Are you looking to install or reinstall macOS on your Mac, but don’t have the installation media? Creating a bootable USB drive is a great solution. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making a USB bootable for macOS, covering the necessary requirements, preparation, and step-by-step instructions.
Requirements and Preparation
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A Mac with a working internet connection
- A USB drive with a minimum capacity of 16 GB (the more, the better)
- The macOS installation files (more on this later)
- A computer with macOS High Sierra or later (for creating the bootable USB)
It’s essential to note that the USB drive will be erased during the process, so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Downloading the macOS Installation Files
To create a bootable USB, you’ll need to download the macOS installation files from the App Store. Here’s how:
- Open the App Store on your Mac
- Search for the version of macOS you want to install (e.g., macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, etc.)
- Click on the “Get” button next to the macOS version
- Wait for the download to complete
Once the download is complete, the installation files will be stored in the Applications folder.
Creating the Bootable USB
Now that you have the necessary files, it’s time to create the bootable USB. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Terminal App
- Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal
- Alternatively, you can use Spotlight to search for Terminal
Step 2: Identify the USB Drive
- Connect the USB drive to your Mac
- Type the following command in the Terminal:
diskutil list - Look for the USB drive in the list (it should be labeled as “external, physical”)
- Take note of the disk identifier (e.g., disk2, disk3, etc.)
Step 3: Format the USB Drive
- Type the following command in the Terminal:
diskutil eraseDisk HFS+ Untitled /dev/diskX(replace X with the disk identifier) - Press Enter to execute the command
- Wait for the formatting process to complete
Step 4: Create the Bootable USB
- Type the following command in the Terminal:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /dev/diskX(replace X with the disk identifier and [version] with the actual version of macOS) - Press Enter to execute the command
- Wait for the process to complete (this may take several minutes)
Step 5: Verify the Bootable USB
- Once the process is complete, eject the USB drive
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Option (⌥) key
- Select the USB drive as the boot device
- If everything is set up correctly, you should see the macOS installation screen
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
USB Drive Not Recognized
- Make sure the USB drive is properly connected to your Mac
- Try using a different USB port or a USB hub
- If the issue persists, try formatting the USB drive again
Installation Files Not Found
- Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct version of macOS
- Check that the installation files are in the Applications folder
- Try re-downloading the installation files if necessary
Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB for macOS is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some technical knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to create a bootable USB drive that will allow you to install or reinstall macOS on your Mac. Remember to always back up your important data before attempting to create a bootable USB, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues during the process.
Additional Tips and Variations
- To create a bootable USB for macOS on a Windows PC, you’ll need to use a third-party tool like TransMac or Etcher.
- If you’re using a Mac with a T2 chip, you may need to use the
--nointeractionflag when creating the bootable USB. - To create a bootable USB for macOS on a Linux machine, you’ll need to use the
ddcommand to copy the installation files to the USB drive.
By following these tips and variations, you should be able to create a bootable USB for macOS on a variety of platforms and devices.
What is a bootable USB for macOS and why do I need it?
A bootable USB for macOS is a USB drive that contains a fully functional version of the macOS operating system. This allows you to boot your Mac from the USB drive instead of the internal hard drive, which can be useful for troubleshooting, reinstalling macOS, or accessing your Mac if the internal hard drive is damaged or corrupted.
Having a bootable USB for macOS can be a lifesaver in case your Mac’s internal hard drive fails or you need to perform a clean install of the operating system. It’s also a great tool for IT professionals and developers who need to test different versions of macOS or troubleshoot issues on multiple Macs.
What are the system requirements for creating a bootable USB for macOS?
To create a bootable USB for macOS, you’ll need a Mac with a compatible version of macOS, a USB drive with at least 16GB of free space, and a computer with internet access. The USB drive should be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and have a GUID Partition Table (GPT) scheme.
Additionally, you’ll need to download the macOS installer from the Mac App Store, which requires a compatible version of macOS and a valid Apple ID. Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for the version of macOS you want to install on the USB drive.
What type of USB drive do I need to create a bootable USB for macOS?
To create a bootable USB for macOS, you’ll need a USB drive that meets the following requirements: it should have at least 16GB of free space, be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and have a GUID Partition Table (GPT) scheme. You can use a USB flash drive, a USB hard drive, or a USB solid-state drive (SSD).
When choosing a USB drive, consider the speed and reliability of the drive. A faster USB drive will make the installation process quicker, while a more reliable drive will reduce the risk of data corruption or loss.
How do I download the macOS installer for creating a bootable USB?
To download the macOS installer, you’ll need to access the Mac App Store on a Mac with a compatible version of macOS. Open the Mac App Store, click on the “Purchases” tab, and find the macOS installer you want to download. Click the “Download” button to start the download process.
Once the download is complete, the macOS installer will be saved to the “Applications” folder on your Mac. You can then use this installer to create a bootable USB drive.
What is the difference between a bootable USB and a recovery USB for macOS?
A bootable USB for macOS contains a fully functional version of the operating system, allowing you to boot your Mac from the USB drive and access the desktop. A recovery USB, on the other hand, contains a limited version of macOS that allows you to access the recovery mode, where you can perform tasks such as reinstalling macOS, restoring from a Time Machine backup, or using Disk Utility to repair or erase the internal hard drive.
While a recovery USB is useful for troubleshooting and repairing issues with your Mac, a bootable USB provides more flexibility and allows you to use your Mac as you normally would.
Can I use a bootable USB for macOS on multiple Macs?
Yes, you can use a bootable USB for macOS on multiple Macs, as long as the Macs are compatible with the version of macOS on the USB drive. However, keep in mind that some Macs may have specific hardware or software requirements that are not met by the version of macOS on the USB drive.
Before using a bootable USB on multiple Macs, make sure to check the system requirements for each Mac and ensure that the version of macOS on the USB drive is compatible.
How do I update a bootable USB for macOS to a newer version?
To update a bootable USB for macOS to a newer version, you’ll need to download the newer version of the macOS installer from the Mac App Store and then use the installer to update the USB drive. You can do this by opening the macOS installer, selecting the USB drive as the installation destination, and following the prompts to update the USB drive.
Alternatively, you can erase the USB drive and create a new bootable USB with the newer version of macOS. This will ensure that the USB drive is updated with the latest version of the operating system.