Reset MacBook Pro without a built in display.

I want to reset Macbook pro (remove all data and setup again), but built in screen is not working.

I connected it to an external monitor and tried the "command+option+r" , but the menu does not display on an external monitor, only the bitten Apple logo remains in the center of the screen. (Waited for 5 minutes with no change.)


What to do?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Sep 19, 2024 2:47 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 20, 2024 8:08 PM

I'm assuming this is an Intel Mac since you are using Command + Option + R.


Try connecting an external wired USB Keyboard & Mouse. Power on the laptop & close the clamshell lid while also pressing & holding the Option key. Timing can be tricky. Usually I like to do all this immediately after hearing the startup chime. If you see the Option Boot screen (aka Apple boot picker menu) on the external display, then press Command + Option + R.


Trying to boot with a damaged built-in Display can be very tricky & difficult. Sometimes it can even be impossible, but with a 2017 or older Mac it should be possible. A 2018-2020 Intel Mac.....may have even more trouble with a broken screen, but usually it should usually be possible to get video on the external..


Keep in mind that the system may have actually booted into Internet Recovery Mode without you realizing it because the built-in Display may have gotten stuck on the Apple logo & is no longer being update. I've seen this happen a few times. If you allow it enough time to boot, then you can try pressing Command + F1, or Command + Brightness Down).....you may need to involve the Fn key as well depending whether you have a Touchbar model.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 20, 2024 8:08 PM in response to H3rC0rn5

I'm assuming this is an Intel Mac since you are using Command + Option + R.


Try connecting an external wired USB Keyboard & Mouse. Power on the laptop & close the clamshell lid while also pressing & holding the Option key. Timing can be tricky. Usually I like to do all this immediately after hearing the startup chime. If you see the Option Boot screen (aka Apple boot picker menu) on the external display, then press Command + Option + R.


Trying to boot with a damaged built-in Display can be very tricky & difficult. Sometimes it can even be impossible, but with a 2017 or older Mac it should be possible. A 2018-2020 Intel Mac.....may have even more trouble with a broken screen, but usually it should usually be possible to get video on the external..


Keep in mind that the system may have actually booted into Internet Recovery Mode without you realizing it because the built-in Display may have gotten stuck on the Apple logo & is no longer being update. I've seen this happen a few times. If you allow it enough time to boot, then you can try pressing Command + F1, or Command + Brightness Down).....you may need to involve the Fn key as well depending whether you have a Touchbar model.


Sep 19, 2024 3:16 PM in response to H3rC0rn5

H3rC0rn5 wrote:

I want to reset Macbook pro (remove all data and setup again), but built in screen is not working.
I connected it to an external monitor and tried the "command+option+r" , but the menu does not display on an external monitor, only the bitten Apple logo remains in the center of the screen. (Waited for 5 minutes with no change.)

What to do?



I would wait for 10 minutes or longer and see if it loads...

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Reset MacBook Pro without a built in display.

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