Discover how to create a bootable USB for your Mac with this easy step-by-step guide. Ideal for installing macOS, troubleshooting issues, or performing a system reset — turn your USB drive into a powerful recovery tool today.
A simple and efficient method can make all the difference when installing or repairing macOS — and creating a bootable USB drive is one of the most reliable solutions. While it might seem complicated at first, the process is actually quite straightforward with the right guidance.
In this step-by-step guide, EaseUS will show you how to prepare and use a bootable USB drive on your Mac. With the proper tools and clear instructions, you’ll be able to troubleshoot issues, reinstall macOS, or perform upgrades — all without needing an internet connection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a macOS Bootable USB
To help you avoid any issues during the process, we’ll walk through each step in detail. This guide covers everything you need to prepare your USB flash drive and use an install disk creator to make it bootable for macOS. By following these instructions carefully, you’ll be able to create a reliable bootable USB for your Mac with ease and confidence.
Step 1: Get Ready to Create Your macOS Bootable USB
Before you begin, it’s important to complete a few preparation steps to ensure a smooth process. This includes gathering the required tools, formatting your USB drive, and downloading the correct macOS installer. Taking the time to set everything up properly will help you avoid errors and save time during the bootable USB creation.
Before you begin, it’s important to complete a few essential steps to ensure a smooth and error-free process. This preparation stage includes gathering the right tools, formatting your USB drive, and downloading the appropriate macOS installer. A little preparation upfront can save you time and help avoid potential issues during the creation of your bootable USB.
What You’ll Need:
- A USB flash drive with at least 32GB of free space, properly formatted
- The macOS installer (found in your Applications folder)
⚠️ Note: Creating a bootable USB requires erasing all data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand. Once you’re set, you’re ready to move forward with confidence.
If you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who might also need to create a macOS bootable USB!
Step 2: Format the USB Drive for macOS
Ensure the drive’s file system is compatible with macOS to ensure it runs successfully. Therefore, reformatting your USB drive is crucial in preparing it for use as a bootable disk.
Make sure your USB drive is using a file system that’s fully compatible with macOS—this is essential for the bootable disk to function correctly. Reformatting the drive is a crucial part of the preparation process.
This step will erase all existing data and apply the correct format required by macOS. Follow the instructions below to properly reformat your USB drive and get it ready for creating a macOS bootable installer:
1. Begin by inserting your USB flash drive into an available port on your Mac. Open Disk Utility either by pressing Command + Space and typing “Disk Utility” in Spotlight, or by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. In the Disk Utility window, find your USB drive in the left-hand sidebar and select it. Then, click the “Erase” button at the top of the window. A dialog box will appear—enter a new name for your drive.
3. For the Format, choose “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)”, and for the Scheme, select “GUID Partition Map.”Once set, click “Erase” to begin the reformatting process and wait until it completes.
Step 3. Create a Bootable USB Using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac
With all preparations complete, it’s time to move on to the most critical part of the process—creating a bootable USB for your Mac using the downloaded macOS installer. Traditionally, this requires executing precise commands in Terminal, which can be intimidating for users unfamiliar with the command line. A small error in the syntax can lead to failed installations or other complications.
For those seeking a simpler, more user-friendly solution, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac is an excellent alternative. This powerful tool allows you to create a macOS bootable USB without touching Terminal. Beyond that, it also offers useful features such as disk cloning, file system conversion, and NTFS write support, making it a versatile choice for Mac users.
Unlike traditional command-line methods, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac provides a guided interface that ensures a smooth and effortless experience. Below are the simplified steps to create a macOS bootable USB drive:
Note: This process will automatically erase the selected USB drive and reformat it to a macOS-compatible format. Please back up any important data on the USB before proceeding.
1. Connect your external USB drive (at least 32GB) to your Mac.
2. Open EaseUS Partition Master for Mac and navigate to the macOS Installer Creator tool.
3. Choose the macOS version you want to install. The tool can download the installer directly from Apple, or you can select a local .pkg file if you already have it.
4. Select your USB drive as the target to create the bootable media.
5. Click Create, and wait patiently while the macOS installer is written to the drive.
6. Once completed, the USB is now a bootable macOS installer. You can use it to install macOS on your system.
How to Boot from the USB Installer:
▶ For Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/M4):
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the Power button until the startup options window appears.
- Select the USB bootable installer, then click Continue.
▶ For Intel Macs:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option (Alt) key.
- When the Startup Manager appears, release the key.
- Select the USB installer and press Return.
Bonus Features of EaseUS Partition Master for Mac:
- Clone SD cards and external drives on Mac
- Enable full NTFS read/write support
- Monitor and check disk health
- Convert FAT32 drives to exFAT
- Access BitLocker-encrypted drives on Mac
EaseUS Partition Master for Mac is the easiest and most reliable way to create a bootable macOS USB drive. Its intuitive interface eliminates the need for complex Terminal commands and offers robust disk management tools to handle various storage tasks with ease.
Streamline your workflow, save time, and avoid errors—try EaseUS Partition Master today.
Step 4. Boot Your Mac from the Bootable USB
Once everything is set up, you’re ready to use your USB flash drive to reinstall macOS or resolve system issues. Booting your Mac from the bootable USB is a simple process that allows you to install or troubleshoot macOS with ease. Follow these steps to boot from the USB drive smoothly:
1. With your Mac powered off, insert the bootable USB drive and press the Power button. For Apple Silicon Macs, continue holding the Power button until the Startup Options screen appears.
2. If you’re using an Intel-based Mac, press and hold the Option (Alt) key immediately after turning it on. This will bring up the Startup Manager, showing all available bootable drives.
3. Select the USB drive you created and press Return to boot from it. From there, you can begin installing macOS, perform system recovery, or carry out any other tasks you’ve prepared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to create a bootable USB for your Mac is a valuable skill that ensures you’re prepared for system installations, troubleshooting, or recovery tasks. With the right tools, the process becomes simple and efficient—and one of the most reliable solutions is EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, which eliminates the need for complicated terminal commands.
Beyond bootable media creation, this powerful software also supports disk cloning, full NTFS access, and various advanced drive management features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you now have the knowledge to properly prepare, format, and use your USB drive when needed.
Having a bootable USB at your fingertips gives you peace of mind and a dependable fallback for unexpected macOS issues. Adopt these practices to keep your MacBook running smoothly and stay ready for any challenge.
