MacMini M1 will not go into Recovery mode

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Level 1

10 points

MacMini M1 will not go into Recovery mode

I bought a new MacMini M1 the other day and when I turned it on it suggested an update to os 11.4. I clicked on it and the update installed ..no problem. Then a few days ago it suggested an update to 11.5.1. I clicked on it and the update failed during the install. I see lot of discussion on this and ways to solve the install problem ..but they all start with rebooting the M1 mini into Recovery Mode by Shutting down, then holding the power button in for 10 seconds. I did this but my machine will not display the Recovery Mode screen. I just get a blank screen. The mini flashes SOS red with the LED on the front. The only thing I can do is shut down by holding the power button in ...then powering the system back up. It reboots back into the os 11.4. I have read many posts here about not being able to get into Recovery Mode with the M1 but none of them have solved my problem. Please, does anybody else have the problem now ? Is there something else that has been successful in getting the mac mini (M1, 2020) into Recovery mode ??

Posted on Aug 3, 2021 9:04 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

enaut Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 3, 2021 10:15 PM in response to woodmeister50

Hi and thanks to all. Early today I was on the phone with Apple about an hour. They connected to my camera and looked at my screen as I demonstrated the issue. They had me go thru many procedures before directing me to the Apple store for a firmware upgrade. Both local Apple stores had no available openings for 2 weeks out.

After looking at the Apple procedure for preforming a “Revive” of the Mac mini using the “Apple Configurator 2” program running on a 2nd Mac, I decided to try it. Revive was said to reinstall the firmware and update the os without loosing my data. So I connected the 2 machines together with a USB C cable and ran the Configurator app on the 2nd computer and it was able to see the innards of the Mac mini. I started the Revive and just before completion it stopped with an error. At this point I could no longer boot my Mac mini. I was left with having to use the Configurator again and run the “Restore” feature which is said to update the firmware, wipe the drive and reinstall the latest os version available. The Restore completed without error, leaving the Mac mini bootable with is 11.5.1 installed. Also, now the Mac mini will present the Recovery screen when you hold the power button in for 10 seconds (after shutting down the mini). So, all is well now except I have to recover all my programs & data.

thanks again everybody.

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Answer 2

Aug 3, 2021 9:42 AM in response to enaut

Please see this support document –

Mac computer Status Indicator Light behavior -Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203576

The last paragraph describes what Apple calls Firmware Recovery mode and is indicated by "SOS" flashing light that you mentioned. It references a restore or revive process that is described in this document and requires another working Mac and does not appear to be something for a novice to attempt.

Revive or restore a mac with Apple Silicon with Apple Configurator 2 - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-configurator-2/revive-or-restore-a-mac-with-apple-silicon-apdd5f3c75ad/mac

I strongly advise you to make an appointment with your local Genius Bar to get assistance with your new mini.

Apple Product Support and Service:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232

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Answer 3

Aug 3, 2021 2:40 PM in response to enaut

Another alternative that can also work, boot normally and download the full macOS Big Sur installer from the App Store but when download is complete and the installer screen shows up, quit the installer.

You can then create an external USB installer (How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support).

Once that is complete try booting again via Recovery mode. One of the recovery modes of the new M1 Macs is if no internal recovery is found it should find and display an external bootable installer. If that is successful, select it and continue with re-installing Big Sur. Re-installing MacOS will not delete data it will just install macOS and any Apple apps associated with it.

If the above does not work, boot into the working Big Sur and try to select the USB installer as the Startup drive in System Preferences->Startup Drive.

If the above does not work, then your only real alternative is the previously mentioned actions. Note that those actions will destroy all your data so backup all your data before using any of those options.

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Answer 4

enaut Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 3, 2021 9:24 AM in response to den.thed

The page you referenced on how to use Safe mode says that to get to Safe mode with Apple Silicon, Shut down you Mac, then "Turn on you Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window."

Problem is (as stated in my original question) .. I can never get to the startup options window. I have never seen the startup options window on my system. When I hold in the power button I never get the startup options window.

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Answer 5

rbrklyn

Level 1

8 points

Sep 15, 2021 6:13 AM in response to enaut

same problem, phone support was less than useful. I guess only option is to go to store, but have to back up everything etc. major pain. not sure how this seems to be a common occurrence (at least based on some comments and questions) but apple support has not figured out a way to deal with this and provide a prescription at the outset, instead of making one wait for an hour or so, and also why not fix the bug, which it seems to be

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