Unable to shut down 2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar in "Migration Mode"

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Jules1992 Author

Level 1

16 points

Unable to shut down 2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar in "Migration Mode"

I am using a 2017 MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar. I attempted to migrate data from another Mac, but the process became stuck. I am now trying to reboot the device, but it is not possible to shut it down.

I have already tried the following:

Holding Touch ID for more than 10 seconds
Holding Touch ID + Command (⌘) + Option (⌥)
Performing the same key combinations with an external keyboard
Draining the battery
Opening the MacBook and manually disconnecting the battery

The last two options cause the MacBook to immediately boot back into Migration Mode, and I am unable to enter Recovery Mode.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Aug 9, 2025 6:55 AM

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Answer 1

Jules1992 Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 16, 2025 4:44 AM in response to Jules1992

Problem "solved"

Problem: The Touch ID cable connection is broken, which prevents forced shutdown when the system is stuck in an application (e.g. migration).

Workaround/Solution: Allow the battery to drain (MacBook enters rest mode), disconnect the battery, power via the USB-C port, reboot, then disconnect power and voilà, able to enter revovery mode.

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Answer 2

Aug 9, 2025 7:39 AM in response to Jules1992

To be clear, to force a shutdown, you cannot just touch the TouchID button, you must deep press and hold it until the computer turns off. If that does not work, it is possible that the underlying power button switch is bad.

Disconnecting or depleting the battery may only serve to trigger the computer to pick up from where it left off before it lost power. That's why your laptop resumes the migration process.

To enter recovery mode at startup you must be properly shut down. You have to be able to initiate the startup routine from the system chime and allow the process to identify the recovery key combination.

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Answer 3

Aug 9, 2025 9:01 AM in response to Jules1992

Jules1992 wrote:

Yes :) any idea to solve this issue?

I was thinking to disconnect the Batterie and simply start it with power supply than just unplug? Any thought on this?

The long-press on the power button is a low-level firmware function.

Whether the firmware is corrupt, the button failed, or there is some other problem with the firmware or hardware?

You can try running out the battery, but there is no easy means to disconnect the battery.

If the a long-press on the power button does not power down the Mac (hard), this MacBook Pro will likely need service from Apple or an authorized repair provider.

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Answer 4

Jules1992 Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 11, 2025 3:50 AM in response to Jules1992

Dear all,

Thanks a lot for your help 🙂.

I’ll first check whether the Touch ID button is connected properly (this is a second-hand MacBook, and I’m not sure what happened before. I basically used it of 10 min setting up the operating system and start the migration failure).

Just to get back to my question: do you think I could cause any damage by disconnecting the battery and power it via the usb c port? It might be a silly question, but I don’t know.

Best,

Jules

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Answer 5

Aug 11, 2025 9:17 AM in response to Jules1992

Jules1992 wrote:

Dear all,

Thanks a lot for your help 🙂.

I’ll first check whether the Touch ID button is connected properly (this is a second-hand MacBook, and I’m not sure what happened before. I basically used it of 10 min setting up the operating system and start the migration failure).

You're welcome.

No, there's no telling just what that computer has endured from the previous owner. It's generally advised never to buy a used Mac from an unknown seller. It's too easy to spend money and end up with a door stop.

Just to get back to my question: do you think I could cause any damage by disconnecting the battery and power it via the usb c port? It might be a silly question, but I don’t know.

No, I don't think you'll do any damage to the machine by disconnecting the battery, but there is a chance that the computer won't boot without the battery being properly connected. I don't know if the firmware or OS check for that at startup, so that's just speculative thinking.

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