MacBook trying to use Internet recovery even after I've connected install media

mrBoJackButter wrote:

• 2021 MacBook Pro (has not been linked to my account yet)

• Intel silicon (90% certain on that)

• Terminated employee, had to erase the drive because we did not have their credentials

• Was running Monterey, trying to reinstall Monterey

• Attempted internet recovery about 10 times, but it failed after about 2-3 hours each time

• Checked my internet speeds, reporting about ~320 Mbps via wifi

• Followed the article to create install media (32GB Thumbdrive, connected via CalDigit USB 3.0 hub purchased from Apple ~1 year ago)

• Prompted to select bootable disk

• Select bootable disk (by clicking up arrow)

• System hesitates for a few seconds

• Prompts me to select wifi network (I've connected to the router via CAT 5e cable, so I don't know why this is)

• Select wifi network, enter password

• Shows that its starting internet recovery again

What's going on? Am I doing something wrong? I've been trying to get this dumb thing to work for over a week now and I'm at my wit's end!

M1—If your Mac starts up to an exclamation point in a circle

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211868

On any new Mac you have 90-day complimentary call in support, I would take advantage of this one-on-one:

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

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

If you never configured the T2 Mac to boot to USB drives using the Startup Security Utility, then you will be unable to boot from a USB drive until you make that change which does require booting into Recovery Mode/Internet Recovery Mode:

About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip - Apple Support

If you cannot install macOS from either USB or Internet Recovery Mode, then you may need to "Restore" the T2 firmware using the instructions in this Apple article:

Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator 2 - Apple Support

It is possible that, when connected to a complex ThunderBolt dock, your bootable USB drive is not seen at startup when there are no drivers ready to talk to it on that ThunderBolt dock.

I suggest you buy some very small USB-C to USB [-A] adapters (about two for US$10) from Amazon or elsewhere and connect it that way, and see if your luck improves. {Careful you get the sexes of the USB-C and USB ports correct for your setup -- both types are available.]

Try the usb installer plugged directly into your MacBook Pro. Some time a use hub doesn't; play niece when using usb installer.