Recovery mode is not connecting to internet on my MacBook Pro

Hi I erased the mackintosh hd to clear the macbook for another user. now it wont turn on. i press command +R to go into recovery mode. it says to connect to a network. i put the correct network password in. it uploads for about 5 to 10 minutes but then fails with error code 1008f. which i believe is a network issue. i tried connected by ethernet cable but still same(although i still have to connect through wireless option). i tried using my mobile as hotspot so another connection didnt work either. any idea what is up.



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MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 22, 2025 5:21 AM

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Posted on Jun 22, 2025 2:10 PM

In Internet Recovery, these low negative thousands error messages indicate that your provided Wi-Fi Network is inadequate in some fashion, and cannot be used (for this purpose) in its current state.


Common problems include:

Hidden Network-name

required use of a proxy server to get Internet access

required use of a login page to get Internet access

Use of a login server or certificate to get Internet access

Use of PPPoE in the Mac to get Internet access (typically only applies to DSL)

Use of Fixed IP address rather than good old DHCP

Variance of the time by more than five minutes

Failure of Router to provide workable DNS server addresses, or providing 0.0.0.0 [may produce -2002f]


If you have an Ethernet port, you may in some cases be able to move your Mac close to the Router and connect to the Router using Ethernet.


The higher the number, the more obscure the problem.


If your battery was completely depleted, the Date&Time could have reverted to the default, which will not work. There is a terminal command to reset to current Internet Date&Time -- post back for assistance.


If your Mac starts up to error -1008F

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


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13 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 22, 2025 2:10 PM in response to Grahamgg87

In Internet Recovery, these low negative thousands error messages indicate that your provided Wi-Fi Network is inadequate in some fashion, and cannot be used (for this purpose) in its current state.


Common problems include:

Hidden Network-name

required use of a proxy server to get Internet access

required use of a login page to get Internet access

Use of a login server or certificate to get Internet access

Use of PPPoE in the Mac to get Internet access (typically only applies to DSL)

Use of Fixed IP address rather than good old DHCP

Variance of the time by more than five minutes

Failure of Router to provide workable DNS server addresses, or providing 0.0.0.0 [may produce -2002f]


If you have an Ethernet port, you may in some cases be able to move your Mac close to the Router and connect to the Router using Ethernet.


The higher the number, the more obscure the problem.


If your battery was completely depleted, the Date&Time could have reverted to the default, which will not work. There is a terminal command to reset to current Internet Date&Time -- post back for assistance.


If your Mac starts up to error -1008F

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


Jun 23, 2025 6:43 AM in response to Grahamgg87

MacBook Pro 2019 with Intel processor can sometimes benefit from SMC reset. it can;t hurt anything, even multiple times.


Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


That model-year also has a T2 chip and extra Secure Enclave firmware and data on a special place on the drive. did you use Disk Utility to completely erase the ENTIRE Physical device? if you did, it may now require a Firmware revive or restore to perk up again. if you used the Recovery mode feature "erase all content and settings" you should be good to go.


Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support


Has this Ethernet connection been working right along, or is this its first use?



Jun 23, 2025 11:18 AM in response to Grahamgg87

For Third-party Ethernet, W-Fi, and Bluetooth adapters that required DRIVERS, you need to knew there was recently a Mass-Extinction event.


When MacOS 15 Catalina required all software to be 64-bit capable, vendors who were not willing or not able to re-compile their drivers for 64-bit capability lost the ability to be used on a Mac running 10.15 Catalina or later, Intel or Apple-silicon.

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Recovery mode is not connecting to internet on my MacBook Pro

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