Booting MacBook Pro 2020 in target disk mode

My MacBook Pro 2020 has a broken screen which is now completely black. It still seems to power on ok so I believe it is only the screen which is broken.

I have been trying to boot the broken mbp in target disk mode whilst connected to my MacBook Air (around 2015 model) via thunderbolt connection, as I am desperate to get some files from the broken MacBook before sending it off for repair.

I have booted broken MacBook whilst holding ‘T’ key but it won’t show up on my MacBook Air to access the hard drive.

I'm not sure what else to try as I have absolutely no way of navigating the broken one to change any display settings etc.

Can anyone suggest any other way of accessing my files from the broken MacBook Pro and saving them? Unfortunately there is documents not saved to iCloud which I need.

thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jul 10, 2021 11:32 AM

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HWTech

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Posted on Jul 10, 2021 3:52 PM

Connect an external display to the laptop. You may need to force Clamshell mode by connecting the charger and a USB keyboard & mouse, then close the lid of the display.

If you have an Intel Mac, then you may be attempting to hold the "T" key at the wrong time. Press the "T" key immediately after the startup chime.

M1 Macs don't have the same startup key combos like the older Intel Macs. If you have an M1 Mac entering Target Disk Mode is much more difficult and requires a working display (thanks Apple, good job /s):

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/transfer-files-a-mac-apple-silicon-mchlb37e8ca7/11.0/mac/11.0

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Booting MacBook Pro 2020 in target disk mode

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