2020 MB Pro locked after Target Disk Mode

How do I regain access?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Mar 6, 2023 5:14 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 6, 2023 5:28 PM

Hi,

I once got "stuck" in target disk mode. The solution was to restart while holding "option" key, selecting your normal macOS, then once booted into macOS, going into System Preferences > Startup Disk and selecting your normal disk.

5 replies

Mar 6, 2023 6:48 PM in response to MacManiac_

SOLVED! Somewhere in the past I MUST have set a Firmware password.....fortunately, the brute force method of hammering in EVERY possible combination of EVERY past iteration of secure passwords that I've EVER USED FINALLY found a match!!!!


This thread pointed me in the right direction:


If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support


Now I'm gonna write that stinking password down somewhere that I will be SURE to remember it...like maybe a yellow sticky note on the screen.


Once I found the correct magic word, the computer entered Target Disk Mode exactly as expected.


Mar 6, 2023 5:40 PM in response to kaz-k

Unfortunately, what I've got is a black screen with a grey padlock and a blank entry field for a password....I've had this 2020 MB Pro since new and DID NOT set a firmware password. I got stuck in this condition trying to go to Target Disk Mode. It will not accept the Admin password and I am the only user account. Tried PRAM reset, and SMC reset with no success. It will not get past this screen when trying to engage the Start Manager or when attempting to enter Recovery Mode.....


I'm truly stuck!

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2020 MB Pro locked after Target Disk Mode

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