Macbook Pro bricked when it was restoring in DFU mode...

The__Kenny wrote:

I have a Macbook Pro 14" 2023 M2 Max 64GB RAM yadda-yadda-yadda that crashed and only went to the stop sign with contact Apple restore etc.

I tried for two days to restore and revive it with Aplpe Configurator and then again in DFU mode.

It said it couldn't boot or mount so revive/restore/erase/backup were not possible.

I tried a final time, left the room and returned to find my Macbook now completely black screen (with no backlight), disappeared from the devices on the other Macs configurator and the Trackpad went stiff...

I left it a while but no dice... I then removed the Trackpad cable in order to unplug the battery and the fans went crazy (life at least!)... but when I put it back together it acts the same.

When I plug it into another Mac now the only thing that happens is that the light on the charger flashes orange constantly but returns to green when it's unplugged...

What are my options? Has anybody else have a machine essentially brick when it's in DFU mode?

< It said it couldn't boot or mount so revive/restore/erase/backup were not possible.>

If you have an issue take it in —

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

ref: How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

ref: How to identify the DFU port on Mac—

How to identify the DFU port on Mac - Apple Support

I agree with @leroydouglas.

The deep dive.....

It is very difficult to get a Mac into DFU Mode and to properly perform the DFU Firmware Revive/Restore. I've done it dozens of times and I still have issues with it. When a Mac is having issues, then that process is ever more difficult. As you have probably discovered, there are no good indicators for the current status of a T2 or M-series Mac.

With an M-series Mac, I have discovered that even if the laptop is completely powered off, it is not always possible to place the Mac into DFU Mode if certain conditions exist. You need to get around that condition/state so that the system will actually go into DFU Mode.....this is something that is not documented and I only discovered by driving myself crazy attempting to place a single laptop into DFU Mode dozens of times. Apple did not design a simple to use system here....it is full of holes with many issues.

Assuming you can even get the Mac into DFU Mode, then you need the proper host Mac and macOS, along with a proper USB only cable. AFAIK, only macOS 26.x Tahoe and macOS 15.7.2+ Sequoia can be used on the host Mac to perform a DFU Firmware Revive/Restore.....it is also best to use Apple Configurator 2 which at this time must be version 2.19 (there is a possibility Apple may remove the ability to use Sequoia at all on the host Mac before this time in 2027). This is from what I've personally seen since Apple introduced T2 Macs in 2018 (or rather 2017).

It is best to have an Apple tech who is familiar with first hand experience with DFU Firmware Revive/Restore processes to look at your Mac to make sure it is performed correctly. It definitely takes lots of practice to perform this procedure on a Mac with issues and even then a person may still have extreme difficulty.

Opening the laptop is not the answer since you may have caused more damage. Before disconnecting the Trackpad Cable you need to disconnect the Battery Flex Cable, then & only then do you disconnect the Trackpad Cable in order to access the Battery's BMU screw. If you left the Battery Flex Cable connected, then there is a possibility you fried something when disconnecting or reconnecting the Trackpad Cable.

If the Mac really cannot successfully perform a DFU Firmware Restore, then you have a hardware issue with that Mac....most likely needing a Logic Board replacement. There is nothing else to do, so it is best to have an experienced tech examine the Mac to confirm & to provide you with a repair estimate.