# Startup Key Combos - iStartup — Combinations for macOS

> macOS startup and recovery key combinations for Intel and M-series Macs. (iPhone/iPad app by Bayhoff Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startup-key-combos-istartup/id289281789 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Bayhoff Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289279527)
- Category: Reference, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.70/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 4 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-02-05
- Data updated: 2026-06-08
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startup-key-combos-istartup/id289281789/reviews.md

## What is Startup Key Combos?

Have you ever suffered a problem where your Mac would not start up properly? What key combination can you use to boot into macOS recovery? Were you aware that M-series Macs are equipped with a second “fallback” macOS recovery that can be utilized if the standard recovery fails? iStartup will tell you which key combinations to use. Also included are shortcuts for sleep, log out, restart, and shutdown.

Shortcuts are grouped by M-Series and Intel.

## Key features

- macOS startup key combinations
- macOS recovery mode access
- M-series fallback recovery
- Sleep, logout, restart, shutdown shortcuts
- Grouped by M-Series and Intel Macs

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startup-key-combos-istartup/id289281789/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Sucker born every minute!  - P.T. Barnum

*2010-01-02, version 0*

Hey, I bought it too. Should have been free! Can't blame the developer for taking advantage of the opportunity to dupe an unknowing public. This took no time to develop at all !!!

### 5/5 — Very happy.

*2008-12-28, version 0*

When I don't have internet access and I don't recall any of these important commands I will use this. I like this app and find it useful even after owning a mac for 3 years and 3 different Macs. I highly recommend this. It does what it states and should get 5 stars for what it is. Its kinda like not having a back up you don't need it until your system crashes.

### 3/5 — A for effort, but needs more content

*2008-12-03, version 0*

I, for one, would give the developer a break. He is offering a convenience in the form of instant access to information that can certainly be found on the internet without spending a dime, but not without spending valuable time and interrupting your work flow. Not to mention the fact that all those free internet tips are totally unavailable to you if the machine you're working on isn't working properly or won't boot normally. It goes without saying that, when you're out in the field, having essential information at your fingertips is crucial. Looks to me like this developer found a need and filled it. However, the app should definitely include many more shortcuts for the price.

### 5/5 — Saved me.

*2008-10-28, version 0*

I was working out on location and my macbook pro needed to have it's PRAM zapped. I didn't have internet access, and my iphone wasn't getting a signal. But I had iStartup and was able to get the key Combination. Very glad I had this.

### 5/5 — Great Idea!

*2008-09-27*

An indispensable, little application. On the minus side: yes, it's a little bit expensive but on the plus side you could spent more on a Sunday paper and bin it the next day. This you get to keep.

### 4/5 — If you have a Mac, then this app will save you some time.

*2008-09-22, version 0*

I had a hardware failure (wi-fi/bluetooth module) that prevented the laptop from running. I spent a long time searching the log files for kernel panic info, and the web to figure out what was causing the issue. The Mac error message was useless. I could have really used this app since I was new to Mac's. I have it now though. Good job.

### 5/5 — I use this often

*2008-09-03, version 0*

the convenience is worth the $1.99 to me.  People should approach the app store like hydrahead records.  "Don't like it, Don't buy it".

### 3/5 — Useful, unpretentious, and cheap

*2008-09-02, version 0*

As the local Macintosh “Go-To” guy, I often find I need to remember the many obscure startup keystrokes. This is even more critical when it is my own machine that is acting up and I cannot reach a browser with Google. iStartup fills those needs. It’s worth about $2 for the peace of mind, I would say. My only criticism is that the text is a little small — perhaps in version 1.0.1, the author could increase the font size a tad. Also, if the author increases the number of shortcuts (which I would look forward to), he or she might consider organizing them into functional groups (“at startup,” “troubleshooting,” “at shutdown”), as well.

## Frequently asked questions about Startup Key Combos

### Does Startup Key Combos have ads?

Startup Key Combos does not contain advertisements.

### What is the rating for Startup Key Combos?

Startup Key Combos has a rating of 3.7 stars based on 7 user ratings.

### What devices support Startup Key Combos?

Startup Key Combos is available on iPhone and iPad.

### How often is Startup Key Combos updated?

The latest version, 4.0.1, was last updated on December 22, 2025. The app was initially released on February 5, 2019.

### What is the age rating for Startup Key Combos?

Startup Key Combos has an age rating of 17+.

### Can Startup Key Combos help with M-series Mac startup issues?

Yes, Startup Key Combos specifically includes information on the second "fallback" macOS recovery for M-series Macs if the standard recovery fails.

### What system actions can I control with Startup Key Combos?

Besides startup and recovery, Startup Key Combos provides shortcuts for sleep, log out, restart, and shutdown.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0.1 — 2025-12-22

• Fixed a few cosmetic issues that were introduced in iOS / iPadOS 26.1 and 26.2.
• Minor internal optimizations.

### 4.0 — 2025-09-20

• iStartup has been redesigned for iOS 26.
• Shortcuts are now grouped by M-Series and Intel.
• The UI has been optimized to better take advantage of larger screens.

### 3.1 — 2020-10-08

• Removed some dead shortcut links.
• Now built for iOS 14.

### 3.0 — 2019-12-04

• Modernized UI for iOS 13.
• Added support for Dark Mode.

### 2.1 — 2017-10-11

• Improved support for iOS 11.

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## More apps by Bayhoff Software

- [Fonts Reference - TouchFonts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fonts-reference-touchfonts/id289282456)
- [Tic Tac Toe - BayArcade](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tic-tac-toe-bayarcade/id1024264908)

All apps by Bayhoff Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/289279527

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-08.*