How to Create a Bootable USB for macOS Sequoia?
So, you’re ready to dive into macOS Sequoia, the latest macOS from Apple. Let’s try out the new features of macOS Sequoia by creating a bootable USB is the first step. This guide will walk you through the process with no fluff—just clear, actionable steps.
Why should I Create a Bootable USB for macOS Sequoia?
Creating a bootable USB drive for macOS Sequoia gives you flexibility. It allows you to install the macOS on multiple Macs, troubleshoot issues, or even install it on an unsupported device. Plus, it’s a handy tool to have if you need to do a clean install.
A clean install can improve your system’s performance, especially if your Mac has been running slowly. It wipes out all the accumulated clutter, giving you a fresh start. Plus, a bootable USB can save you time and hassle when you need to install macOS on multiple devices. Instead of downloading the macOS multiple times, you can use the same USB drive.
Pre-requisites for macOS Sequoia Bootable USB
Before we jump in, let’s just check you have all the things required for making a bootable USB.
16 GB (or larger) USB flash drive: This will be your bootable installer.
A Mac running macOS: You’ll need a Mac to download and prepare the installer.
macOS Sequoia: You will need to download macOS Sequoia from Apple Developer or from any third party that you can rely on.
Got everything? Great, let’s get started.
Create a Bootable USB for macOS Sequoia
Now, let’s create a Create a bootable USB for macOS Sequoia using these simple steps.
Step 1: Format Your USB Drive
First things first—you need to format your USB drive to make it compatible with macOS Sequoia.
1. Insert your USB drive into your Mac.
2. Open Disk Utility (you can find it using Spotlight or under Applications > Utilities).
3. In Disk Utility, select your USB drive from the left sidebar.
4. Click on Erase at the top.
5. Set the format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and name it “Sequoia” (or whatever you prefer).
6. Click Erase to format the drive.
Your USB is now ready to be used as a bootable installer.
Step 2: Download macOS Sequoia
To create the bootable USB, you’ll need to download the macOS Sequoia installer. Here’s how you can do it:
Method 1: Apple Developer Program
If you’re part of the Apple Developer Program, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Apple Developer account.
2. Go to the Downloads section.
3. Find and download macOS Sequoia.
4. The installer will be saved in your Applications folder.
Method 2: Download via Terminal
If you don’t have access to the Developer Program, you can still download macOS Sequoia using Terminal:
1. Open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
softwareupdate --list-full-installers3. If macOS Sequoia appears in the list, use the following command to download it:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.04. The installer will also be saved in your Applications folder.
Related Topic: Download macOS Sequoia Full Installer.PKG
Step 3: Create the Bootable USB Drive
Now that you’ve got the macOS Sequoia installer, it’s time to make your USB drive bootable.
1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command, but don’t hit Enter yet:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Sequoia3. Drag the formatted USB drive (which should be visible in Finder) into the Terminal window. This will automatically fill in the correct path.
4. Now press Enter.
5. Enter your admin password when prompted and press Enter again.
6. Terminal will start copying the installer to your USB drive. This can take some time, so be patient.
Once the process is complete, your USB drive is now a bootable macOS Sequoia installer.
Step 4: Use the Bootable USB Drive to install macOS Sequoia
With your bootable USB ready, you can now install macOS Sequoia on any compatible Mac:
1. Insert the USB drive into the Mac you want to install macOS Sequoia on.
2. Restart the Mac and immediately hold down the Option key.
3. When the boot menu appears, select the USB drive (it will usually be labeled as “Install macOS Sequoia”).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS Sequoia on your Mac or MacBook.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues during the process, here are a few tips:
USB Drive Not Recognized: Make sure your USB drive is properly formatted. If Disk Utility doesn’t recognize it, try using another USB port or a different drive.
Installer Fails to Copy: Ensure there’s enough space on the USB drive. If the installer still fails, try reformatting the drive and repeating the steps.
Mac Doesn’t Boot from USB: Check that you’re holding down the Option key immediately after restarting. If the USB drive doesn’t appear, try creating the bootable drive again.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You’ve successfully created a bootable USB for macOS Sequoia. Whether you’re looking to test new features, install it on multiple devices, or just have a backup handy, this bootable USB will make your life easier.
Remember, if you’re doing a clean install, back up your data first. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! A clean install can breathe new life into your Mac, and having a bootable USB on hand makes the process straightforward and hassle-free.
Happy installing!
Related: How to install macOS Sequoia on UTM VM?
Related: Download macOS Sequoia DMG File
1. Can I use a USB drive with less than 16 GB to create a bootable USB for macOS Sequoia?
No, it’s highly recommended to use a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage. The macOS Sequoia installer requires significant space, and using a drive with less than 16 GB might not provide enough room, leading to errors during the creation process. It’s best to use a larger drive to avoid any issues.
2. How do I fix the issue if my Mac doesn’t recognize the bootable USB drive?
If your Mac doesn’t recognize the bootable USB drive during startup, ensure the USB is properly formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Also, double-check that you’re holding the Option key right after restarting your Mac. If the issue persists, try using a different USB port or re-creating the bootable USB following the guide above.
3. Is it possible to create a bootable USB for macOS Sequoia using a Windows PC?
Yes, it is possible, but the process is more complex. You’ll need to use third-party software like TransMac or UUByte to create the bootable USB on a Windows PC. These tools can help format the USB drive to the required Mac file system and transfer the macOS Sequoia installer to it. However, creating a bootable USB on a Mac is simpler and more reliable.
