If your MacBook Pro with an M4 chip won't boot into Recovery Mode, here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
1. Ensure Correct Method for M4 Macs
For Macs with Apple Silicon chips like the M4, you cannot use the traditional Command + R method to enter Recovery Mode. Instead, follow these steps:- Shut down your MacBook Pro completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen, which includes a message saying "Loading startup options."
- Release the power button once you see this screen.
- Click on Options and then Continue to enter Recovery Mode[3][7].
2. Check for Hardware Issues
Ensure that your keyboard is functioning correctly. If you're using an external keyboard, try using the built-in keyboard or vice versa to rule out any issues with the keyboard itself[1][3].3. Use Internet Recovery Mode
If the local Recovery Mode doesn't work, you can try Internet Recovery Mode. However, this option is more commonly used on Intel-based Macs. For M-series Macs, you might need to use Fallback Recovery Mode instead:- Press the power button.
- Release the power button.
- Press and hold the power button again until you see the "Loading startup options" message[4].
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Although resetting NVRAM/PRAM is more applicable to Intel Macs, it's worth noting that M-series Macs don't have traditional NVRAM. However, if you're using an older method or have a specific reason to try this, you can attempt it:- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press and hold Command + Option + P + R during startup for about 20 seconds[2][3].
5. Create a Bootable Installer
If Recovery Mode still doesn't work, you can create a bootable installer for macOS. This requires a USB drive with enough space:- Download the macOS installer from the App Store or another Mac.
- Insert the USB drive into your MacBook.
- Open Disk Utility and select the USB drive.
- Format the drive and create a bootable installer.
- Restart your MacBook and hold the Option key to select the USB drive as the startup disk.
- Follow the prompts to reinstall macOS[1][2].
6. Reset System Management Controller (SMC)
This step is more relevant for Intel-based Macs, but it can sometimes resolve power-related issues:- Shut down your MacBook.
- Unplug the power cord (for laptops).
- Hold down Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and plug the power cord back in (if applicable)[5].
7. Try Safe Mode
Starting your MacBook in Safe Mode can help identify and resolve issues that prevent Recovery Mode from working:- For M-series Macs: Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen. Then, select your startup disk and hold Shift while clicking Continue**[6].
If none of these methods work, it may indicate a more serious hardware issue, and you might need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.
Citations:[1] https://4ddig.tenorshare.com/mac-problems/mac-wont-boot-into-recovery-mode.html
[2] https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/mac-recovery-mode-not-working.html
[3] https://www.securedatarecovery.com/blog/macbook-recovery-mode
[4] https://www.macworld.com/article/672001/command-r-not-working-how-to-reinstall-macos-if-recovery-wont-work.html
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbMWFldP2oM
[6] https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/recover-data-dead-macbook.html
[7] https://www.donemax.com/mac-data-erasure/factory-reset-a-m4-chip-mac.html
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/1c3q54q/boot_loop_internet_recovery_not_working_help/
[9] https://cleanerone.trendmicro.com/blog/command-r-not-working-fix-recovery-mode-mac/