User profile for user: som1hasaproblem
som1hasaproblem Author
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M1 MacBook Pro Stuck on "Loading Options" Screen and Unable to Enter DFU Mode

I am facing a concerning issue with my 2020 M1 13-inch MacBook Pro. Whenever I try to start up my Mac, it shows an exclamation mark on the screen. According to Apple Support instructions for recovery, I should shut down the Mac and then try entering DFU mode to restore it. However, I am encountering problems with both shutting down and entering DFU mode.


Here's the detailed scenario:


When I press the power button to shut down, the screen goes black after 3-4 seconds indicating it is turned off.

Following the procedure for DFU mode, I press the power button again along with the Control + Option + Right Shift keys. However, as soon as I press the power button and the combo keys, the screen immediately boots up showing the Apple logo with the text "Continue holding for startup options" and then "Loading startup options."

The screen then cycles through different states: showing just the logo, the logo with either of the mentioned texts, and then finally goes back to the screen with the exclamation mark.

I am unable to get past the "loading options" screen. The screen either restarts again and again, attempting to load the startup options, or gives up and returns to the exclamation mark screen.

Following the normal DFU mode entry procedure doesn't work, as pressing the power button seems to initiate the problematic "loading options" loop, preventing any other processes including entering DFU mode.


This behavior is preventing me from performing a restore via DFU mode as advised in troubleshooting guides. It seems like the "loading options" process both prevents other processes and can't get past itself. I´ve searched the internet, watched multiple YouTube videos on Reset, DFU, Apple Configurator, Internet Recovery, tried out all the DFU combinations and variations, but still can't find the exact issue that I am having anywhere. So I turning to the community page. Has anyone else experienced this issue or have any suggestions on how to resolve it? Your insights would be highly appreciated

Posted on Oct 27, 2023 4:56 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,648 points

Posted on Oct 28, 2023 8:13 PM

It can be extremely hard to enter DFU Mode on these laptops.


I'm not sure if it matters, but make sure the power adapter is connected to the laptop. I was having a lot of trouble accessing DFU Mode on an Apple Silicon Mac and this may have helped although I thought I had entered DFU Mode without the power adapter connected.


Make sure you are using a USB only USB-C Cable to connect the two computers. The Apple USB-C charging cable is a good option (the USB-C connector has no symbols on it). Avoid using any USB-C cables which have a lightning bolt icon on them. Make sure the USB-C cable is not a power only cable and actually supports just the USB protocol.


For an Apple Silicon Mac laptop, make sure the USB-C Cable is connected to the back left USB-C port on the "broken" laptop.


Make sure you are holding the left Control and left Option keys and the right Shift key.


Make sure the Apple Configurator app is open so you can see the DFU notice when you are successful since there are no other indicators available to indicate what state the laptop is in.


Timing is everything for this procedure to succeed. I've done it multiple times, but I still have trouble activating DFU Mode. It is possible that there is some other issue with this laptop which may also be making this process more difficult since it is very hard to determine if the laptop is completely powered off...again there are no signs indicating the laptop's power state.


With the laptop powered off, instead of pressing the power button, maybe try pressing any key, then hold down the three keys listed plus the power button. You should see the Apple logo appear for a second or two, then disappear. Hold these keys & power button for 10 seconds, then release the three keys (Control, Option, Shift), but continue holding the power button until you see "DFU" shown on the Apple Configurator app window or a picture of a computer.


Make sure the host computer running Apple Configurator is running macOS 12.4+ (best to have macOS fully updated with all patches).


Here is an Apple article with all the details for putting an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode to perform a firmware "Revive" or firmware "Restore":

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


Of course, if you still cannot get the laptop into DFU Mode, then you will need to have Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or another person familiar with putting an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode.

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,648 points

Oct 28, 2023 8:13 PM in response to som1hasaproblem

It can be extremely hard to enter DFU Mode on these laptops.


I'm not sure if it matters, but make sure the power adapter is connected to the laptop. I was having a lot of trouble accessing DFU Mode on an Apple Silicon Mac and this may have helped although I thought I had entered DFU Mode without the power adapter connected.


Make sure you are using a USB only USB-C Cable to connect the two computers. The Apple USB-C charging cable is a good option (the USB-C connector has no symbols on it). Avoid using any USB-C cables which have a lightning bolt icon on them. Make sure the USB-C cable is not a power only cable and actually supports just the USB protocol.


For an Apple Silicon Mac laptop, make sure the USB-C Cable is connected to the back left USB-C port on the "broken" laptop.


Make sure you are holding the left Control and left Option keys and the right Shift key.


Make sure the Apple Configurator app is open so you can see the DFU notice when you are successful since there are no other indicators available to indicate what state the laptop is in.


Timing is everything for this procedure to succeed. I've done it multiple times, but I still have trouble activating DFU Mode. It is possible that there is some other issue with this laptop which may also be making this process more difficult since it is very hard to determine if the laptop is completely powered off...again there are no signs indicating the laptop's power state.


With the laptop powered off, instead of pressing the power button, maybe try pressing any key, then hold down the three keys listed plus the power button. You should see the Apple logo appear for a second or two, then disappear. Hold these keys & power button for 10 seconds, then release the three keys (Control, Option, Shift), but continue holding the power button until you see "DFU" shown on the Apple Configurator app window or a picture of a computer.


Make sure the host computer running Apple Configurator is running macOS 12.4+ (best to have macOS fully updated with all patches).


Here is an Apple article with all the details for putting an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode to perform a firmware "Revive" or firmware "Restore":

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


Of course, if you still cannot get the laptop into DFU Mode, then you will need to have Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or another person familiar with putting an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode.

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M1 MacBook Pro Stuck on "Loading Options" Screen and Unable to Enter DFU Mode

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