Mac probably dead, Apple Configurator leads to Padlock

[aliezsid]

First off the details of the system.

Target System [The one that's dead] - Macbook Pro 13 inch Late 2019 , Touchbar version. , 11.x (Big Sur, can't specify the exact version since I don't remember what the version was)

Host System [Being used for restoring] - Mac mini late 2014 (using USB C to USB C with a C=>A adapter) (10.5.6)

### The Problem
The macbook suddenly died yesterday when I tried to turn it on. I thought it was a just a battery issue since I don't remember spilling anything on it or forcing anything on the laptop and it was working fine the night before, all i see is a black screen and I'm assuming the macbook still has life since I can click the touchpad and also since I can get the laptop to DFU mode in the Apple Configurator 2 but with no success of being able to boot it up with any of the options from Apple Configurator.
I end up with a Padlock on the Apple Configurator 2 after every attempt at revive or restore and I don't know what that means since there's not much detail about that online.
Is there anything else I could try or does anyone know the reason for the Padlock on Apple Configurator 2 and what it means if the laptop keeps going back to it after every attempt at restore?

I see nothing on the MacBook, no boot chime, no recovery opens up, can't see disks, nothing. It's just a black screen every time

### TLDR;
Macbook stuck on black screen with no signs of life, smc reset and pram reset's were tried and so was reviving and restoring via Apple Configurator 2, the next thing I'm thinking is a board failure which is definitely going to be an expensive repair but I guess that's about it then, any other options or solutions that you might have that I could try?

What I see after every revive or restore with not other error / alert

What I see in DFU mode in the USB Tree

What I see after revive and restore and also If I randomly just plug it in

 

[rpmurray]

Host System [Being used for restoring] - Mac mini late 2014 (using USB C to USB C with a C=>A adapter) (10.5.6)

Isn't going all the way back to Leopard (10.5.x) a little extreme? Maybe try using Catalina (10.15.x) as the host?

 

[Fishrrman]

Time to take it to a brick-n-mortar Apple Store...

 

[fatcamp]

Did you ever get this figured out? dealing with the same thing currently

 

[Realityck]

Did you ever get this figured out? dealing with the same thing currently

It simply means you didn't use the method to enter DFU mode. If the Mac boots up normally you will always see a padlock.

see this link for a M1 Mac

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

see this link for a intel Mac

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

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

support.apple.com

It's a PITA to get it to work with the necessary timing.

 

[fatcamp]

It simply means you didn't use the method to enter DFU mode. If the Mac boots up normally you will always see a padlock.

see https://support.apple.com/guide/app...ore-a-mac-with-apple-silicon-apdd5f3c75ad/mac

its an intel 2020 mba - black screen but can get into dfu - revive and restore end with a padlock.

 

[Realityck]

See 2nd link above on the post.

 

[fatcamp]

See 2nd link above on the post.

so when it shows im in DFU im not necessarily in DFU? i can restore/revive, i only get padlock after step 4 and the target mac never shows anything, remains black

 

[Realityck]

Courtesy MrMacintoshBlog

 

[fatcamp]

Courtesy MrMacintoshBlog

yeah, i followed all that. but have the same issues as this person

Apple Configurator 2 padlock and not MDM - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

nothing on screen on the target mac, and DFU restore/revive just ends up being a solid padlock (not the lined border padlock)

 

[fatcamp]

UPDATE : Took to Apple Store - they did all these steps in front of me (that I told them I already had done at home) and then told me needed a new logicboard (assuming the tech that day wasn't knowledgeable about this at all, another post saying they just needed to flash the T2 chip, but was told they dont do that) and quoted me $428 for a new i3 logicboard. I refused, not worth while. Thought I would update here.

 

[axmeisterr]

i created an account just to say that I had this same issue and solved it by holding down the option key while the macbook was off which booted it into internet recovery. from there i was able to wipe the hard drive and get a fresh install. it's clear that apple employees either don't know what they're talking about or just dont care enough about customers. there was nothing wrong hardware wise. hope this helps somebody.

 

[istymie]

i created an account just to say that I had this same issue and solved it by holding down the option key while the macbook was off which booted it into internet recovery. from there i was able to wipe the hard drive and get a fresh install. it's clear that apple employees either don't know what they're talking about or just dont care enough about customers. there was nothing wrong hardware wise. hope this helps somebody.

Created account to say thank you for this.

I bricked my intel 2018 mac mini by accidentially holding down the power button too long.

DFU "recovery" proceeded for a few minutes but finally put the mini into a locked status similar to OP. Per above post, disconnected USB-C cable and rebooted while holding option to get internet recovery and was able to restore O/S.