To use Internet Recovery Mode on your MacBook Pro M4, which likely refers to a model with an M1 chip (since there is no M4 chip), follow these steps. However, note that the M4 designation might be a misunderstanding, as Apple's M-series chips start with M1. Assuming you have an M1-based MacBook Pro, here's how to proceed:
Entering Internet Recovery Mode on an M1 MacBook Pro
1. Shut Down Your MacBook: Go to the Apple menu and select "Shut Down." Wait for your MacBook to completely shut down.
2. Access Startup Options: Press and hold the power button on your MacBook until you see the "Loading startup choices" screen. This screen allows you to select different startup options.
3. Choose Options: Click on "Options" and then click "Continue."
4. Select a Disk Volume: If prompted, select a disk volume and click "Next."
5. Enter Administrator Credentials: You may need to select an administrator account and enter the password. Click "Continue" to proceed into Recovery Mode.
6. Connect to Wi-Fi: Once in Recovery Mode, you will need to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select your network from the list and enter the password when prompted.
7. Access macOS Utilities: After connecting to Wi-Fi, you should see the macOS Utilities window. Here, you can choose from several options such as Reinstall macOS, Disk Utility, or Time Machine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Internet Recovery Mode is not working, consider the following common issues and solutions:
- Internet Connection Issues: Ensure your internet connection is stable. Try connecting to a different network if possible[2][5].
- Keyboard Issues: Make sure your keyboard is functioning correctly, as you need it to enter the recovery mode[2].
- Corrupted Recovery Partition: If your local recovery partition is corrupted, Internet Recovery Mode will be necessary. However, if the issue persists, you might need to use a bootable installer[2][6].
- Incompatible OS: Ensure your MacBook supports Internet Recovery Mode. It was introduced with macOS Sierra, so older models may not support it[2].
Additional Steps for Troubleshooting
If you encounter persistent issues, consider resetting the System Management Controller (SMC), but note that this is not applicable to M1 Macs as they do not have an SMC in the same way Intel Macs do[2]. For Intel-based Macs, resetting the SMC can sometimes resolve issues related to power management and recovery modes.
If none of these steps resolve your issue, it may be necessary to visit an Apple Support center for further assistance.
Citations:[1] https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/mac-internet-recovery-mode.html
[2] https://recoverit.wondershare.com/mac-tips/internet-recovery-mac-not-working-mac.html
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJuaRjAkxVE
[4] https://www.macobserver.com/tips/how-to/reinstall-macos-using-internet-recovery-mode/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/1c3q54q/boot_loop_internet_recovery_not_working_help/
[6] https://www.macworld.com/article/672001/command-r-not-working-how-to-reinstall-macos-if-recovery-wont-work.html
[7] https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-macos-recovery-on-an-intel-based-mac-mchl338cf9a8/mac
[8] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253734377