Install macOS High Sierra

Unable to contact the recovery server

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 27, 2023 07:46 AM

Reply
1 reply

Sep 27, 2023 09:43 PM in response to Vitaliy_tih

Unfortunately this has been an issue for over a month now with Apple being completely silent on the matter even though we have reported the issue to them. It either means that Apple doesn't care to fix the problem, or that Apple has secretly decided to turn off those old online installers.


If you have access to another Mac compatible with macOS 10.13 (or another older/newer OS which this laptop supports), then you can use the instructions in this Apple article to create a bootable macOS USB installer:

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support


You can use the information in this article to identify whether another Mac is compatible with an OS this "broken" Mac can support (the other Mac can be running any OS 10.6+):

https://eshop.macsales.com/guides/Mac_OS_X_Compatibility


If you don't have access to another compatible Mac, then you could try using MDS to try creating the bootable macOS 10.13 USB installer.


Other options are to take the Mac to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to assist you with reinstalling macOS or by providing you with a bootable macOS USB installer.


Otherwise you will need to contact Apple Support directly to report the issue with Internet Recovery Mode with the older online macOS installers (don't be surprised that Apple has no clue this feature has been broken for over a month now.....and they will probably not even believe you).


If none of the above helps, then you can also contact Apple corporate to report the issue.


Last two options, check your local consumer protection laws especially if Internet Recovery Mode is the main Apple option for reinstalling macOS for models which did not ship with restoration DVDs from the factory. Or purchase another laptop.


Edit: People should provide the exact model of their computer when asking for assistance since there are so many variations. You can get the exact model by entering the system serial number here:

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support


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.

Install macOS High Sierra

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.