Error downloading macOS Sequoia

Had similar issue, disabled find my, install directly from app store, boot

to safe mode and install from there but did not fixed the install issue.

I noticed the time was out of sync. The time server was incorrect, it was set

to “time.apple.com.”. Had to remove

the extra “.” at the end of the server address. Ones the time synced and rebooted then it worked.

I had the same issue with a brand new MacBook Air 15" M3. I just called Apple Support and we walked through several steps. I had to use another Mac to "Revive" the MacBook Air and the install worked. Revive preserves the files, Restore wipes the device. In my case Revive worked. Find article here to describe the process: How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

For now, there is only one option for solving this problem.

1. You will need another Mac.
2. Download Apple Configurator 2 from the App Store.
3. Connect your Mac to the other Mac with Apple Configurator 2 installed using a charging cable (your computer must be in DFU mode). Follow the instructions (How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support).
4. Select the Revive option in Apple Configurator (right-click on your Mac that is in DFU mode -> Advanced -> Revive), and wait for the software to download and for Apple Configurator to complete the installation.
5. If Revive fails, the last option is Restore (this will erase all data on the computer) -> Right-click on the DFU Mac -> Restore.

Restore will resolve this problem in 99% of cases.

Disabling Beta Updates worked for me. If you are/were not running a beta then disregard this "fix".

I started seeing "failed to personalize" message about a week or so before Sequoia release date. I tried various fixes to no avail. When Sequoia released I disabled Beta Updates, waited a few minutes, then "updates" started downloading and this time it worked. Your situations may be different than mine, good luck!

Hello,

I was able to install it by Signing out of icloud fully with FindMy off, sign back in, THEN install via terminal command.

sudo softwareupdate -i -a -R   

*I believe the issues is with the software update, it is falsely tripping the T2 chip into not letting the OS update. Another way to fix this is to fix the DCU. It is possible they may fix this in 15.2 or something if they care to notice.

@MacbookProRetinaGuy's suggestion of turning off FIND MY for the computer worked.

Hi,

I logged out of my Apple ID and find my Mac. Did not restart just carried out update and it worked.!!!

Logged back in to Apple ID seems fine I now have latest 12 Sequoia next time I'll wait a full month after release before attempting a major software update!!!

Signing out of AppleID and back in again worked for me.

Thanks!

I just download and installed the Sequoia and very simple way just turn off find my Mac after just go to the software download and start....If you disabled the find my Mac it works I just did and got the Sequoia 15.

Hmm

running this in Terminal "softwareupdate -i -a" worked just fine for me wihtotu having to fiddle with Find My Mac

Thank you! I had the same problem and turned of "Find My" Mac and it worked great! No extra reboot needed.

Turning off "find my" worked. Took me ages to find this, so thanks for posting.

macOS 13 or later: Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click [your name] at the top of the sidebar, click iCloud, click Find My Mac, then click Turn Off next to Find My Mac

Same here. Apple tech walked me through the same error. Had to go into Terminal and remove 2 lines. We typed in “ sudo nano /etc/host” Then typed in my password. Removed the problem lines. Works perfect now. Might call tech support. I got a great tech!!!! Now, download Sequoia OS and installed no problem. I have a new MacBook Pro with M3. Bought on Apple website refurbished. 11/5/24

Had the same issue, Signing out from my AppleID on my mac fixed it and the update succeeded.