How can I diagnose why macOS gets stuck on the Apple logo during startup?

[histo]

If your Mac gets stuck on the Apple logo, it usually means something is preventing it from finishing startup. Don’t panic—this is fixable. First, try Safe Mode by holding Shift while starting up; this loads only essential files. If that works, a startup item or app may be the culprit. Next, use Disk Utility in Recovery Mode (Command+R) to check your disk for errors. Resetting NVRAM/PRAM and SMC can also solve hidden hardware or system glitches. Disconnect external devices and, if needed, use Verbose Mode (Command + V) to see what’s blocking the boot.

[IT Cures]

The first step to solve a Mac that stays frozen on the Apple logo requires me to determine whether the problem results from software or hardware and storage components. Safe Mode provides useful assistance because users with Apple Silicon should use the power button at start up and Intel users should press Shift during start up. Safe Mode testing will show login items and extensions plus filesystem problems because hardware failure does not show any signs of existence.

You can also try:

Disk Utility → First Aid from Recovery Mode
Verbose mode (Cmd + V on Intel Macs) to see where boot hangs
Disconnect all external devices
Run Apple Diagnostics (D during startup on Intel)

The system experiences continuous Apple logo freezes because of a malfunctioning SSD or an infected macOS operating system installation when the boot progress indicator fails to advance beyond a specific point. The existence of hardware problems becomes more probable when Recovery Mode shows signs of instability.

[Farah_10]

Good troubleshooting steps. First, go into safe mode and disk utility in recovery mode as these will solve a lot of start up related problems. Unplug any external devices prior to booting. Verbose Mode (⌘+V) can be used to find out exactly where the start-up process has frozen the Mac.

[Annie warner]

A good summary of troubleshooting. One important point I'd add: The actual startup steps are different for Intel-based Macs and Apple silicon Macs. To get into Recovery on Apple silicon, instead of Command+R, hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears.

Also, before resetting anything, it’s worth disconnecting external USB devices and giving the Mac a few minutes if it’s finishing an update. If there are no issues found by Disk Utility and the Mac still hangs at the Apple logo, you can next try reinstalling macOS via Recovery without erasing your data.