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Stuck in target disk mode password screen

2017 macbook w/o touchbar got stuck in target disk mode after I tried to turn the target disk mode on in settings.


I tried to start in safe mode with Command+R and holding power buttons but not working.


Any suggestions please?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 20, 2023 6:34 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 21, 2023 2:34 PM

That is a firmware lock screen which requires the firmware password to continue. A firmware lock prevents doing anything except booting to the main internal boot drive, unless the firmware password is provided.

Set a firmware password on your Mac - Apple Support


2 replies

Feb 20, 2023 7:32 PM in response to ajinkyam1997

ajinkyam1997 wrote:

2017 macbook w/o touchbar got stuck in target disk mode after I tried to turn the target disk mode on in settings.

I tried to start in safe mode with Command+R and holding power buttons but not working.



https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/09684b67-9e16-464a-9e43-3fa125306ad6
Any suggestions please?



On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of the following keys.


    • Control  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Option (Alt)  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Shift  on the right side of your keyboard


Keep holding all three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn off as you hold the keys.





Stuck in target disk mode password screen

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