Mac Mini M4 Orange SOS DFU Recover Failed OXFCA (4042)

JmProjects wrote:

Then go to Finder or Apple configurator to do a complete restore.

This should fix your problem.

The DFU Firmware Restore is what fixed the problem since it resets the security enclave chip, system firmware, and internal SSD followed by pushing a clean copy of macOS onto the internal SSD. Unfortunately this process does require access to another Mac running macOS 15.x Sequoia.

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

I encountered this repeated issue, but only while intentionally trying to wipe and reprovision 1 of 2 M4 MacMinis in our lab; it wasn't while using the Mac e.g. streaming video as you mentioned. You may rightly have a hardware issue.

But even in known-good hardware scenarios, it seems there's an issue restoring/reviving M4 MacMinis via Finder/Apple Configurator, resulting in errors such as these...

[Apple Configurator error]

The System cannot be restored

on this device.

Gave up waiting for device to transition from Port DFU state to DFU state.

( Stop )

or

[Finder Mac Recovery Mode error]

The Mac "Mac" could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (21).

( OK )

As you indicated, repeat attempts restore or revive all fail. I was prepared to contact AppleCare enterprise support, but thought I'd try one last thing first.

A post in a private MacAdmins Slack channel mentioned that the MobileDevice framework and can be updated independently of the OS and should be included in both Apple Configurator.app (AC) and Xcode.

I was already using a newer release of AC—which was failing—so I thought I'd grab the latest Xcode.app version compatible with macOS 15.5 (omitting version details to avoid NDA, but any publicly available Xcode version should suffice).

After installing Xcode.app, launching it, clicking the registration prompt, etc and closing Xcode (not directly being used in this case), I put the M4 MacMini back in to DFU and retried AC and...

It actually worked!

I know it seems unlikely and the 3GB download took its sweet time. But, I'm glad I don't need to contact AppleCare or swap out this M4 MacMini.

Hope this helps anyone else encountering this issue.

Notes:

• I did see periodic prompts to allow USB device/adaptor (likely due to an Apple USB-C/A adapter I had plugged in).
• macOS Sequoia 15.5 was used in both target and host Macs.
• 
  

First off have a look at > Mac computer status indicator light behavior - Apple Support

If the steps at > How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support did not or do not work.

Then you will need to contact your local Apple Store or AASP for a service visit. see > Find Locations

helpus all wrote:

MobileDevice framework and can be updated independently of the OS and should be included in both Apple Configurator.app (AC) and Xcode.

Thanks for the hint.

So to revive or restore a Mac you need:

- USB-C to USB-C charging cable (not Thunderbolt cable).

- macOS Sonoma 14 or later on the other Mac (any USB-C port, connect to Internet).

- Use correct DFU port on the affected Mac (nothing but power in other USB ports).

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

How to identify the DFU port on Mac - Apple Support

And maybe also latest Apple Configurator.app, latest Xcode for that macOS. Do both Macs need to be Intel or M-series?

What' that doesn't sound right...?

At minimum they should have scheduled an Apple Store or AASP service appointment for you.

That doesn't sound right. What do they expect you to do, just use it as a doorstop and move on...?

JmProjects wrote:

Streaming video then everything goes black. Mac Mini M4 will not display anything. No recovery mode or anything.

Hooked up the M4 to another M4 and did a restore.

failed on Step 4 of 4 during installation. The bar never moved.

Error said.

The System cannot be restored on this device.

Gave up waiting for device to transition from Port DFU state to DFU state. [com.apple.MobileDevice.MobileRestore

- OXFCA (4042)]

I tried it in Finder and Apple Configurator 2.14. No luck.

That is a very old version of Apple Configurator. You should use the most recent version. I know they were up to at least v2.17 a while back when Sequoia was launched. Also make sure the host Mac is running macOS 15.5 as well.

Unfortunately there is no way to know what is going on or why the Restore failed. Apple doesn't provide enough information when things go wrong. I do know that the DFU Firmware Restore process does require a Mac running macOS Sequoia. I don't know if any patch version of Sequoia is Ok or whether it needs the absolutely most recent version which at this time is 15.5.

Apple makes this process way too complicated. Even experienced techs have issues with it.

tried different cords and ports. No luck.

Make sure you are using a USB-C only cable. A Thunderbolt capable USB-C cable will not work at all for a DFU Firmware Restore. You need to use an Apple USB-C charging cable which has no symbols on the USB-C connectors, or you need a third party USB-C cable which only has a USB symbol/rating on it. If the USB-C cable has a lightning bolt on it, then that cable will not work.

Gave up called support.

Support Level 2 said they recognize that this is a problem and has no solution at this time.

Interesting & very odd. Too bad Apple likes their secrets & cannot expand upon it. It doesn't help people whose computers are completely dead. It isn't like you can limp along until they fix the problem.

I’m guessing it’s either the SSD is dead or Logic Board.

They are basically one and the same these days since the SSD is integrated into the Logic Board (as are the CPU, GPU, memory, WiFi, etc.). At least as far an official Apple repair goes anyway.

Open to hear suggestions or experimentations.

Also, try performing the DFU Firmware Restore several times. I've heard some people have success after a few tries.

What version of macOS was on the Mini that failed? Try and get the exact version .ipsw file that the system was running at the time instead of letting macOS or Apple Configurator decide which one to use. I know Apple Configurator allows you to supply an .ipsw but not sure about the new method with macOS.

BTW, I recently did a restore using Apple Configurator on an old 2013 iMac with Catalina on a recent Mac I had issues with and was able to restore it with a current version of macOS.

Failing that, it could be quite possible that there is a hardware failure which I personally am leaning to in your case since the system went belly up while using it normally.

I am dealing with this same issue on my M4 Mini after a factory reset. Used the Apple USB-C cord, in the DFU ports, attempted restore with my MacBook M4 Pro multiple times, Error (21). Very frustrating and my Mini is a total brick now.

I have done a bit a research and my conclusion to your issue is to get an appointment at an Apple Store or an Authorized Apple Service Provider and have the hardware checked out. The "4042" error code more often than not on a Mac results from a hardware issue related to but not limited to the SSD.

Also, the event that started your whole issue indicates that it is hardware issue and continued efforts trying to restore will be literally beating a dead horse. Being an M4 MacMini, the replacement may be as simple as Apple replacing the SSD which is now removable. Since it is an M4, it should still be covered by warranty and the repair should cost you nothing.

BTW, Apple silicon Macs never had a T2 chip. Those were solely a chip for Intel Macs.