How to use snapshots on Apple silicon computers

Here are instructions for using snapshots to revert macOS to a prior version on Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and future M-series processors).

Important note: Reverting to a prior snapshot only affects information stored on your System volume (macOS itself and system files). This will not affect data stored on external disks or your user data volumes.

When You Might Need This

• After a macOS update causes compatibility issues with SoftRAID
• System becomes unstable after an update
• Need to roll back to a previous working macOS version
• macOS update prevents SoftRAID volumes from mounting

Prerequisites

Your Mac automatically creates local snapshots before system updates. This feature is built into macOS on Apple silicon – no Time Machine backup required (though having one is always recommended).

Steps to Restore from a Snapshot

• 1. Enter macOS Recovery
• Shut down your Apple silicon Mac completely
• Press and hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options”
• Release the power button

• 2. Access Recovery Options
• Click ”Options”
• Click ”Continue”
• Select your startup volume (usually “Macintosh HD”)
• Select your admin account and enter your password

• 3. Choose Restore from Time Machine
• In the macOS Utilities window, click ”Restore from Time Machine”
• In the information window, click ”Continue”

• 4. Select Your Snapshot
• In the “Select a Restore Source” window, select your startup volume
• Click ”Continue”
• You’ll see the “Select a Local Snapshot” window with a list of available snapshots

• 5. Choose the Correct Snapshot
• Important: Snapshots are listed with timestamps. To revert to a previous macOS version:
• Look for the most recent snapshot before the problematic update
• Example: If macOS 15.2 is causing issues, select the last snapshot from 15.1
• Snapshots are usually listed chronologically – the one you want is typically near the bottom of the list

• 6. Complete the Restoration
• Select the desired snapshot
• Click ”Continue”
• Click ”Continue” again to confirm
• Your Mac will automatically restart and boot from the restored snapshot

After Restoration

• Your Mac will be running the macOS version from the snapshot
• External SoftRAID volumes should now mount normally
• Your user data (documents, photos, etc.) remains unchanged
• You can choose whether to install future macOS updates

If You Don’t Have Snapshots Available

If snapshots aren’t available or don’t resolve the issue, you have these options:

• Option 1: Reinstall macOS (preserves data)
• Boot into Recovery Mode (hold power button)
• Select “Reinstall macOS [version]”
• This reinstalls the system while keeping your data

• Option 2: Use another Mac temporarily
• Connect your SoftRAID volumes to an Intel Mac or Apple silicon Mac running a compatible macOS version
• Access your data while you troubleshoot the primary Mac

• Option 3: Factory Reset (last resort – data loss) If you need to perform a complete factory reset, see the Apple support document: Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings.

Preventing Future Issues

• Wait before updating: When a new macOS version releases, wait a few days and check SoftRAID compatibility announcements
• Maintain backups: Keep current Time Machine backups of your data
• Test on secondary Mac: If possible, test macOS updates on a non-critical Mac first