M1 Silicon macOS and Recovery
Description
Apple silicon Mac computers use a different Recovery startup flow than Intel Mac computers, and Activation Lock can affect recovery after erase or restore workflows.
FileWave has seen cases where Apple silicon Mac computers were no longer accessible after the first reboot following Automated Device Enrollment. This appears to be related to the managed admin account never completing a login before that reboot.
Erasing M1 devices
Apple Configurator can revive or restore Apple silicon Mac computers. This requires a second Mac and the requirements listed in Apple's guide:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/apple-configurator-2/apdd5f3c75ad/mac
- Up-to-date Apple Configurator app
- Network access to Apple
- USB-C to USB-C cable (supporting both power and data)
Follow Apple's restore or revive workflow for the affected Mac.
Activation Lock
If Activation Lock was enabled, the Mac may ask for an Apple ID and password after restore. For organization-owned devices, use Recovery Assistant to enter the MDM Activation Lock bypass code instead.
Activation Lock bypass codes are available from the FileWave Central Assistants menu:
- Activation Lock Management
Recovery Mode
On Apple silicon Mac computers, hold the power button until the screen shows 'Loading startup options' to enter Recovery.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchl82829c17/mac
To enter the Activation Lock code:
- Choose 'Recovery Assistant' from the menu bar
- Select with MDM key
- Use the key from the FileWave Central Activation Lock Management window for this device
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mdm/apd593fdd1c9/web
At this point the device should be accessible again and can be enrolled again if needed.
Failure to Personalize
Apple also documents this restore-related error:
- "An error occurred while preparing the update. Failed to personalize the software update. Please try again."
Apple's article for this issue is here:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211983
The previous startup keys combinations used for Intel macOS devices do not apply to M1 Silicon macOS devices:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201255