Macbook Air A2179 - "Your computer restarted because of problem" restart loop - cant get Desktop after login

Macbook air Intel (A2179) worked without problems for several years - now I can't log in, every time after entering the password the system does not load the desktop but restarts with the same message "your computer restarted because of...". I went through all the boot modes and none of them helped: safemode -> restart, diagnostics - 0 errors, disk check - no errors, target mode - I can't copy files, reset NVRAM / SMC - restart. I recently reinstalled the system in the option without losing user data - unfortunately it didn't change anything - trying to log in ends with a restart with the same message. The hardware goes through diagnostics, I checked the disks with the diskutil, RAM with MemTest Pro.

I've read hundreds of threads about this error and performed all the suggested actions. The diagnostic tools work, but they don't show any errors. The problem is that after entering the passwords at the login screen, the system doesn't load the desktop. The screen goes black after a few seconds, and then displays the aforementioned message.

I'm stuck

Posted on Jul 10, 2025 5:46 PM

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Posted on Jul 10, 2025 10:41 PM

It appears you have a MBAir 13" (2020) Intel Mac.


If you have access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia, then you can try a DFU Firmware Revive/Restore. The only difference with the Revive versus the Restore here on an Intel Mac is that the Restore will also reset the internal SSD destroying all data on the internal SSD & will require reinstalling macOS through Internet Recovery Mode.

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support


FYI, it can be tricky getting the Mac into DFU Mode.....timing is critical so follow the instructions exactly.


Personally I suspect a bad Logic Board. Those 2018-2020 Intel MBAirs tend to have more Logic Board issues than older models since they fan doesn't even blow air over the CPU heatsink....plus just general T2 system failures.


I don't recommend spending any money on repairs for multiple reasons. The money spent on repairs is much better put towards a new laptop. Any new M-series Mac will run circles around the 2020 Intel MBAir.


I do hope you have frequent & regular backups because with there are a lot more new ways to permanently lose access to the data stored on the internal SSD of the recent Macs due to all of the hardware, software, and security changes.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 10, 2025 10:41 PM in response to boguc

It appears you have a MBAir 13" (2020) Intel Mac.


If you have access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia, then you can try a DFU Firmware Revive/Restore. The only difference with the Revive versus the Restore here on an Intel Mac is that the Restore will also reset the internal SSD destroying all data on the internal SSD & will require reinstalling macOS through Internet Recovery Mode.

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support


FYI, it can be tricky getting the Mac into DFU Mode.....timing is critical so follow the instructions exactly.


Personally I suspect a bad Logic Board. Those 2018-2020 Intel MBAirs tend to have more Logic Board issues than older models since they fan doesn't even blow air over the CPU heatsink....plus just general T2 system failures.


I don't recommend spending any money on repairs for multiple reasons. The money spent on repairs is much better put towards a new laptop. Any new M-series Mac will run circles around the 2020 Intel MBAir.


I do hope you have frequent & regular backups because with there are a lot more new ways to permanently lose access to the data stored on the internal SSD of the recent Macs due to all of the hardware, software, and security changes.

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Macbook Air A2179 - "Your computer restarted because of problem" restart loop - cant get Desktop after login

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