I retired from my hospital and my USB C Macbook Pro was wiped clean of all data, all applications, and the OS so now it only shows a flashing folder with question mark when turned on.
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.6
When you plug the USB with the installer and turning on holding Option it doesn't show the USB installer so you can choose it and boot? Maybe a problem with the bootable installer.
And when you start holding Option Command R or Shift Option Command R it doesn't start to the Recovery Mode at all?
If it's an Intel-based Mac, prior to doing these install commands, try these too
How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support
Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
Also see
If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support
If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support
Here's also a set of commands that could be useful Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support
But sure, as you have Apple Care for this Mac, do not hesitate taking it to the Apple Store for a proper check.
When you plug the USB with the installer and turning on holding Option it doesn't show the USB installer so you can choose it and boot? Maybe a problem with the bootable installer.
And when you start holding Option Command R or Shift Option Command R it doesn't start to the Recovery Mode at all?
If it's an Intel-based Mac, prior to doing these install commands, try these too
How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support
Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
Also see
If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support
If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support
Here's also a set of commands that could be useful Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support
But sure, as you have Apple Care for this Mac, do not hesitate taking it to the Apple Store for a proper check.
Check this How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support
The Option Command R set of keys might get it done for you by starting Internet Recovery.
More info Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support
If possible, use a wired connection or make sure to be in a good wi-fi connection for this process.
Or if you have access to another Mac, try this How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support
Maybe for booting from an external drive you'll need to allow it in Startup Security Utility About Startup Security Utility - Apple Support
Nothing worked so far. I have a MACBOOK PRO USB, recent model that was wiped out completely all apps, the OS, and does not open, does not respond with a downloaded bootable MAC Big Sur in a USB. But it only shows a brief Apple and then a blinnking manila file icon with a ? in it.
So I have a MAC PRO with unaccessable hardware, no apps, no OS. just a machine only. No information about the Serial Number. Recent MACBOOK with Apple Care. Apple store nearby said to make an appointment next Tuesday!
I went to APPLE store and they took it in to reinstall an OS, also found that the battery was at its end and needed replacement, and also found a crack in screen to repair, and will replace a Command keyboard key that had its markings worn off --- after 2 1/2 years !!. Apple Care was still in effect.
Was about to try the recommendations. What a great resource forum to try.
Oh cool, you also got some other things to be fixed by Apple.
Your Mac is going to be as new, I'm sure.
Cool thing you have Apple Care for this Mac, it saved you a lot of money and work now, huh.
About the from, you're always welcome here. We are only Apple users around here, but we try our best to help people get their devices up and running.
Macbook pro wiped clean of all data and applications
