I am encountering a problem with my 2018 MacBook Air. I tried factory resetting to reinstall macOS via a bootable USB for Big Sur, but now I am stuck on this internet recovery thing. I can’t boot into any other menu. When I try to turn it off, it keeps booting to this, and when I try to connect to any network (I tried my home wifi and my 5g hotspot), it seems like it is unable to connect, and it keeps spinning. Can someone help?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.7
Before you can boot from a USB drive, you must first modify the computer's security to allow booting from USB drives. However, to do this you must boot into Recovery Mode (Command + R) or into Internet Recovery Mode (Command + Option + R) where you can modify the computer's security by using the Startup Security Utility.
To access the Startup Security Utility requires authenticating to the T2 security chip of the 2018-2020 Intel Macs which requires the computer to currently have an installed OS with an admin user account.
Otherwise you will need to boot into Internet Recovery Mode in order to install macOS.
If Internet Recovery Mode has issues, then you may need to perform a DFU Firmware Revive. Unfortunately this option requires access to another Mac running the most recent version of macOS which at this time is macOS 15.x Sequoia.
Just curious why you are reinstalling macOS?
Edit: Also when posting pictures, please ensure they are correctly oriented....you should be making it easy for others too view & assist you (I will ignore any sideways or upside pictures because they are too much work). You can easily change the orientation on an iPhone/iPad by using the following instructions.....I'm sure Android devices provide a similar ability:
Crop, rotate, flip, or straighten photos and videos on iPhone - Apple Support
I had enabled the option to boot from a drive before, that’s why I’m confused it doesn’t let me.
Unfortunately, I do not have access to any other mac with the latest update, isn’t there another solution?
The security and authentication occurs with the T2 security chip. If the T2 chip becomes corrupt, then so does any customized settings.
Also, Once you perform a DFU Firmware Restore it will reset those changes.....I'm not sure if the same occurs with a Revive, but I think it might.
If a DFU Firmware Revive and Restore does not help, then you likely have a bad Logic Board in that MBAir.
Make sure to disconnect all external devices in case one of them is causing a problem.
I didn't say it before, but more than likely the Logic Board on your laptop has failed which unfortunately tends to occur more than it should with the 2018-2020 Intel Macs with T2 security chips. In fact the MBAir Logic Boards tend to have a higher rate of failure.....especially higher than the older 2013-2017 Airs. And I believe the 2018 MBAir actually had a free repair program for bad Logic Boards at one time, but that program expired some years ago. Just last week I had to "retire" another MBAir 2020 Intel model for a bad Logic Board.
Personally I don't recommend spending any money on repairing any 2016-2020 Intel Mac with USB-C ports for multiple reasons. The money spent on repairs is better put towards a new laptop.
Internet recovery network issue
