Downgrading macOS on an M4 MacBook Pro involves several steps, as Apple silicon Macs like the M4 model have limitations compared to Intel-based Macs. Here's a detailed guide to help you downgrade macOS:
1. Backup Your Data
Before starting, it's crucial to back up all your important files and data. Use Time Machine to create a complete backup on an external hard drive. This step is essential because downgrading will erase your startup disk, and without a backup, you'll lose all your data and have to reinstall apps separately[2][5].2. Create a Bootable Installer
Since M-series Macs can't use macOS Recovery for downgrading, you'll need to create a bootable installer for the older version of macOS you want to install.- Prepare a USB Flash Drive: Use a USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space.
- Format the USB Drive: Open Disk Utility, select the USB drive, and format it as Mac OS Extended or APFS. Rename it if desired.
- Create the Bootable Installer: Open Terminal, navigate to the macOS installer app (e.g., `Install macOS High Sierra.app`), and run the following command to create the bootable installer:
bash
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app
Replace `MyVolume` with your USB drive's name and adjust the path to match your macOS version.
3. Downgrade Using the Bootable Installer
- Restart Your Mac: Shut down your MacBook Pro.- Enter Startup Options: Turn on your Mac and hold the power button until you see the Startup Options window.
- Select the Bootable Installer: Choose the USB drive as the startup disk.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Once booted from the installer, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Erase the Startup Disk: Use Disk Utility to erase your Mac's internal startup disk. This will remove all data, so ensure you have a backup.
- Install the Older macOS: Select Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window and follow the on-screen instructions to install the older version of macOS[2][3].
4. Restore Data and Apps
After installing the older macOS, restore your data from the Time Machine backup. You may need to reinstall some apps if they were not included in the backup.Important Considerations
- Compatibility: Ensure the older macOS version is compatible with your MacBook Pro M4. Generally, M-series Macs can only run macOS Big Sur or later.- Limitations: Downgrading may not be possible if you're trying to install a version older than Big Sur on an M-series Mac[4][5].
This process requires careful planning and execution to avoid data loss. Always ensure you have a complete backup before proceeding.
Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAK15Z59a2Y
[2] https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/macos-sonoma-operating-system-downgrade-guide/
[3] https://www.easeus.com/mac-file-recovery/downgrade-revert-back-to-yosemite-from-ei-captitan.html
[4] https://www.macworld.com/article/673171/how-to-install-older-versions-of-macos-or-os-x.html
[5] https://mackeeper.com/blog/how-to-downgrade-macos/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0OMTWokB1M
[7] https://www.macworld.com/article/671318/how-to-downgrade-macos-revert-back.html
[8] https://appleinsider.com/inside/macos/tips/how-to-revert-macos-to-the-previous-version
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/17qi4s5/any_easy_way_to_downgrade_mac_os/
[10] https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1948