MacBook Pro has "Global Reset" error on every reboot

I have the same problem with a 2018 13-inch Macbook Pro.

The description that @ChristianGot comments is exactly what happens to me. In my case, I have the two displays connected directly to two Thunderbolt ports on the Mac.

It's a very annoying problem, because if the Mac is not connected to the charger it drains the battery. It has happened to me on several occasions, after working at home with the Mac connected to the two monitors, I turn it off, disconnect it from the charger, put it in the backpack, and the next day it is completely discharged.

So far, the only solution I have found is to unplug at least one of the monitors before shutting it down/restarting it. I have tried resetting the SMC and NVRAM but it does not solve the problem.

My characteristics are as follows:

• 2018 13-inch Macbook Pro (Intel Core i5, 2.3 GHz, 8GB RAM).
• 2x Dell U2414H (connected via HDMI).
• macOS Big Sur 11.5.2

I believe I have the same problem. Started after I upgraded to Big Sur.

Every time I restart, it hangs during the restart (with a multi-language error message written in grey on black background) and then restarts again. When the computer is finally started I get the exact same "Global Reset" error message as you.

If I turn off the computer, it seems like it doesn't fully shut down, because every time I start it again, it won't respond, so I have to hold down the power button for ten seconds after which it is fully turned off. After that, I can start the computer again.

These problems happen every time.

I have narrowed down the problem a bit - it seems like this happens only when I have two displays attached to my Thunderbolt 3 Dock (which I always have). I can have each Display connected individually without any problems, but as soon as both are connected I get the "Global Reset".

I have tried everything that I can think of without any luck, including

• Disconnecting all other peripherals
• Going through all possible settings on the displays, such as DisplayPort 1.2 On/Off etc.
• Using different cables for the Displays
• Switching to different ports on the Displays
• Testing all four Thunderbolt 3 ports on my MacBook Pro
• Using a different Thunderbolt 3 Cable
• Doing a complete fresh reinstall of macOS Big Sur
• I even bought a new Thunderbolt 3 Dock (switched from Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD to CalDigit TS3 Plus), which now appears to be a complete waste of money as the problem remains.

The only options I still haven't tried is to buy a new computer or buy 1-2 new displays, but for obvious reasons I would like to avoid that.

This seems to be a serious bug in Big Sur as everything has worked perfectly well before I upgraded.

My hardware:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018 - 2.7GHz Quad-Core i7, 16GB RAM, Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU)
• Display 1: Dell UltraSharp U2515H
• Display 2: Dell UltraSharp U2520D
• CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock (also tried with Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD)

Now I know what is causing it, I simply unplug my second monitor on the rare occasion that I need to restart then plug it back in once the process is complete. I'd rather not need to do this but it's not a huge issue.

I have the same issue here. It's occurred with multiple docking stations. I've changed monitors. Both monitors don't have to go through the docking station. I've had both from docking station, and also one from dock and one from USBC off macbook.

If I reboot without 2 monitors attached, and then connect the monitor, I don't get the reset.

FWIW, I also have issues with bluetooth devices losing connection periodically, as if it's a bus issue, as I'll lose everything on docking station plus bluetooth, (Which is not going through docking station). Although built in keyboard and trackpad are continue to work fine.

I opened a case at Apple support here in Germany. It was actually escalated to the engineering department. I had to send log-files and a video of the actual issue. After several phone calls it now has ben escalated to the specialists in the US. Now they want me to do a clean Mac OS installation to see if the issue still exists. If yes, they want me to send the log-files from the clean system. Sorry Apple... in addition to work and family, I have no time for such nonsensical work. It is more than obvious, that alle macbook pros 13" 2018/2019 have the exact same issue.

I guess I have to live with it for now. My workaround:

• Boot with both external displays plugged in
• After work, unplug external display 2 before shutdown
• After shutdown, plug external display 2 back in

I don't know what those mean, but my guess would be some hardware problem. Take it to an Apple Store Genius Bar or Authorized Repair Center for evaluation.

Has anyone opened an official case with Apple on this?

Apple just released macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 - I installed the update but still experiencing the issue.

One theory I'm starting to consider is could this all be related to Ethernet connections and not actually monitors? It seems like most people are either using Thunderbolt or USB-C docks that have Ethernet or the monitor itself has an on-board Ethernet connection....

The Ethernet connection on my USB-C dock seems to not work if I have it plugged in during boot. (it will say "cable disconnected") but if I unplug/replug it in while the system is already on, it starts working again.

@Terry Jones

this has nothing to do with specific monitors.

i thought it maybe tb4-hub-related.

bur when I read all comments, it‘s just „crashfree reboot doesn‘t work with multiple external monitors attached“

and apple does not seem to care 😒

@der_schmidt

I get exactly the same behaviour:

When I shut down, or try to reboot the MacBook Pro (13" i5 2019, 4xTB-Ports) the screen goes black, but nothing happens. I have to kill all processes by holding down the power -button twice: First to really turn it off, 2nd to start it again.

The only way to get a clean shutdown or restart, is to unplug the monitors/TB-Dock (by unplugging the tb-cable from the mac), then shut down or restart.

the point is: the mbp late 2018 intel doesn‘t play nice with external hubs allowing to use dual external monitors.

this is an apple software/os-issue.

they should just listen to us customers and fix it.

it‘s not about us finding workarounds for apples ignorance.

Is this just Dell monitors or others too? I've just come across this thread having been struggling with it for months. Mine are a U2419HC (USB-C) and a U2415 (attached via a USB-HDMI adapter).

Same issue here. Thanks for all the troubleshooting you have done. It really helped narrow down the problem. It was starting to drive me crazy.

Just curious about whether you have found any workarounds ...

Yup - same here, installed Big Sur about 3 weeks ago and seeing the same error.

But also, when I choose to restart my system, it tends to restart itself a second time, with an error on the screen statinit had trouble starting.

And I lose my OS Dark Theme every time I reboot.

As I use two external monitors directly connected, I'll try the various options others have tried here too.