Fsck Command on Mac

What is fsck on Mac?

File system consistency check, also commonly referred to as ‘fsck’, in short, is a command-line utility that checks your hard drive’s integrity to identify and repair your Mac’s system issues.

These are common scenarios that may call for the fsck command:

• Your Mac froze after entering your password.
• It got stuck after you entered the wrong login password.
• The Apple mouse has stopped working.
• The keyboard isn’t functioning, preventing you from logging in.
• You’re stuck on the login screen after migration.
• Your device has frozen on the login screen after restarting it.
• The spinning wheel has crippled your Mac on the login screen.
• Your Mac stopped cooperating at the login screen after updating it.

When to use fsck command on Mac

Use the fsck command on your Mac when your computer prompts you to do so after partially starting up. The cases are: a) either the login screen doesn’t appear after starting your MacBook or the desktop doesn’t show; b) your external hard drive is corrupted or becomes unreadable, doesn’t mount, or completely stops working.

A note from our experts: 

 

Using Terminal commands like fsck to fix system errors can be a complicated process, especially if you aren’t familiar with them. It can also pose several risks such as data loss if you misuse it. For these reasons, we recommend using MacKeeper’s Premium Services instead of the fsck command to rectify your Mac’s system issues.

 

Within our dedicated software, MacKeeper’s Premium Services connects you to tech experts that are experienced in troubleshooting Mac system issues like the one you’re experiencing. It’s convenient, removes the guesswork, saves you time, and allows you to enjoy a smoother performance.

 

Follow these steps to fix your Mac’s system errors effortlessly using MacKeeper’s Premium Services:

1. Download the MacKeeper app on your laptop running Monterey, Ventura, or any other macOS version.
2. Select Premium Services from the sidebar.
3. Click on the Chat Now button on the right to chat to a friendly tech expert, and then describe what you’re experiencing in the chat box.
4. Follow the expert’s instructions where applicable.

A bonus tip from us: If you’re interested in learning how to use Terminal on Mac for future reference, that’s an option, too.

What to do before running fsck command

Preparing to run the fsck command on Mac is crucial to avoid corrupting your disk. Here are key considerations to take note of before using the fsck command:

• Backup your data to avoid losing files.
• Identify your disk in Disk Utility
• Quickly scan Disk Utility for any obvious inconsistencies or errors.
• Double-check the correct commands for running fsck to avoid receiving errors like command not found on Mac.

How to run fsck command on Mac

Running the fsck command on Mac involves the following two steps:

1. Using fsck in single-user mode
2. Checking disk health using fsck_apfs for APFS file systems

The process of running the fsck command involves opening Terminal on Mac, which some users can find tricky. Follow our instructions below carefully to avoid making mistakes.

1. Using fsck in single-user mode

If you own an older Mac, restart it and long-press the Cmd + S keys when it reboots. In Terminal, type the command /sbin/fsck -fy and press Return. Repeat until your Mac notifies you that The volume Macintosh HD appears to be OK.

Afterward, run the command /sbin/mount -uwIf and exit after the startup volume has mounted. Note that you won’t be able to use Single-User mode if you’ve set a firmware password.

2. Checking disk health using fsck_apfs for APFS file systems

Checking disk health using fsck_apfs for APFS file systems can prove helpful, as the fsck_apfs command dives deeper than Disk Utility to assess and repair APFS volumes.

We followed the process below to examine disk health using the fsck_apfs command:

1. Boot into macOS Recovery Mode by restarting your device, holding down the Cmd + R keys (or Power button on Apple Silicon), and letting go when you see the Apple logo or Loading Startup Options on the screen.
2. Click on Utilities > Terminal in the macOS Utilities window.
3. Enter the command diskutil unmount /dev/diskX to unmount the erroneous APFS volume.
4. Run the fsck_apfs -y /dev/diskX command to start the repair process.

A tip from the MacKeeper team: 

 

Are you getting lost in the clutter of the Terminal window? You can clear Terminal to simplify navigation.

Limitations of fsck command on Mac

While it can help improve your frustrating Mac issues, there are limitations to using the fsck command on Mac.

We’ve identified the following drawbacks of using fsck command:

• Complexity
• Potential data loss
• Limited functionality
• Inaccuracies (such as data misinterpretation)

If you’re experiencing problems with your physical disk, we suggest taking your Mac to a professional for an assessment.

Fix system issues with the fsck command on Mac

The fsck command on Mac offers a practical way to fix your device when it gets stuck logging in due to system issues. When this happens, simply use fsck in single-user mode or check disk health using fsck_apfs for APFS file systems.

However, if you’re uncomfortable using command lines, we would rather you opt for MacKeeper’s Premium Services. It lets an expert handle the heavy lifting by troubleshooting your Mac’s system issues, so your Mac can get back on its feet in no time.