How can I resolve the “Failed to activate device” error on my MacBook Pro?

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Level 1

26 points

How can I resolve the “Failed to activate device” error on my MacBook Pro?

I added the first MacBook Air to ABM, which sent its data to Intune via MDM. I started configuring the MacBook and also uploaded profiles using the Company Portal so that it could be managed through Intune. This was the first Mac in the company, and I added it to ABM using an iPhone and Apple Configurator. The management profile had an exclamation mark and the message: “This MDM server requests the ability to manage kernel extensions and software updates. To allow this, reboot into Recovery and enable MDM management in Startup Security Utility.” Following the instructions in “Change security settings on the startup disk of a Mac with Apple silicon,” I began making changes. It turned out that I could not select Reduced Security, only Full Security, because an error appeared: “The operation couldn’t be completed. (SDErrorDomain error 104.)” In the meantime, while checking other settings, I enabled FileVault and Find My Device. After some time, I decided that it might be necessary to perform a Wipe in Intune and start over. After wiping, the MacBook only has the option to Activate Mac and displays the message “Failed to activate device.” I have no other options to choose from. All paths lead to Activate Mac and this message. What should I do to unlock the MacBook? Thank you for any help.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Sep 10, 2024 9:04 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

abm242 Author

Level 1

26 points

Sep 17, 2024 9:51 AM in response to maoawa

After connecting a locked MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro using a USB-C cable and putting the MacBook Air into DFU mode, the MacBook Pro detected the MacBook Air and began downloading the necessary system software. It then installed the software onto the MacBook Air. Throughout this process, the MacBook Air displayed a black screen. Once the MacBook Pro completed the installation, it notified the user on its screen, and the MacBook Air automatically turned on. It no longer asked for activation but instead displayed the “Hello” welcome screen, with the subsequent setup steps resembling those of a brand-new MacBook. The most challenging part of this process is putting the MacBook Air into DFU mode, as it requires knowing the specific chip and the corresponding key combination needed to enter DFU mode.

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Sep 10, 2024 12:32 PM in response to abm242

This happens when the Mac can’t contact the activation server. Either it’s not getting a network connection, or Apple’s activation server is down or lagging. All I can advise right now is to confirm that your Mac is properly connected to a valid network with Internet connections and that there are no firewalls or other security systems such as a VPN that might cause the connection to be blocked.

If you confirm that the network should be working, keep trying. I've seen anecdotal reports of others having this problem over the last day or so. If the problem persists, you may need to take the Mac to an Apple Store or authorized service center for assistance.

Regards.

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Answer 3

abm242 Author

Level 1

26 points

Sep 11, 2024 3:46 AM in response to varjak paw

Problem FIXED.

Thank you for the guidance. Although I tested on various networks (corporate, private, hotspot), I didn’t think about the firewall. I noticed that within a few days, there was a surge of inquiries about this error. This led me to the page: How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support Following their instructions (and you need to read carefully because the instructions are not written clearly - different variants are mixed), I managed to unlock the system by restoring factory settings. Fortunately, it was a new Mac, so I didn’t have to worry about backups.

Best regards and thank you for your response.

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Answer 4

maoawa

Level 1

8 points

Sep 13, 2024 12:28 AM in response to abm242

Hi! Thanks for sharing. But I've tried to restore my mac many times. And nothing changed. I'm still having the same issue for almost one week. That made me so sad. Would you like to share more informations about your experience? Like what did you see after you restored your mac and rebooted it? Is that activate page but this time activated successfully? Or after you done this, activation progress was skipped? I'll be very appreciate for that.

Best regards

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Answer 5

Sep 13, 2024 2:11 AM in response to maoawa

I have the same problem and no one can give me a solution. I think it's ridiculous to have such an expensive computer and when we have problems we are completely abandoned.

I'm thinking about buying a new computer but not an Apple one.

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Answer 6

abm242 Author

Level 1

26 points

Sep 17, 2024 9:52 AM in response to maoawa

Additionally, if the working MacBook is running macOS Sonoma, you don’t need to use Apple Configurator.

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How can I resolve the “Failed to activate device” error on my MacBook Pro?

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