your USB drive to your Mac
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Option (⌥) key
- Release the Option key when you see the boot menu
- Select your USB drive from the list of available boot devices
- Click on the “Continue” button to proceed with the installation
Installing macOS
Once you have booted from the USB installer, you can start the installation process:
- Select your language and click on the “Continue” button
- Select your country or region and click on the “Continue” button
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Select the disk where you want to install macOS (make sure to select the correct disk, as this will erase all data on the selected disk)
- Click on the “Install” button to start the installation process
The installation process may take several minutes or hours, depending on the speed of your Mac and the version of macOS you are installing.
Post-Installation Setup
Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to set up your Mac:
- Select your language and click on the “Continue” button
- Select your country or region and click on the “Continue” button
- Set up your Wi-Fi network
- Sign in with your Apple ID and password
- Set up your Mac’s security features (e.g., FileVault, Firewall)
- Transfer data from another Mac or PC (optional)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the installation process, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- USB drive not recognized: Make sure your USB drive is properly connected and recognized by your Mac. Try using a different USB port or a different USB drive.
- Installation stuck: Try restarting your Mac and booting from the USB installer again. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the macOS installer.
- macOS not booting: Make sure your Mac is set to boot from the correct disk. Try restarting your Mac and holding down the Option (⌥) key to select the correct boot device.
Conclusion
Installing macOS via USB is a great alternative to downloading the operating system directly from the internet. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a bootable USB installer and install macOS on your Mac. Remember to back up your important files and data before installing macOS, and ensure your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS you want to install. If you encounter any issues during the installation process, try troubleshooting the common issues outlined above.
What are the system requirements for installing macOS via USB?
To install macOS via USB, your Mac should meet certain system requirements. First, ensure your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS you want to install. You can check the compatibility of your Mac model on the Apple website. Additionally, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space, a computer with internet access, and a valid Apple ID.
It’s also essential to note that some older Mac models might not support the latest versions of macOS. In such cases, you might need to install an older version of macOS that is compatible with your Mac model. Before proceeding with the installation, ensure you have backed up your important files and data to prevent any loss during the installation process.
How do I create a bootable USB installer for macOS?
To create a bootable USB installer for macOS, you’ll need to download the macOS installation files from the Apple website. Once the download is complete, you can use the built-in ‘createinstallmedia’ command in the Terminal app to create the bootable USB installer. This process will erase all data on the USB drive, so ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.
The ‘createinstallmedia’ command is a straightforward process that requires you to enter a few commands in the Terminal app. You can find detailed instructions on how to use this command on the Apple website. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps to create the bootable USB installer, but be cautious when using such apps, as they might not be reliable or safe.
What is the difference between a standard installation and a clean installation of macOS?
A standard installation of macOS upgrades your existing macOS version to the latest version, preserving your files, settings, and apps. On the other hand, a clean installation of macOS erases all data on your Mac and installs a fresh copy of the operating system. A clean installation is recommended when you want to start from scratch or resolve issues with your existing macOS installation.
When performing a clean installation, ensure you have backed up your important files and data, as all data on your Mac will be erased during the installation process. You can use Time Machine or third-party backup apps to create a backup of your files. After the clean installation is complete, you can restore your files from the backup.
How do I boot my Mac from the USB installer?
To boot your Mac from the USB installer, insert the USB drive into a free USB port on your Mac. Then, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the ‘Option (⌥)’ key. Release the key when you see the boot menu, which displays a list of available startup disks. Select the USB installer from the list, and your Mac will boot from the USB drive.
If you’re using a newer Mac model with a T2 chip, you might need to hold down the ‘Power’ button instead of the ‘Option (⌥)’ key. This will open the boot menu, allowing you to select the USB installer as the startup disk. Ensure the USB drive is properly connected to your Mac, and the installation files are correctly installed on the drive.
What should I do if my Mac doesn’t recognize the USB installer?
If your Mac doesn’t recognize the USB installer, ensure the USB drive is properly connected to your Mac. Try using a different USB port or a different USB drive. Also, verify that the installation files are correctly installed on the USB drive. You can try re-creating the bootable USB installer using the ‘createinstallmedia’ command or a third-party app.
If your Mac still doesn’t recognize the USB installer, it’s possible that the USB drive is not bootable or the installation files are corrupted. Try using a different USB drive or re-downloading the macOS installation files from the Apple website. If the issue persists, you may want to seek assistance from an Apple Support specialist or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.
How long does it take to install macOS via USB?
The time it takes to install macOS via USB depends on several factors, including the speed of your Mac, the version of macOS you’re installing, and the amount of data on your Mac. On average, a standard installation of macOS can take around 30 minutes to an hour, while a clean installation can take longer, typically around 1-2 hours.
The installation process involves several stages, including copying files, installing the operating system, and configuring settings. You can monitor the progress of the installation on your Mac’s screen. Ensure your Mac is connected to a power source and the USB drive is properly connected to prevent any interruptions during the installation process.
What should I do after installing macOS via USB?
After installing macOS via USB, you’ll need to set up your Mac by following the on-screen instructions. This includes selecting your language, country or region, and keyboard layout. You’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the software license agreement. If you’re setting up a new Mac or performing a clean installation, you’ll need to create a new user account or sign in with your existing Apple ID.
Once the setup process is complete, you can start using your Mac. Ensure you have the latest software updates installed by going to System Preferences > Software Update. You can also restore your files from a backup, install apps, and configure settings to your liking. If you encounter any issues during the setup process, you can refer to the Apple Support website for troubleshooting guides and assistance.