M1 MacBook Air not going into DFU mode

[myrtlebee]

I am trying to get a new MacBook Air into DFU mode (long story), but the key combinations and sequence Apple provides on their website aren't working. I've also used the hints in the second link below, but still no luck. Has anyone been able to successfully get their M1 Mac into DFU mode or have any tips?

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator 2

In rare circumstances, Apple computers become unresponsive and the chip’s firmware must be revived or restored.

support.apple.com

DFU Mode Archives - Mr. Macintosh

mrmacintosh.com

 

[MacManTexas56]

i know there's issues right now where people aren't able to wipe the devices, it causes an error of some sort. check out other threads or google it, they talk about it more. probably the same issues i'd bet...

 

[myrtlebee]

i know there's issues right now where people aren't able to wipe the devices, it causes an error of some sort. check out other threads or google it, they talk about it more. probably the same issues i'd bet...

I've done that (that was my original problem), and DFU mode is the solution. I have to get it into DFU mode and it's just not going into it. I've tried so many times.

 

[myrtlebee]

I finally got it after the 1,000th try... but here was the trick that did it for me. Make sure the Mac is turned off. Turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button only until it the settings icon appears on the screen with a spinning gray circle below it. Leave it like that for a few minutes THEN perform the sequence of button pushing - press and hold the power button for a second, then press and hold the left control button, left option button, and right shift button while still holding down the power button for ten seconds. Release app but the power button- it then goes into DFU. It didn’t work the first hundred tries, but eventually it did.

 

[DNi]

I finally got it after the 1,000th try... but here was the trick that did it for me. Make sure the Mac is turned off. Turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button only until it the settings icon appears on the screen with a spinning gray circle below it. Leave it like that for a few minutes THEN perform the sequence of button pushing - press and hold the power button for a second, then press and hold the left control button, left option button, and right shift button while still holding down the power button for ten seconds. Release app but the power button- it then goes into DFU. It didn’t work the first hundred tries, but eventually it did.

Thank you! I had the exact same issue and your trick did it for me. I was not able to get the MacBook Air 2020 silicon right into DFU mode from the initial boot.

 

[MrBitchen]

I had to DFU mode today with AppleCare on the phone we couldn't get it done. Then I watched this video

when I followed the instructions and did a 1 one-thousand count it worked. It was all in the timing, too long it didn't work, too short it didn't work. Good luck whoever finds this next.

 

[m_a_g]

I finally got it after the 1,000th try... but here was the trick that did it for me. Make sure the Mac is turned off. Turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button only until it the settings icon appears on the screen with a spinning gray circle below it. Leave it like that for a few minutes THEN perform the sequence of button pushing - press and hold the power button for a second, then press and hold the left control button, left option button, and right shift button while still holding down the power button for ten seconds. Release app but the power button- it then goes into DFU. It didn’t work the first hundred tries, but eventually it did.

Every guide out there is for macs that can boot. But when you format the MacBook and have no operating system installed, those methods don't work. The only one that worked was your method. Truly, thank you.

 

[ksloth]

Thank you SO MUCH. I thought I was never going to be able to fix my M1 and that I had screwed it up so bad even DFU couldn't come up. You've saved my sanity.

 

[robbietop]

Struggled for two hours frustrated because our M8s over there in the ether had the wrong port

 

[Pedro147]

". . . .and Release app but the power button- it then goes into DFU"

do you mean release all but the power button? Thanks, I am having no luck getting into DFU mode either.

UPDATE - I finally managed to get my 2018 Macbook Air into DFU mode by following @myrtlebee. Thanks