Error -1006F during macOS restore on mid 2012 MacBook Pro

I have a mid 2012 MacBook Pro that I just got, and I need to restore macOS, and whenever I try to restore my Mac, it fails and says: apple.com/support

-1006F


and has earth with an exclamation mark, I've tried pressing ⌥ until I get to the boot option screen, and use my wifi but it shows this error, I've tried pressing ⌘ R, it starts loading, and then gets stuck, I'm trying ⌘⌥R, and it works, but I can't use it really, because the wifi drivers don't work for the 2012 MacBook Pro on Catalina for some reason


what file system does the hd need to be in?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Error -1006F

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 7:15 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 8:57 AM

Raeness_the_lollie_ladi wrote:

I have a mid 2012 MacBook Pro that I just got, and I need to restore macOS, and whenever I try to restore my Mac, it fails and says: apple.com/support
-1006F

Is it "-1006f" or "-1008f"? I've never seen the former listed on this forum before. For the latter error, look at the following Apple article (unfortunately this is the only error which Apple has documented):

If your Mac starts up to error -1008F - Apple Support


Regardless, these large negative number errors are due to some sort of networking issue. First thing to try is connecting the laptop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable for a faster more reliable connection which also bypasses any difficult to troubleshoot WiFi issues.


Second thing to try is power cycling your router and waiting at least 5 minutes for the router to finish booting before you try again.


Third, you can try a PRAM Reset (hold for at least three chimes) and an SMC Reset.



I'm trying ⌘⌥R, and it works, but I can't use it really, because the wifi drivers don't work for the 2012 MacBook Pro on Catalina for some reason

No drivers are needed to use the laptop's built-in WiFi assuming it has the correct OEM Apple WiFi card.


Since you just acquired this laptop, then it means you have no idea of its history or whether the hardware is fully functional. You can try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected. FYI, a passing result does not necessarily mean everything is good.


what file system does the hd need to be in?

You can use GUID partition with MacOS Extended (Journaled) file system. If macOS 10.13 - 10.15 wants, it will automatically convert the file system to APFS during the install process if the laptop is using an SSD.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 16, 2025 8:57 AM in response to Raeness_the_lollie_ladi

Raeness_the_lollie_ladi wrote:

I have a mid 2012 MacBook Pro that I just got, and I need to restore macOS, and whenever I try to restore my Mac, it fails and says: apple.com/support
-1006F

Is it "-1006f" or "-1008f"? I've never seen the former listed on this forum before. For the latter error, look at the following Apple article (unfortunately this is the only error which Apple has documented):

If your Mac starts up to error -1008F - Apple Support


Regardless, these large negative number errors are due to some sort of networking issue. First thing to try is connecting the laptop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable for a faster more reliable connection which also bypasses any difficult to troubleshoot WiFi issues.


Second thing to try is power cycling your router and waiting at least 5 minutes for the router to finish booting before you try again.


Third, you can try a PRAM Reset (hold for at least three chimes) and an SMC Reset.



I'm trying ⌘⌥R, and it works, but I can't use it really, because the wifi drivers don't work for the 2012 MacBook Pro on Catalina for some reason

No drivers are needed to use the laptop's built-in WiFi assuming it has the correct OEM Apple WiFi card.


Since you just acquired this laptop, then it means you have no idea of its history or whether the hardware is fully functional. You can try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected. FYI, a passing result does not necessarily mean everything is good.


what file system does the hd need to be in?

You can use GUID partition with MacOS Extended (Journaled) file system. If macOS 10.13 - 10.15 wants, it will automatically convert the file system to APFS during the install process if the laptop is using an SSD.


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Error -1006F during macOS restore on mid 2012 MacBook Pro

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