I have an M1 MAC in a Activation Lock Loop. I have already performed a DFU revive and saw admin user authorised with a green checkmark. But the system won't boot and the next prompt window shows the list blank again and system won't boot. Rescue data
[Edited by Moderator]
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Saurabh_mittal101 wrote:
Troubleshooting performed
1. DFU revieve - sucessfully revived using apple configurrator. Firmware is repaired but the token mismatch remains
2. Disk utility - First aid passed on data volume ( disk is healthy )
3. Terminal - resetpassword attempted: failed with " directory server error"
4. Authentication - sucessfully achieved a "Green checkmark" for primary user and admin once, but the system returned to a blank "System owner" screen as shown in last screenshot
Can the data be saved ?
I don't think so. If you cannot authenticate, then there is no way to fix things.
If you don't have a backup, then contact a professional data recovery service to see what they have to say. If they cannot help you, then I would perform a DFU Firmware Restore to reset everything to factory defaults just to be safe since we don't know what caused the problem.
FYI, I have seen bugs with the T2 security chip on the Intel Macs where things got weird with such authentication, but I really haven't seen the same thing with the Apple Silicon Macs.
The above screenshots are in sequence
Core conflict: Hardware vs Software
1. HARDWARE ( Secure enclave ) Continue screen still displays deletes user alongside primary owner
2. Software ( Disk database ) the "authorise user button correctly displays only the primary admin
Diagnosis : the hardware security chip has failed to sync with the users database causing paersistant password rejection and bootloop
Troubleshooting performed
1. DFU revieve - sucessfully revived using apple configurrator. Firmware is repaired but the token mismatch remains
2. Disk utility - First aid passed on data volume ( disk is healthy )
3. Terminal - resetpassword attempted: failed with " directory server error"
4. Authentication - sucessfully achieved a "Green checkmark" for primary user and admin once, but the system returned to a blank "System owner" screen as shown in last screenshot
Can the data be saved ?
Did you click the "Authorize Users" shown in your picture?
If that doesn't allow you to gain access or boot normally, then your only remaining option is to perform a DFU Firmware Restore which will reset the internal SSD destroying all data on it & pushing a clean version of macOS onto the internal SSD so you can either set it up as new or by restoring from a backup.
I hope you have a good backup.
Unfortunately 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. This appears it may be one of those new ways of losing access.
M1 Mac stuck in Activation Lock loop despite DFU revive and admin user authorization
