New 16” MBP Random Restarts and LockUps

On my new 16 inch MacBook Pro, when the machine is idle, I get about four random reboots a day. And, when the machine is in use, at least one lock up per day that requires a reboot.


I did not use migration assistant when the machine was set up, it is a fresh install. Hardware check shows no errors… Extremely frustrating.


This is always the message upon each random restart


BAD MAGIC! (flag set in iBoot panic header), no macOS panic log available


Needless to say… This is very frustrating! Anyone else had this issue?

James’s 16" MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro 16"

Posted on Nov 26, 2019 10:15 AM

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Posted on Apr 14, 2020 10:44 AM

Just an update on my progress. My prior MacBook would unexpectedly freeze for 10 seconds, then the fans would go 100% for 5 seconds, and the machine would then power off or restart. I would check the logs after this issue and get a "bad magic" kernel panic. They sent me a brand new replacement. This issue seems to be resolved with a brand new replacement. This is a hardware issue (unless you're having panics due to the most recent version of Catalina). If you're having kernel panics, bad magic issues, or unexpected shut downs/reboots, then I'd recommend to get a replacement as soon as possible. This is the only way to resolve this issue.


I spent countless hours troubleshooting the issue with Apple and sending it out for repair twice. The first repair, they only reinstalled MacOS and updated my T2 firmware. This didn't resolve it. The second repair, they replaced my Touch ID Board and Logic Board. This also didn't resolve the issue. I then requested a new replacement (since I'm still within my warranty). They approved this and were able to send me this brand new replacement. This replacement does NOT have any issues and now the issue is resolved.


Please keep in mind that Apple (US) will only send a replacement after a certain number of repair attempts (usually 2-3 attempts), if you're past the 14-day return date. So please make sure to get started on the repair process and after the second/third repair, ask for a replacement. This is the only way to resolve the issue. It was the only way for me to resolve the unexpected shutdowns and reboots with "Bad Magic" kernel panics. I have read prior that this is the only way others have fully resolved this issue. I hope you all have the same success as me!

213 replies

Apr 2, 2020 5:13 PM in response to wo4w

Just wanted to report in that I just got my brand new 16' MBP, and within 3 days of unboxing I'm having this exact issue. So whatever it is... they have not solved the problem yet. Happens usually overnight or when I'm away for a bit, so the IDLE issue is confirmed. Weirdly it hasn't happened while I'm actively working on the computer, which makes it feel less bothersome, but having to restart every single morning, log into everything again, re-open windows, etc is incredibly frustrating. will likely be returning this MBP since I'm still in the return window and buying a new one. Gah!


Apr 6, 2020 4:31 PM in response to Drakarced

I just wanted to post an update on my progress. My repaired 2019 16" MacBook Pro is still having these issues. They've had it repaired twice. They've swapped out the Logic Board and Touch ID Board. This still didn't resolve the issue. They won't refund me for my purchase price but they are sending me a brand new replacement.


Since I've experienced so many issues with this specific MacBook, I don't know if I even want to keep the new replacement MacBook. I am thinking about selling it. I would hate to open the package and for it to have the same issue as this MacBook.


Also, they said that the replacement is essentially a brand new purchase. He said that AppleCare warranty will start over and it does have a 14-day return window. I'm wondering if I can file a refund for this since it's a brand new purchase? He mentioned it's unlikely since it will be for a $0.00 amount (since it's a replacement) but that I can still try to get a refund. Either way, I might try for a refund, sell it, or talk myself into trying it out to see if it has the same issues. I've seen others get 2+ replacements and have the same problems, so I am probably just going to end up selling it.


I'll keep you all updated on my progress!

Apr 7, 2020 9:34 AM in response to Drakarced

Ahh sorry to hear that it’s still not working. Thanks for sharing your pain, I setup my 16 with just a subset of the apps on my old 2016 pro and it still crashed within 24 hours.


External monitor external USB hub (that are connected to my old pro daily) so not an excuse for the new one to fail so dramatically with fans, black screen and no amount of special resets could revive it.

Apr 7, 2020 10:13 AM in response to pdfi

If you wanna go off topic (which is against forum rules) and throw digs at Apple to satisfy some agenda then reply to someone else. I was only addressing the OP since he was having issues with his MacBook and Apple agreed to replace his machine. Stay on topic or find another thread more suitable for your agenda.

Apr 11, 2020 1:56 AM in response to wo4w

I haven’t purchased a new MacBook Pro since 2012, and I was finally able to afford a beautiful new 16” one. I spent more than double of what I thought I’d spend. I’ve had about 8 random restarts in the 24 hours that I’ve had it. I just did a recovery install downloaded from the internet, and soon after, it did it again. I’m super bummed about it, especially after reading so many posts about similar issues and the lack of a fix. Not sure what to do at this point. Apple Stores are shut down, and it sounds like it’s a time-consuming and unsuccessful option anyway. 😕

Apr 14, 2020 10:48 AM in response to Drakarced

That's wonderful! Glad the replacement resolved your issue. While I know you've been through some frustration in all this on a positive note it kinda feels good to open up a new Mac. Fresh new battery, clean keyboard and a clean default install of Catalina. Congrats and enjoy. Now you can get back to your WFH life. 😊

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New 16” MBP Random Restarts and LockUps

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