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🖥️ How to Install macOS Online and Offline (Intel & M-Series Macs) — Full Step-by-Step Guide

Khairul April 29, 2025

📌 Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Online Installation (Recovery Mode)
  3. Offline Installation (Bootable USB)
  4. Important Notes
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQs

📘 Introduction

Whether you’re using the latest M1/M2/M3 MacBook or an older Intel Mac, installing macOS is a straightforward process—once you know the correct method.

This guide covers both online and offline installation methods for all supported Mac devices.

🌐 Online Installation (via macOS Recovery)

Online installation lets you reinstall macOS through Apple’s recovery server using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

▶️ For M-Series (Apple Silicon) Macs

  1. Shut down your Mac completely.
  2. Press and hold the Power button until you see “Loading Startup Options”.
  3. Select Options and click Continue to enter Recovery Mode.
  4. (Optional) Open Disk Utility > Select your internal drive > Click Erase for a clean install:
    • Format: APFS
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  5. Go back and choose Reinstall macOS.
  6. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.

✅ Your M-Series Mac will now reinstall the latest compatible macOS.

▶️ For Intel-based Macs

  1. Turn on or restart your Mac.
  2. Immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R.
  3. Alternatively, use:
    • Option + Command + R → Install latest compatible macOS
    • Shift + Option + Command + R → Install original factory version
  4. Release keys when you see the Apple logo or spinning globe.
  5. In the Utilities window, open Disk Utility (optional) to erase the disk:
    • Use APFS for SSDs, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for HDDs
  6. Click Reinstall macOS and follow instructions.

✅ macOS will be downloaded and installed over the internet.

💾 Offline Installation (Using Bootable USB)

Offline installation is ideal for Macs with no internet access or for faster setup. You’ll need a USB drive and another Mac to create the installer.

🛠 Requirements:

  • One 16GB (or larger) USB flash drive
  • macOS Installer (downloaded from App Store)
  • Access to Terminal (pre-installed on macOS)

🧰 Create a Bootable USB Installer

  1. Download the macOS Installer from the App Store (e.g., macOS Sonoma).
  2. Insert your USB drive.
  3. Open Disk Utility > Format the USB as:
    • Name: MyUSB
    • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  4. Open Terminal and type this command: 
    sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyUSB
  5. Enter your admin password and press Y to confirm.
  6. Wait for it to complete. Your USB is now ready.

▶️ Use Bootable USB on M-Series Macs

  1. Insert USB and shut down the Mac.
  2. Hold the Power button until you see Startup Options.
  3. Select the USB drive.
  4. (Optional) Erase disk using Disk Utility.
  5. Click Install macOS and complete the setup.

▶️ Use Bootable USB on Intel Macs

  1. Insert USB and power on your Mac.
  2. Hold the Option (⌥) key during startup.
  3. Select your USB from the boot menu.
  4. (Optional) Erase disk via Disk Utility.
  5. Click Install macOS from the USB.

📝 Important Notes

  • Time Machine Backup (Optional but Recommended): If you plan a clean install (disk erase), back up your files to avoid data loss.
  • Keep your Mac plugged in during installation.
  • For clean installs, always erase the disk first using Disk Utility.
  • Use APFS format for SSDs, and Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for HDDs.

✅ Conclusion

Whether you're reinstalling macOS online or doing a full offline setup with a bootable USB, the process is simple and clean when done step by step.

Use this guide for all Intel and M-Series Macs and enjoy a fresh, fast, and stable system.

  • Online = Convenient, needs internet
  • Offline = Faster, works without Wi-Fi
  • Clean Install = Best performance, but requires backup

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is clean installation required?

A: Not required, but highly recommended for best performance.

Q: Does reinstalling macOS delete my files?

A: Not unless you erase the disk. A reinstall keeps your data. A clean install removes everything.

Q: Can I use the same bootable USB for multiple Macs?

A: Yes, it can be reused on any compatible device.

Q: What if I don’t have a second Mac to create USB?

A: Use Online Recovery mode instead. It works even without a USB.


Khairul

Posted by Khairul

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