Can I use target disk mode on a 2013 macbook pro

KuriGohan_and_Kamehameha wrote:

The device won't let me get past the login screen although I know the password. I think it's because it lost power during an update, so I'm trying to recover the data then reinstall the OS.

Is FileVault on? If so, you may be able to fix this problem by either changing your password, or turning off FileVault and decrypting your startup disk. (You can turn on FileVault afterwards if desired.) To do so, use the Password Reset Assistant:

1. Turn on or restart your Mac normally and wait a minute or so at the login window. Some white text should eventually appear at the bottom of the screen.

   If you see a progress bar appear before the login window, FileVault isn't on.

2. When the message appears at the bottom of the screen, press and hold the power button on your Mac to turn it off. If your MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is the power button.
3. Press the power button again to turn on your Mac. It should automatically boot to the Password Reset Assistant.
4. When the Assistant appears, select one of the following options, depending on what you wish to do:
   1. I forgot my password: Log into the Apple ID that was authorized for FileVault to reset that user's password. This will not work if you set a local recovery key instead.
   2. My password doesn't work when logging in: Use your current password to change your password.
   3. My keyboard doesn't work when typing my password to log in: Use your password to turn off FileVault and decrypt your startup disk.

If FileVault is off, or if doing this didn't work, non-destructively reinstalling macOS would likely resolve the issue: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Do NOT erase your startup disk.

However, if you wish to use Target Disk Mode to recover data, the types of cables that TDM supports are found in this support article: How to use target disk mode to move files to another computer - Apple Support.

Given that your MacBook Pro was made in 2013, you'll probably need a Thunderbolt cable or adapter. What ports does your other Mac have, or what model and year is it?

Yes, TDM will work. Depending on the connections on the other Mac you may or not need adapter cables. USB is backward compatible.

If you have two Mac computers with FireWire or Thunderbolt ports,

macOS Sierra: Transfer files between two computers using target disk mode