Base M2 Mac mini not responding (video or network) after restart

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Base M2 Mac mini not responding (video or network) after restart

I have been using a M2 Mac mini (refurbished and recently updated to Sonoma) as a Plex server for about a month. During that time, I've restarted it about once a week but otherwise it has been on 24/7.

I have been using screen sharing from my laptop to control the mini so it was connected to my home network.

I noticed yesterday that the mini was behaving oddly - I would try to launch an app and it would pop up a notification that in order to open a completely different app, I'd need to install Rosetta. I figured it had gotten confused somehow and I needed to restart it.

Since restarting, the mini no longer shows up on my network and, when I connect it directly to an external monitor via HDMI, no video is displayed. I have subsequently forced the mini to shut down (by pressing and holding the power button) and restarted multiple times but always with the same result.

I can't really think of anything else to try. Should I just take the mini back to an Apple Store for evaluation (it is still under warranty)?

Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Posted on Oct 1, 2023 12:38 PM

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phed888 Author

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Oct 2, 2023 08:48 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for the reply, BDAqua!

I decided to try the Apple chat help first and they helped to solve the problem.

They asked me to restart in safe mode and, after I was able to dig out a wired keyboard and mouse, I was able to do that. In safe mode, the HDMI video displayed properly and the mini appeared again on my network. I then did the Apple Diagnostic which turned up a possible issue with my Thunderbolt port. The drive attached appeared to be working properly but I went ahead and reseated the cable that was connected there. After that, I rebooted and now everything is back to normal.

I'm still not sure what happened but I am happy to have the mini back and appearing to run normally. I'll keep an eye on the Thunderbolt port (somehow?) and keep the old keyboard and mouse handy in case it happens again.

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