I tried to boot into recovery mode using command-R and the computer booted as usual. A previous similar question had successfully booted into recovery by unplugging an external hard drive. So I tried that, also unsuccessful. So I unplugged everything except my internet connection. Still unsuccessful. So is it impossible to boot into recovery mode on the new iMac, or is there something else to try?
iMac 24″, macOS 11.5
your signature says iMac 24". if that's correct, booting into recovery is different on those. please see Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon
Are you using a rechargeable wireless keyboard? If so then connect it with it's charging cable as it is now a wired keyboard and try booting into the Recovery volume again.
I thought about that too as sometimes the keyboard is unresponsive when I restart. So I tried that once too and was still unsuccessful. Thanks for the idea though.
+1
Wow. That was it. I had no idea there was a different process for the new iMac. Thanks.
you're welcome. i'm always happy to help. :)
Can't boot into recovery mode on new iMac, Big Sur OS.
