Grey login screen after failed Migration Assistant on new Mac

Hello,


I just purchased a new Mac Mini today, and started the process of setting up the computer and migrating user profiles from my existing Macbook Pro (both on Sequoia).


The Mac Mini started the setup, updated to the latest version of the OS and then I started the Migration Assistant from my laptop, but it couldn't proceed because there was not enough Disk space on the new Mac Mini (256GB vs 1TB on laptop).


Seeing this I decided to exit out of Migration because there wouldn't be enough space so I hit back a few times and it ended up taking me to a Grey Login screen asking for a name and password. But I never setup a password on this machine and neither of the logins for my Macbook Pro work.


I just want to restart the Setup Assistant process but I can't seem to get past this grey login screen.


I've tried pressing Command+R while restarting, as well as pressing the option key to find some way to get back to the Setup Assistant but it always lands on the grey login screen that I cannot get past.


I haven't found anything similar online for this and just want to restore the mac mini back to factory settings to get through the Setup Assistant.


Thank You



MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 15, 2024 6:29 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 17, 2024 10:43 AM

It was after the required OS update and hitting back out of the migration assistant that this issue came up.


I resolved it after learning that you can press and hold the power button to turn on the machine in recovery mode, where I deleted everything and started again (this time skipping the Migration Assistant).


Followed this guide to reset the device to factory settings: Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 17, 2024 10:43 AM in response to deano_123

It was after the required OS update and hitting back out of the migration assistant that this issue came up.


I resolved it after learning that you can press and hold the power button to turn on the machine in recovery mode, where I deleted everything and started again (this time skipping the Migration Assistant).


Followed this guide to reset the device to factory settings: Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Grey login screen after failed Migration Assistant on new Mac

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.