Error 4042 at Reviving my Macbook via Finder.
My macbook Pro 2019 just didn't start one day.
I tried all the resets listed online, with the correct cables and ports, and during the "Revive" process it just said "The Mac could not be updated. An unknown error occurred (4042)”.
I've seen many posts around here about the same issue, but seems no one have been able to solve it.
MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)
Error 4042 during Revive or Restore via Finder is a firmware communication error that affects MacBook Pro models with a T2 chip (like the 2019 model). It means Finder was unable to properly communicate with the Mac's firmware during the recovery process.
Here are the steps that have successfully resolved Error 4042 for others:
1. Try a different USB-C cable and port:
- Use Apple's official USB-C cable or a certified USB-C cable
- Try different USB-C ports on the host Mac
- Make sure you're using the correct port on the MacBook Pro being revived (the correct port varies by model — check support.apple.com/guide/apple-configurator-2/revive-or-restore-a-mac-apdd5f3c75ad for your specific model)
2. Use Apple Configurator 2 instead of Finder:
- Download Apple Configurator 2 from the Mac App Store on a different Mac
- Connect the MacBook Pro in DFU mode to the host Mac via USB-C
- Use Apple Configurator 2 > Actions > Revive or Restore
- This method often succeeds where Finder fails
3. Put the MacBook Pro in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode correctly:
- Power off the MacBook completely
- Connect USB-C cable to the correct port while holding the correct key combination
- For MacBook Pro 2019 (Intel, T2): hold the right Shift + left Option + left Control keys, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, release all keys
- The Mac should appear in Finder/Apple Configurator as a DFU device
4. Contact Apple Support:
- If none of the above work, this may indicate a hardware failure (failed T2 chip or logic board)
- Visit getsupport.apple.com and arrange a service appointment
- The MacBook Pro 2019 may be eligible for free repair depending on the cause
Error 4042 during Revive or Restore via Finder is a firmware communication error that affects MacBook Pro models with a T2 chip (like the 2019 model). It means Finder was unable to properly communicate with the Mac's firmware during the recovery process.
Here are the steps that have successfully resolved Error 4042 for others:
1. Try a different USB-C cable and port:
- Use Apple's official USB-C cable or a certified USB-C cable
- Try different USB-C ports on the host Mac
- Make sure you're using the correct port on the MacBook Pro being revived (the correct port varies by model — check support.apple.com/guide/apple-configurator-2/revive-or-restore-a-mac-apdd5f3c75ad for your specific model)
2. Use Apple Configurator 2 instead of Finder:
- Download Apple Configurator 2 from the Mac App Store on a different Mac
- Connect the MacBook Pro in DFU mode to the host Mac via USB-C
- Use Apple Configurator 2 > Actions > Revive or Restore
- This method often succeeds where Finder fails
3. Put the MacBook Pro in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode correctly:
- Power off the MacBook completely
- Connect USB-C cable to the correct port while holding the correct key combination
- For MacBook Pro 2019 (Intel, T2): hold the right Shift + left Option + left Control keys, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, release all keys
- The Mac should appear in Finder/Apple Configurator as a DFU device
4. Contact Apple Support:
- If none of the above work, this may indicate a hardware failure (failed T2 chip or logic board)
- Visit getsupport.apple.com and arrange a service appointment
- The MacBook Pro 2019 may be eligible for free repair depending on the cause
Error 4042 when reviving MacBook Pro 2019 via Finder
