Can't upgrade to Big Sur because it's no longer available on the App Store. How to get Big Sur for my older Macbook Pro?

After some research, a solution to the broken links has ben found.

Pasting this into the Safari address bar works to access the Big Sur download on the App Store…

Big Sur: macappstore://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132?mt=12

Thank you!!

After 4 days of trying on multiple machines and browsers and multiple chats and phone calls with support, this link worked for me just now and downloaded the Big Sur installer.

Even the Senior Advisor I spoke with today who messaged his chat group with 200+ other Senior Advisors could only confirm that the download links (on this page https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683) are broken and that I should try again later.

Your MacBook is not supported for BigSur OS. Here is the requirement https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211238

Try the option command r key combo RIGHT AFTER REBOOT SOUND to see if you can net install the latest OS from the boot up screen. For mine it’s max os is Big Sur. (needs wifi connection)

or if you want to reinstall what came with with your machine, option shift command r.

I been trying for months to. install security updates for externals running 10.14 and 10.15 and the “security loads” broke the disks. Yes i did follow the “normal” procedures and preparations, both via System Preferences and direct webpage download of installer packages. Since they install fine but the final boot stays stuck on the white on black apple logo, I’m convinced apple is coding out SDHD external boot disk (they removed SDHD ports from mac minis and laptop line ups haven’t they?)

So last night I tried the net install. I am keeping the pristine internal OS the laptop came with, but put all the new OS‘s on SDHD and run off them if I want “the latest OS” features for some reason... I refuse to compromise the os that came functioning fine out of the box.

It took hours to finally get away from the white on black background spinning globe icon, to the options menu to choose which disk to install Big Sur on.

I ran out of time and wanted to sleep, so trying again today. I don’t do all nighters well any more.

If they cut the link to it via this Restore Install function as well, I will lose that much more respect and trust in apple

That’s entirely possible. I just talked to Apple support and they told me that there are no issues on their end. She then told me to update to Catalina and THEN Big Sur. I’m currently on Mojave (2019 iMac 5K 27”). So I’m doing the Catalina update right now. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Yep. I just upgraded from Mojave to Catalina and I can download Big Sur no problem now. In fact, it’s telling me to upgrade to that instead of Monterey. So there you have it. Upgrade to Catalina first. Then go to Big Sur.

Not sure if this link helps (which initially took me to the page in the screenshot). It's the exact same link that's listed on the Apple support page (second screenshot).

Looks like after testing it again, it doesn't want to cooperate. 🤔

I'm on a 2018 MBP and was previously on Mojave. I had to download Catalina first (via Safari) to be able to upgrade to Big Sur.

Check out the recommendations below. It worked for me after I repeated number 4 and restarted my computer several times because the text he talked about wasn't showing up - the update showed up on the 3rd or 4th try, and I was able to install it.

https://www.saintlad.com/macos-big-sur-update-not-found/

The link you have is correct.

Unfortunately for several days now the download links in the support article have not been working.

Until Apple get things fixed it seems that we're out of luck and cannot get those installers.

Thank you everyone here. I also had trouble following the links to the App Store and upgrading from Mojave to Big Sur. Upgrading to Catalina first, then going back to the link, (which automatically used Safari), I was able to download Big Sur and install.

The link to Big Sur on the "How to get old versions of macOS" page that you linked to doesn't work for me. I click on it and the App Store tells me it "Cannot Connect to App Store". Any thoughts?

Having struggled with going from Mojave -> Big Sur, I followed @SonicMyst's post: Mojave -> Catalina -> Big Sur and all worked fine!

Try again while in Safe Mode.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Same here! Is it possible the Safari link only works if you are using Safari 15.1? I'm using Mojave on my 2017 iMac, and the latest Safari is not available to me. I can only use the Safari 14 software.