2019 Intel MacBook stuck in internet recovery, bootable USB not working

Question

Anwar2u Author

Level 1

4 points

2019 Intel MacBook stuck in internet recovery, bootable USB not working

Hey everyone,

I’m facing a serious issue with my 2019 Intel-based MacBook and could really use some expert guidance.

Background:

• I was already using macOS Sonoma on this Mac before.

• Due to some issues, I needed to reinstall macOS.

• I successfully created a macOS Sonoma bootable USB on Windows using TransMac and Balena Etcher.

• The USB appears in the Mac boot menu (see attached image), but when I try to boot from it, the Mac redirects to Internet Recovery instead of starting the installer.

• Internet Recovery is my only option, but it doesn’t work either.

Things I Have Tried:

• Booting from the USB manually – Mac still redirects to Internet Recovery.

• Checking the USB format – It’s in GPT + APFS format.

• Recreating the bootable USB multiple times with different tools.

• Using different macOS versions (Sonoma, Ventura, etc.).

• Using wired internet for Internet Recovery – No luck.

My Question:

• How can I force my Mac to boot from the USB installer instead of going to Internet Recovery?

• Would it help if I install macOS on a Windows PC and try Apple Configurator 2 via DFU mode? (I don’t have another Mac).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 24, 2025 09:28 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

66,800 points

Feb 25, 2025 09:06 AM in response to Anwar2u

With a 2018-2020 T2 Mac you must have previously configured the security settings to allow booting from USB using the Startup Security Utility. Until you have installed & configured a new installation of macOS on the internal SSD, there is no way to change this setting. The only option for reinstalling macOS is by using Internet Recovery Mode.

FYI, I haven't seen anyone being successful using TransMac to create a bootable macOS USB installer. The only reliable method of creating a bootable macOS USB installer is using a Mac compatible with the OS you want to install and using the instructions in the following Apple article:

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

100,309 points

Feb 25, 2025 09:45 AM in response to Anwar2u

OP wrote " Would it help if I install macOS on a Windows PC "

Not possible - full stop

As mentioned, if you have not already changed the Startup Security Utilities setting before hand

There are two options

Internet Recovery Mode, as previously mentioned

Take the machine to a Certified Apple Authorized Service Centre and have them reload the Operating System

Add On

The Startup Security Utilities settings are designed ( by default ) to Guard Against Booting from an External Drive as part of Apple's Security Policy

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