Internet recovery with EFI password enabled error -2004F

Question

Level 1

8 points

Internet recovery with EFI password enabled error -2004F

Hi,

I am not new to macOS, I've been using them since 2009 and reinstalled the system many times but this situation is challenging.

The SSD on my MacBook Pro 2018 was wiped.

The laptop automatically goes to internet recovery after startup, but every time fails with error -2004F.

Some google searches suggested that it is a connection problem. I connect via wifi and it seems stable.

The EFI has a password (which is known). I assume it doesn't allow me to Reset NVRAM.

Loading from USB devices was blocked in security settings (I know it is paranoid but still)

Any solutions or my only option is Apple center?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.4

Posted on May 29, 2022 3:48 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,332 points

May 29, 2022 4:24 PM in response to A9ikc

Try connecting the laptop directly to your router using an Ethernet cable and an USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter for a faster more reliable connection which bypasses any hard to troubleshoot WiFi issues. You can also try accessing Internet Recovery Mode from another location where another ISP is involved just in case you ISP is doing something to interfere and to bypass your local network. You can try power cycling your router. You can also configure your router to put the laptop on DMZ network in order to bypass the router's firewall which may be blocking something.

If you cannot get it to work, then you may need to "Restore" the T2 firmware, but this will also require the use of Internet Recovery Mode, but perhaps the restoration of the firmware will resolve the connection issue.

Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator - Apple Support

FYI, I highly recommend configuring the laptop to allow booting from USB. With a firmware password enabled, there is no reason not to allow booting from USB in the Startup Security Utility. I would enable it even if there was no firmware lock enabled just because of situations like this.