MP 1,1-5,1 SafeBoot Bootup Keyboard Alternative?

[ATP ATP]

Having difficulties in booting up into SafeBoot mode (have a MacPRO5.1 with an updated, Apple-recommended, Metal-compatible graphics card, which is a Pulse Sapphire Radeon RX580).

PROBLEM: To start in SafeBoot, you are to hold the SHIFT key on startup. However, one cannot see the login screen to STOP holding the SHIFT key with the updated graphics card installed.

QUESTION: How can one startup in SafeBoot mode without needing to use the keyboard? If I need to use the keyboard, any suggestions as to what to look for as to when to start and to stop pressing the SHIFT key?

 

[HDFan]

any suggestions as to what to look for as to when to start and to stop pressing the SHIFT key?

Keep the shift key held down until you see the progress bar as it loads the kernel.

 

[tommy chen]

the time is different on SSD od harddiskboot, and if you have selected
the bootvolume in system preference

in the longest case the process takes 5 minutes - HDD and non selected -
to see the login in safe boot

 

[HDFan]

Safeboot can take a long time. I see ~30 minutes or more, even with an SSD. As soon as you see the progress bar just walk away and have a smoothie. I'd give it an hour before deciding it didn't work.