User profile for user: A-a-614
A-a-614 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Error when trying recovery including with bootable installer

2020 Intel MacBook Air running an unknown software version has thrown this error code each time recovery is initiated, regardless of if I use a bootable installer, attempt standard recovery etc.


I have attempted to let recovery via the bootable installer go overnight as well as the standard recovery. The device refuses to connect fully to the internet and shows an endless loading circle when trying to use the bootable installer or do internet recovery.


The device won’t turn on normally and shows an endless loading bar with Apple.


The fans are running extremely loud the moment you start up this device no matter what you are doing with it.


Any recommendations or thoughts about this behavior? Anything helps. Thanks!


MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)

Posted on May 7, 2025 3:25 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 9
75,120 points

Posted on May 8, 2025 7:09 PM

Why are you reinstalling macOS? The problem that caused you to do this may be the same problem affecting the ability to reinstall macOS.


I've never seen the "macOS Update Assistant" screen before. That is unusual when reinstalling macOS.


Here is an Apple article with instructions for reinstalling macOS. With an Intel Mac, it is best to erase the whole physical internal SSD (Apple only suggests deleting the "Volume Group"). Within Disk Utility you need to click "View" and select "Show All Devices" before the physical drive appears on the left pane of Disk Utility.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


You may also need to perform a DFU Firmware Restore which resets the T2 security chip, system firmware, and internal SSD. Afterwards it is only possible to reinstall macOS using Internet Recovery Mode since booting from USB will once more be disabled with no way to modify the security settings until after macOS is reinstalled through Internet Recovery Mode. Unfortunately a DFU Firmware Restore requires access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia.

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support




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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 9
75,120 points

May 8, 2025 7:09 PM in response to A-a-614

Why are you reinstalling macOS? The problem that caused you to do this may be the same problem affecting the ability to reinstall macOS.


I've never seen the "macOS Update Assistant" screen before. That is unusual when reinstalling macOS.


Here is an Apple article with instructions for reinstalling macOS. With an Intel Mac, it is best to erase the whole physical internal SSD (Apple only suggests deleting the "Volume Group"). Within Disk Utility you need to click "View" and select "Show All Devices" before the physical drive appears on the left pane of Disk Utility.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


You may also need to perform a DFU Firmware Restore which resets the T2 security chip, system firmware, and internal SSD. Afterwards it is only possible to reinstall macOS using Internet Recovery Mode since booting from USB will once more be disabled with no way to modify the security settings until after macOS is reinstalled through Internet Recovery Mode. Unfortunately a DFU Firmware Restore requires access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia.

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support




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Error when trying recovery including with bootable installer

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