MacOS internet recovery is not working!

Question

Level 1

8 points

MacOS internet recovery is not working!

Hi good people,

I forget my MacBook pro mid 2012 screen password. So when I tried to recover it using apple id it said "you don't have a icloud recovery nor a recovery key for this volume. You will not be able to unlock it without your password."

Then I tried internet recovery option ( Alt+ command+r and shift+ Alt+command+ r) to re install the os. But after the progress bar finished rather than utility screen, a white screen apears with a gray circle like this sign (🚫, color is grey) and takes me back to my loked screen and asking for password.

I tried to erase my Mac but got another error saying "couldn't open device. :(-69877)."

Guys I don't know what to do! Please help me!

Thanks

Posted on Dec 11, 2020 11:54 AM

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Answer 1

padams35

Level 4

3,619 points

Dec 12, 2020 6:02 AM in response to utpaul

Come to think of it, I would have expected a firmware password would stop you before offering the "Erase Mac" option. Could be 'device error' is what it says: hardware failure... especially since I now notice this is for a Macbook Pro and not an iMac and those did have data cable issues on 2012-2013 models.

Firmware test: try reinstalling MacOS onto an external USB drive (since this is a test even a large high-speed flash drive would work). If that works and it lets you boot up from the USB drive then you know this is truely a hardware issue and not a firmware password issue.

If it is a firmware password issue ask the gift giver for the password. If can't remember ask if they still have the receipt for Apple Store repair purposes.

[Link Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 2

utpaul Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 11, 2020 7:36 PM in response to padams35

Thank you so much padams35. However, I got this as a gift from someone and I don't have a receipt. So there is a good chance service provider will deny. So is there any option that I could perform.

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