how do I create a bootable flash drive for Catalina on a Mac mini M1 running Big Sur?

I have an older 2012 Mac mini that is facing some recovery issues. I need to create a bootable flash drive. For that I am using the Mac mini M1 running Big Sur. However I am not able to download the installable as it says current hardware not compatible. Which makes sense but how do I go about this?

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 12:00 PM

Similar questions

Create bootable mavericks installer on Catalina? Hi all. I have a mid-2014 vintage MacBook Pro that I just acquired. The system drive was wiped and a fresh install of Catalina (10.15.7) was done. Unfortunately, I don't want Catalina. This machine originally shipped with Mavericks (10.9), and that's what I bought it for. But trying to create a bootable installer is a nightmare, as Catalina won't allow me to launch the <<Install OS X Mavericks.app>> file in order to make to bootable flash drive. Gee, thanks Apple. So, anyone have a workaround? Anyone know a way to boot this thing via an external drive? Maybe Bueller?
2119 4
I am trying to create a clean install of OS X Catalina on a USB drive for my '13 iMac using an M1 Air I have a '13 Intel iMac, which has a failing HDD, and I have read many blogs and forum posts about creating bootable USB drives, but none I've found address this issue. I would like to use my brand new M1 Air to create the USB boot drive, and I have gotten far enough to realize that the M1 processors use a different version of Catalina, and I am not able to download the full installer for an Intel Mac using the App Store on my M1 Air. Assuming I found a workaround to get the full intel installer onto the M1 Air, would it be possible to create a bootable startup drive for use on the Intel iMac?
2057 11
Is it possible to create a bootable macOS Big Sur USB installer? Hey. I recently discovered that I can upgrade my Macbook Pro from Catalina to Big Sur. I’ve tried both ways but neither worked. I asked Apple and they told me that my device wasn’t compatible with Big Sur. But then I found out that it is technically possible- through USB. But does it actually work?
1158 3

1 reply

malcolmp6 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 22, 2021 3:40 PM in response to malcolmp6

Never mind. I was able to use internet restore for this issue.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

how do I create a bootable flash drive for Catalina on a Mac mini M1 running Big Sur?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up