Nothing is more annoying than discovering that your Mac is stuck in the boot loop. Your Mac may unexpectedly crash as you are working on something crucial. This error is known as Kernel Panic. Your ongoing work will be put on hold by this unexpected boot loop, which also results in data loss. However, the Mac kernel panic error is nothing new. On that note, continue reading this article until the end to find out what is a kernel panic Mac error and how to fix kernel panic Mac.

How to Fix Kernel Panic Mac Error

Keep reading further to find the steps explaining how to fix kernel panic Mac error in detail with useful illustrations for better understanding.

What is a Kernel Panic Mac?

The kernel panic error is a fatal kernel error that a Mac can detect. And as a result, your Mac device restarts unexpectedly without warming. The interaction of the hardware and software of your computer is controlled by a kernel, also referred to as the heart of the system. The kernel must frequently be restarted for the system and fix any critical errors that may have occurred to function again. The security feature of macOS, known as kernel panic, is known to guard the system from a Mac crash that may cause data loss. An internal kernel error forces the operating system to restart after it has been shut down.

The reasons causing this error to spring up on your Mac device are:

• Faulty software
• Corrupted system files
• Disrupted or incompatible hardware

How to Fix Kernel Panic Mac Error?

You typically see a grey screen with the message You need to restart your computer… in various languages when a kernel panic occurs. The kernel panic may not always be resolved by restarting the device, in which case your Mac will repeatedly restart. Because you cannot access the desktop even after restarting, and because the system repeatedly requests a restart, the error and restarts appear to be endless.

A restart can fix the Kernel panic issue if it only happens occasionally. If it persists, you will need to take action before the error renders your Mac unusable. Here are 12 fixes you can try to fix kernel panic Mac error.

Method 1: Remove All Peripheral Devices

The keyboard, mouse, printer, and other peripherals that are broken or not working properly are also to blame for the MacBook keeps restarting problem. To determine which peripheral is the problem, unplug all peripherals and then replug each one at a time. Follow the steps below to remove all peripherals:

1. First, turn off your Mac by selecting Shut Down from the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.

2. After that, unplug all of the connected accessories and then restart your Mac.

3. Now, connect each peripheral device one at a time after it has restarted. For instance, connect the keyboard, then wait a while.

If a peripheral cause your Mac to restart right after you plug it in, that particular device might be to blame.

Method 2: Clear Storage Space

Ideally, you should keep at least 15% of storage space free for the normal functioning of a laptop, including MacBook. Follow the given steps to check the storage space being utilized and delete data, if needed:

Note: We recommend you store these files on an external disk instead if you need them.

1. Click on the Apple menu and select About This Mac, as shown.

2. Then, click on the Storage tab, as depicted below.

3. You will now be able to see the space utilized on the internal disk. Click on Manage…

4. Select the unnecessary files, like photos, videos, gifs, etc. that unnecessarily clutter the disk and press the Command + D keys to delete them.

Also Read: How to Fix AirPods Mic Not Working on Zoom on Mac

Method 3: Clean Up Caches

For proper application operation and system processes, caches are used. Some faulty service files, however, may result in failure. Clearing the cache is worthwhile when attempting to fix a Mac that restarts randomly. Following the steps below clear up caches to fix the error:

1. Press the Command + Shift + G keys together on your Mac device to launch Finder.

2. Type ~/Library/Caches in Go to the Folder search field and press the Enter key.

3. Select all Cache files by pressing the Command + A key combination.

4. Then, press the Command + Delete keys simultaneously to delete the cache files.

Note: Make sure to locate and delete all Extensions.kextcache and Extensions.mkext files.

5. Restart your Mac and empty the Trash.

Method 4: Run First Aid from Disk Utility

Corrupted files or problems with external devices can cause kernel panic. Thankfully, Apple’s built-in Disk Utility partially addressed this. If the First Aid tool in Disk Utility can fix any disc errors, then you’re in luck once more. Follow the steps below to check Disk Utility to fix kernel panic mac error:

1. Go to Applications and select Utilities. Then, open Disk Utility, as depicted.

2. Select the Startup Disk of your Mac which is usually represented as Macintosh HD. 

3. Lastly, click on First Aid and let it scan your computer for errors and apply automatic repairs, wherever needed. 

Note: If you follow the instructions, the report should say something like Operation successful. The worst-case scenario is that you might receive the error message The underlying task reported failure, which denotes a failed disc repair.

Method 5: Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics, also known as Apple Hardware Test, is a staple tool when it comes to finding any problems with Macs. Professionals rely on it to find the source of a problem because of this. So, in order to identify the problematic component and how to fix kernel panic on mac, you should also make the most of the sophisticated Apple utilities.

Option I: On Intel Mac Devices

1. Select the Apple menu and click on Restart to turn off your Mac.

2. Then, press and hold the D key while your computer is restarting.

3. Release the D key once you see a progress bar or when asked to choose a language.

Option II: On Apple Silicon-based Mac Devices

1. Click on the Restart option from the Apple menu.

2. Now, press and hold down the power button while your Mac starts up.

3. Then, release the power button once the startup options have appeared.

4. Next, on your keyboard, press Command + D keys.

Now, Apple Diagnostics will automatically start up and begin examining your hardware. You will receive a thorough report about any issues it finds.

Also Read: Fix Keka Error Code 2 on macOS

Method 6: Update macOS

The most recent versions of macOS are frequently plagued with a variety of annoying problems, despite having excellent security and the capacity to provide a seamless experience. The good news is that Apple is constantly working to squash bugs and enhance functionality. Because of this, most macOS updates contain a number of bug fixes and performance improvements. Therefore, fixing the issue most likely requires updating the software.

1. From the taskbar, click on System Preferences. 

2. Then, click on Software Update.

3. Finally, if any update is available, click on Upgrade Now. 

Method 7: Disable Login Items

Your Mac might be restarting at random because of login items. They might be too many for your processor to handle if they launch dozens of apps simultaneously. Disabling these programs and observing how your Mac behaves would be your current strategy for troubleshooting Kernel Panic. To disable login items, proceed as follows:

1. Click on Users & Groups from the System Preferences.

2. Then, choose your username and navigate to the Login Items tab.

3. Now, select the desired startup item you want to turn off and click the minus (-) icon.

4. Finally, Restart your Mac to activate the modifications.

Note: You can continue this process of turning off the startup item one by one as instructed above until you find the culprit.

Also Read: What is Error Code 36 on Mac?

Method 8: Boot in Safe Mode

This is a Diagnostic mode in which all the background applications and data is blocked. You can then, determine why certain applications won’t function properly and resolve issues with your device. The safe mode can be accessed pretty easily on macOS. Read our guide on How to Boot Mac in Safe Mode to learn to enable Safe Mode.

Method 9: Uninstall Third-Party Apps

In case your Mac keeps getting the kernel panic error while using some specific third-party applications, the problem may not be with your MacBook. Several third-party applications that were designed for previously manufactured MacBooks might be incompatible with the newer models. Moreover, various add-ons that are installed on your web browser may also contribute to frequent freezing.

• Identify and remove all conflict-causing third-party apps and add-ons.
• Also, make sure to use only those applications which are supported by the App Store as these apps are designed for Apple products.

Thus, check for malfunctioning apps in Safe Mode and uninstall them.

Method 10: Reinstall macOS

You may not need to travel this far in many circumstances on how to fix kernel panic on mac. But at some point, or another, we have all seen and experienced Mac problems that cannot be fixed by following simple instructions. We can then delete and reinstall macOS in order to control the Kernel Panic issue and stop the Mac from rebooting repeatedly. Follow the steps below to erase and reinstall macOS to fix kernel panic mac error:

Note: Ensure proper internet connection on your Mac. Plug in the power adapter in case you need to reinstall the software on a MacBook.

1. Turn off your Mac first by clicking on Shut Down from the Apple menu.

2. Now, turn on the Mac device and immediately press-hold the Command + R keys together.

3. Release the Command + R keys after seeing the Apple logo on the loading screen.

4. Enter your admin password in the given field, if prompted.

5. From the macOS Utilities window, click on Reinstall macOS > Continue.

6. Follow the onscreen instructions and then select the desired disk you want to install the macOS on.

7. Then, click on Install to start the installation process.

8. After installation is completed, enter your password and follow the onscreen prompts to enter your Mac.

Also Read: Where to Find Passwords on Mac?

Method 11: Contact Apple Support

If none of the aforementioned solutions has been successful for you, you will need to get in touch with Apple Support. On how to fix kernel panic Mac error, you can seek professional advice. In addition, to live support from their corporate offices, Apple offers an online help desk with articles. To contact the Apple customer service department, visit the Apple Support page.

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Kernel Panic Mac is a serious system problem that needs to be fixed right away. Even if the error happens just once or twice, you must address the underlying issue to prevent further occurrences. You can use the techniques described in this article to help you fix kernel panic Mac error. You can let us know any queries or suggestions about any other topic you want us to make an article on. Drop them in the comments section below for us to know.