Putting an M1 MacBook Air or Pro in DFU mode

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Update: have a look at the updated Apple documentation first, then come back if needed.

Update 2: Mr. Macintosh has a great video about putting Mac in DFU mode.

I heard around that putting a Mac in DFU mode is a hit and miss. Well, maybe I’m lucky, but I have a 100% success rate!

DFU M1 MacBook Air or Pro - my method

  1. Plug M1 Mac to host Mac using a DFU cable, such as this one. Make sure you use the correct port.

  2. Shut down M1 Mac

  3. Press together:

    1. right SHIFT

    2. left CONTROL

    3. left OPTION

  4. While you hold the 3 keys, press and hold the power button

  5. Release the 3 keys after counting 10 seconds out loud. You’ll see an Apple logo while you count, just ignore it.

  6. Keep power button pressed for 10 additional seconds.

  7. Display stays black, it’s normal.

Now you can use Apple Configurator 2 to restore it! Make sure you use the latest version on the latest macOS.

DFU M1 MacBook Air or Pro - Tim’s method

Another way from Tim Perfitt:

  1. Turn on the Mac (or leave it on)

  2. Once it starts booting, hold the power/keyboard combo (right shift, left control, left option) until it shuts off

  3. Count to 3

  4. Release all but the power button for 7 seconds (or until it shows up in AC2)

DFU Mac mini

Mac mini are extremely easy. All you need to do is to unplug from power, wait 10 seconds, hold power button, plug power, wait a few seconds for the LED to be amber. See documentation.