Hey guys, this is the longest most detailed video that I've ever created. I cut it into chapters so you can easily navigate to the section that you need. I know this is a super complicated issue. If you watch this video and are still confused, it's totally understandable. Even I was overwhelmed by all the different situations. I tried my best to go over each situation that you could be in. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask and I will help you with your situation. I've added 2 clarifications to this video in the comments 👍
Your description and process saved me and my impulsive upgrade with no backup stuck because I had 26Gb available, in a 2017 MacBook Pro. I required a Thunderbolt 3 cable to access via second MBPro. Apple store staff had no idea what I was talking about when I explained .
on target disk mode I don't see the usb sign. thunderbolt I tried one time and it didn't work. why is my target disk mode not working? not reading usb to c type either .... 2014 Mac Pro going on 2020 Mac Pro. thank you
@@Everestkitchen07 Hi Suraj, thank you so much for replying. how would you have fixed it? I ended up ordering the thunderbolt 2.0 and the thunderbolt 3 to 2.0 adaptor cables and followed the recovery steps for Big Sur by deleting the system files , taking some backup [basically making space] , finishing the installation on Mac 2014. my old laptop has now rebooted and I couldn't be happier. it cost me a lot though to get the cables so I would have been preferred a different method, but in the end it was worth it to get the data recovered.
Just got into an issue recently with a customer’s macbook. Didn’t find out that older systems might work w/ target disk. But thank you so much for all the detailed video. I love it.
This video was super helpful for troubleshooting this exact problem that my friend was having. I owe a huge thanks to you finding out that Mojave would let us access his encrypted APFS volume and we had no idea that he was running out of storage space on his main drive. You helped us recover his data and complete the Big Sur software update. Thank you again for your thoroughness and detailed help. Cheers!
I’m a Mac guy, I’m and IT guy and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I spent hours talking with apple and days rebooting for nothing. I’m trying this now, will report if anything wrong happens. Thanks again!
@@Mr.Macintosh it’s a 2017 iMac w/1TB SSD that was enrolled In Monterey beta. On Monterey beta release 5 install did the same as your video. I erased the disk, still the same error. I have installed high sierra all the way to Catalina on different volumes but Big Sur and Monterey are both giving this issue. I just got it to target disk mode but it’s giving me an issue by not showing up on my host machine. Your video is the first one I’ve come across being able to replicate my issue. Anything else you can think of let me know. It’s baffling me why it’s not working.
Just to update, I got into the system but my suspected volume isn’t even 10% full. So, although this error is exactly as mine it appears the issue isn’t the same. I am almost convinced this is on Apples end. I may try to copy a disk to see if that will resolve the issue.
@@Mr.Macintosh thank you for your video. It gave me different ideas for possible solutions. I think I corrupted my drive on my iMac during that beta installation. I was able to install Big Sur and Monterey on a usb drive through my MBA which is running Monterey. Just a heads up that the new version has the same basic settings as Big Sur. Again, thank you for your really helpful video!
I was glued to your videos for hours(!) yesterday during my big sur debacle. It wasnt pretty but thanks to your comprehensive and friendly demos’, my M1 and a very old air both came out alive. My sincere thanks for your time, effort and knowledge!!!
Mr Macintosh, you´re a genius. You saved me from disaster with this video. Though, needed to but that expensive Thunderbolt cable but it was worth it. Thank you so much!
This was INCREDIBLE. Thank you for putting in the time to replicate this error and provide detailed, clear directions for various situations. I specifically benefited from the path in which you used your terminal to delete large files and clear space. Best resource available by far!!
Hi! I’m stuck with the same problem unfortunately :( As this is my first time with terminal, can I maybe DM you and ask about a few steps so I can move forward with my problem? I’m trying to follow the steps on the video but I think I’m probably pressing the wrong keys? 😢 Hopefully you can help me! Thank you so much 😣
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this subject through your incredible video. My wife's Macbook was well and truly locked out due to this issue and we both thought it was a goner, but thanks to your brilliant instructions, I was able to get it back up and running again using the terminal commands and deleting a load of stuff. You are an internet hero!
EDIT: Clarification #2 In the 2nd part 43:50, where I talk about erasing ONLY "Macintosh HD" What I was trying to explain was that on a FileVault encrypted Mac you can use a Catalina or Big Sur Mac as the Target Disk Mode Host. I forgot to move to the Big Sur Mac to demonstrate. You also do not have to boot to recovery. Just plug in the Mac via Target Disk mode on Big Sur, then erase ONLY "Macintosh HD" once complete click mount on "Macintosh HD - Data" and the password will now work! The 2nd part at 49:25 will show you how to finish the upgrade without an erase and reinstall!!
Thanks for this very in depth troubleshooting tutorial. I have just purchased a 13” MacBook Pro M1 and am having a similar issue however, there is ample room on the 250GB HARD DRIVE. I have learned a lot from your RUclips vid above but I haven’t resolved the issue. I think this MB Pro may have had macOS Montgomery on it and the individual I purchased this from may have accidentally erased his Mac HD_Data partition. I have gone through a bunch of RUclips tutorials but none of them have solved my dilemma yet. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob
EDIT: Clarification #1 - I mention an upgrade hidden partition. What I was incorrectly referring to was the hidden partition created when you run a startosinstall erase install. That hidden partition is created to hold the install data because the installer will erase the main drive. In an UPGRADE the big sur data is stored in a folder at the root of the drive called "macOS Install Data".
Dear Mr. Macintosh, thank you so much for putting together such a detailed, timestamped and easily accessible video and article! Not only did you help me diagnose and understand what my specific problem was, but you also gave me a smorgasbord of solution options. One of those solutions worked for me. Apple should GIVE you MONEY! What a lifesaver. Well done champ! You made my day. You, sir, are a true gentleman and a scholar. Greetings from South Africa! #whatabooikie #befok #mainkonyn #maaklos
It is people like you that make the internet great. This is the one of the most thorough and well constructed help videos i've ever seen. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into making this and how clearly you walked through the resolution. I spent my Valentines evening on the phone with my son at college trying to troubleshoot on my own but to no avail. There was nothing on the internet that was of help at all. Coincidentally when i started doing research the next day, you had just posted this video. Its a Valentines Miracle! Thank you!
Big thanks. I was on the dark until your video. I went with the thunderbolt 2 and another laptop solution. Hard drive not encrypted. It reboot now waiting for bigsure to install. Edit: install completed successfully.
This problem happened because of the grid of Apple. Why the hell on earth they decided to sell $1500 devices with 128 Gb SSD ? I had more memory on my first computer back in 2005
Tysm! Apple support were telling me to wipe the hdd. Luckily came across your video and deleted apps through terminal. Saved 6 years of personal files.
Thank you. Thank you. A thousand times thank you. Although I read your article last week, this video is also extremely useful for a first time Mac owner such as myself. Spent 2 hours on the phone with Apple support and was told at the service center that they’d be wiping my MacBook Pro, along with all of my Lightroom edits (the only thing NOT in my iCloud). Luckily I work at a school that has a bunch of Macs with Mojave still on them. After buying a thunderbolt cable, I was able to access my data. Liked, subscribed, and eternally grateful. You rule Mr. Mac!
Hey Mr. Macintosh! We have a 2015 Macbook Pro with what appeared to be the same issue, the one difference being the error message is "an error occured APPLYING the software update" rather than PREPARING. I connected it to my 2012 Macbook Pro with Catalina through thunderbolt cable and tried the steps you presented here. I was able to access the Macintosh HD- Data folder through target disk mode and cleared out 45gigs of space. We then rebooted the problem machine and got the same error result. I then re-connected via target disk mode to check it out and now I cannot access any of the files at all? There is the Macintosh HD, mounted with only 786KB used, 204.97GB other volumes and 45.82GB free. There is also Macintosh HD- Data, mounted with 33KB used, 204.97 GB other volumes and 45.82GB free. There is also a Macintosh HD-Data-Data, which is unmounted and when I try to mount that it doesn't accept my password. There is also two update sections, one with all the update files in it and another that is totally empty as far as i can tell. I am looking for any guidance on what to do next? At this point I am just trying to access the files to get them somewhere else safe. Thank you in advance
My Macbook Pro had this issue encrypted but I managed to start-up Recovery mode using WiFi and access the data inside via terminal. Thanks alot for the guidance! 🙏
My Macbook Pro had this issue encrypted but I managed to start-up Recovery mode using WiFi and access the data inside via terminal. Thanks alot for the guidance! 🙏
Cannot thank you enough, Mr. Mac. I'm going to call Apple and tell them about this. They're telling people like me to erase their Macs. Now I wonder if you can help me save my bricked iPhone they told me to erase haha! I spent days searching forums, created a bootable OS on an external drive, ordered a Thunderbolt adapter and cable, and called Apple multiple times. All to no avail as the password not being accepted prevented any of those solutions from working. I was left with the devastating knowledge that I had lost years of photos. For me the solution that worked was using Target Disk Mode and connecting to my girlfriend's Mac running Big Sur. When in TDM I was prompted to input the password. The password was rejected. But the image of the Mac HD was on my desktop! I could open it and was able to erase Mac HD (not Mac HD - Data!! Don't Do that!). It took several attempts of turning off both MacBooks and restarting the bricked Mac in TDM (command + T), then connecting the Thunderbolt cable. This was a bit glitchy as sometimes I could see the Mac HD drive on my desktop and sometimes I could not. In the end, it remained on the desktop long enough to delete Mac HD. Then I started the bricked Mac in recovery mode, followed by selecting Disk Utility, then I was able to mount Mac HD - Data. I shutdown and restarted in TDM. Connected to host Mac and was able access Mac HD - Data! I moved all of my photos and important files to an external drive plugged into the host Mac.I did not delete everything I had transferred to the external drive because if possible I'd like to keep most of the files on my Mac. I deleted about 45 GBs. Just enough space to attempt to start the bricked Mac. At this stage I thought hmm, will just starting the bricked Mac really make it work again after having deleted Mac HD which I think contained the Operating System Files?? Luckily, I could go back to the sections of your video that pertained to my problem and solution to watch you perform each step. I turned it off to exit TDM. Pressed the power button normally. It went through several rotations of black screen with Apple Logo and a slowly moving progress bar. Finally I see the pink and purple shades of Big Sur OS X and I'm able to login into my user profile. Everything is as it was before I attempted to install Big Sur! Mr MacIntosh, thank you for being so thorough in detailing with easy to follow instructions all of the ways to solve this problem. You are saving so many people from the terrible experience of losing priceless data.
I had this exact issue with a MacBook Air Early 2015, my solution is just to swap the paltry 120GB SSD with a 500GB NVMe drive with adapter and clone the data over!
@@Mr.Macintosh it’s like the paltry 5gig for iCloud. Why not allow it to match the device’s storage space 🤦🏽. Can they afford it? Yes. Would it foster brand goodwill? Yes. Would it eliminate a source of confusion for buyers? Yes.
@@_HMCB_ Hello there. I also have an early 2015 MacBook Air so your solution might work for me. Unfortunately, I don't know what and NVMe drive with adapter is (is it different from a regular external HD?) or how to clone the data over. Could you point me to a resource explaining the process?
Thank you 1000 times - I have not have had this issue but I know I will have customers and friends that will !!! I have never watched a 1 hour you RUclips video before - Worth It - Excelsior !!!!!
When I was editing this video, it became quickly apparent that it would be the longest detailed video that I've ever created. I totally understand that people have a short attention span. Who is going to watch a 1 hour youtube video! haha I figured instead of cutting it up, I would keep it all in one place with chapters. I've seen the stories of computer repair places and Apple Stores struggling with this issue. I hope it helps them and appreciate the comment Shawn!!!
Hello sir, I have same error type but instead it was saying "an error occurred while applying software update", I read the reddit forums and apple support website most of us people are having issues the this problem only. After waching your video I decrypted my apple ssd then ran the installer but same problem occurring again and again even after going to recovery I disk space was 90 gb available. Pls help us suggest some tips to fix this
Mr. Macintosh, I’ve followed your videos instructions but still having issues. I’m desperate to get my Mac back because I have all my businesses info on there. Would you be available for a phone call?! Would be happy to compensate you for your time!
I have a 2014 macbook pro (not t2) thats encrypted with firevault (it won't accept password in recovery mode). Will it work to install macOS Mojave on a external USB and boot from there to delete files? edit: I meant if I install the Mojave on the USB drive from a different computer. I'm planing on installing Mojave on a usb via a windows pc as I dont have acess to another mac. This videos show how: ruclips.net/video/4OpF0jJMJzI/видео.html Old versions of mac os can be downloaded from apples website: support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211683
Just to add my BIG THANKS! This video and your article saved my digital life. I followed the instructions and it worked, I was able to stop the endless loop and get the computer working again without a loss of data. Shame on Apple for putting us through this stressful situation.
Man I cannot explain how grateful and how useful this video this, thanks soooo much you’re a true legend, I followed your steps and fixed my T2 encrypted mac, before seeing your vid I spent 1 hr with apple support which they had no clue what the issue is.
For non-T2 Macs, I have been able to use apfs-fuse in linux to mount the affected drives when macOS refuses to unlock the drive after the failed Big Sur upgrade.
Than you Mr.Macintosh. There is a lot of information I follow your step when I do not have another computer. I have a hard disk, so it does not work like what you say. I stick in this step and now my Mac-pro sticks :(. Could you please help me 😢
This video and your article totally saved the day. THANK YOU! I was finally able to get my working iMac to recognize the password of my broken MBP, so I could access Target Disk mode and free up some space. I am writing this from my now-working MBP! THANK YOU!
Mr Macintosh you are incredible!!! I have sent my laptop to 2 different technicians and both of them told me all of my data was lost due to this problem. I was devastated as this would have meant that all of my university work from the past year (including my final year dissertation) would have been lost. I found your video yesterday and have managed to get all of my data back through target disc mode through a laptop running Mojave. I cannot thank you enough! I wish I could share this with everyone is experiencing this problem😁
Dear Mr. Macintosh, my wife and I can't thank you enough. We had a lot of stress the past few days thinking we might have lost years of work due to this bug... and if it wasn't for you, we'd still be none the wiser. A friend of mine was able to install Mojave on a partition of his iMac... and yes, for the first time in days we have access to our data again. Buying an external drive right now, copying all data, resetting the machine and setting up automatic iCloud backup, time-machine, and regular check-ins. We walked away with a black eye, for sure, but if it wasn't for you... it would have been a broken heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you! [Also, I think this is the first time I ever commented on a RUclips video]
Alex, thanks for writing in! Let's be honest, with everything going on it is hard to focus on computer backups. In this case you researched found this video and fixed it yourself! Now you not going to let this happen again because you have a backup. This is the right path an you will never have to worry about your data again! I'm really glad that you got your Mac up again going again 👍
Thank you Mr. Macintosh, you have no idea how much this has helped me. This issue happened to me on Wednesday, I found your blog on Thursday, and you had a solution by Sunday. The timing was unbelievable and I am so grateful for your work. I had to use the final solution you provided because my friend's Macbook already updated to Big Sur. One thing to note was that I had to purchase a thunderbolt cable and a thunderbolt to USB-C adapter just to connect my 2013 model to his 2016 model! Anyway, I really appreciate this video. Thanks again.
Did you use the MacBook with Big Sur on it to fix yours? There is a part of the video that I don’t understand. He says that you can’t use the Bigsur MacBook to fix yours unless you delete the hard drive of your own MacBook. An than he deletes the hard drive with the Mojave MacBook... How can I delete the hard drive when I don’t even have excess to a Mojave MacBook in the fist place...? maybe I’m totally wrong and it’s just my overstressed dumbass self that has overlooked something ;) (I got a encrypted MacBook late 14 myself, with the same problem, I ordered a thunderbolt cable yesterday... should arrive tomorrow, but I can’t find anyone with Mojave...) your answer will immensely appreciated ;)!
Hello! First of all thank you for this video! Saved all my data! For other side, I had the last scenario you've explaneid, but a little different, I had to REinstall the MacOs, and created me another partition with new users and all stuff, how can I get my old user and applications set as primary for deleting this new "Macintosh HD Data" (it's different as you've explained, I can send you screen shots so you can add one more possibility to your awesome video!)
While this video was very helpful I found a much easier solution. Simply shut down and hold the option key while booting, it will then let you select the disc and sign into wifi. From there you can boot into your normal login GUI and delete whatever is needed. Thanks so much for all the work in troubleshooting this pain.
I’m still having trouble. I typed in ls /Volumes/ and it didn’t say the same thing your terminal answered. Mines answered by saying .fseventsd Macintosh Hd - Data - Data- Data- Data macOS Base System
@@Mr.Macintosh aaand IT WORKED! I went to the physical apple store to get second mac to be able to perform this fixing process. Well, they gave it to me somehow. The guys there were all like "what are you even doing" ahaha, not many people here (in ukraine) know that this problem exists. You saved all my files from being erased forever. This is awesome, Im so thankful you can't imagine! I just took the files from my mac (in a hard drive mode) and sent them to my phone via airdrop. And then installed Big Sur as for a brand new mac. Put files back from my phone via airdrop and that was it. Thank you so much again! Im your fan forever)
Can you please help me? I’m desperate. I don’t have another Mac... I am willing to do a hard reset but it won’t let me because it won’t recognize my password
Mandy, you are in the most serious of situations. If you want to erase and NOT rescue your data you can enter recovery and you will be prompted to enter in your password. Go to the menu bar at the top and click "Erase Mac" follow the instructions and you can reinstall. If you want to save your data and the OS all you need is access to another Mac.
Thank God I found you before I did anything!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!! Saved all my files and recovered everything!!!! Wow!!! Even Apple didn’t help me. This video is great!!!!
When chatting to Customer Care I was literally asked ‘Can you tell me what’s the big issue with losing your data? At least you still have your laptop, I don’t see the issue’... Have since lost everything and now there seems so be a glitch with my screen, it appears it’s the hardware as I’ve tried everything else possible. Not sure if Big Sur has caused this but it was working fine beforehand. Big Sur has been an absolute nightmare.
@@Mr.Macintosh I was completely taken a back when she said it. As my Mac is logging on there’s a static flicker that occurs. The screen continues to flicker ever so slightly, yet still noticeable when my Mac is on. The colouring of images/pictures on my screen is totally off, it’s like a digital art drawing. I’m totally lost as to how this has happened. I’m now going to have to bring it to either an Apple store or someone to have a further look at it.
You sir are a humungous help. I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful multiple explanations. I was able to use the terminal window to clear space and deploy big Shit (Big Sur). Not sure what kind of QA they have in Cupertino, maybe they are in a mind-altering stupor to deploy something with such a gaping hole. The Apple store imbeciles wanted me to format and install Big Shit. Yes, I know I should back up blah blah blah who the hell has time? Yeah, now I backup good lessons learned ;) Thank you again, Mr. Macintosh you are the true genius, not those denigrates at the Apple store.
Thank you Mr.Mcintosh, you just made me cry, because I was able to retrieve my desktop folders, when my IT Support could not even fathom how to think of a fix!
Great video! Just wish I would have seen this and known about it before I did my upgrade. Lost everything. Had a backup but it was over 2 month old. So lost all data after that. Tried to recover no success. Horrible that Apple releases something like this and then does not patch right away.
What a bummer J Dutch. :( I'm just glad you had that 2 month old backup. Some users lost everything :( not trying to downplay your situation but it sure put things into perspective.
Got stuck on "about 29 minutes remaining" Did all the reboots and disk utility not working. I have a 1 T drive on my mac mini and have 911GB free still will not upgrade to Bug Sur any ideas?
You might be on to something Jannis! A new series "What will happen if I do "this" to a Mac?" I could put a surprised face in the thumbnail along with a bunch of red arrows 🤣👍
Thank you very much for this amazing video. I encountered this exact issue yesterday and discovered this morning that you posted this video on the same day. I haven't quite gotten to the solution yet because I'm pretty inexperienced with IT trouble shooting. I have an early 2015 MacBook Air so I don't have USB C/Thunderbolt ports. Is it possible to perform the Target Disk Mode solution with regular USB cables or with Thunderbolt-to-USB adaptors? I actually have two early 2015 MacBook Airs - exact same model, bought at the same time - so if the fix is possible with a regular USB connection cable then I could try that. And if the above is not possible, then is there a way to move my files to an external drive using the terminal? You are explaining how to get to the terminal to remove some files and create space but I would prefer not deleting files. So if there is a way to move them to an external drive somehow, that would be preferable. Thanks in advance for any help!
Hello! The good news is, your Macbook Air DOES have one thunderbolt 2 port on the right hand side! You can use this port and a ThunderBolt 2 cable to connect both Macs together to save your data 👍If you want to use terminal in recovery you can do that also! Just plug in an external USB and use the cp or copy command. Example - cp -R /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD\ -\ Data/Users/yourusernamehere/Desktop /Volumes/USBDrive
@@Mr.Macintosh I was able to fix it by installing Big Sur on an external HD, booting into it, moving files over to the external, then upgraded to Big Sur on my MacBook and moved the files back. Thanks again for the excellent video! It saved my day!
I was able to bypass the loop by shutting down, then immediately holding the Option button after powering on, and selecting the Macintosh HD startup option.
Many thanks for this video. Unfortunately, I am on standby for your video using Big Sur, as I have already upgraded my Host computer to Big Sur! Nevertheless, your video - which I first found via your blog- was SUPER useful!! Awaiting your video using Big Sur 😅 Many thanks again!
Will target disk mode work with a thunderbolt 2 cable? Your article specifically mentioned thunderbolt 3 so just wondering if I can use a thunderbolt 2 cable to connect my MacBook to an older iMac (both have thunderbolt 2 ports) or if I’d need to use the adapter and connect to my dads newer MacBook that has a thunderbolt 3 port
@@Mr.Macintosh yes that would be very helpful. I tried USB-C to USB-A and it did not work. I‘m not sure wheter thats because of the cable or my ten year old mac running on high sierra. But probably the cable is the problem because apple states that you can only use lightning and firewire cables for TDM.
Thank you for this video! I’ve successfully used target disk mode to transfer files to my wife’s Mac and cleared 75 gigs of space on my Mac. But when I restart the computer it’s still giving me the error message. 🤷🏻♂️
OMG! Thank you so much! You saved my MacBook Air 2015😭 I had everything on there and my personal statement that I need to apply to MS program soon! I’m subscribed to you!
Hi Mr. Macintosh, first of all thank you so much for such a helpful video, I really appreciate the time you put into it. I'm working on a 2015 MacBook Pro but my issue is that it doesn't have a thunderbolt input. Do you know of any alternative adaptors that I could use? I've tried with a thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor but my working computer didn't recognize my problem computer. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance!
Jorge, your 2015 MBPro has 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports that accept incoming and outgoing data. If you put your problem mac in TDM and your 2015 does not read it we have to troubleshoot. The first thing is to reboot the 2015. Does it show up now? If not do you see it in disk Utility ?
@@Mr.Macintosh Hi, thanks for replying so quickly. After some confusion I see that my issue is that I don't have the thunderbolt cable. I realized I was looking for the wrong input so in that aspect we are all set. So I just placed an order for a thunderbolt cable (I did some research and realized none of the cables and adapters I own could do the work) and will have to wait for that (arrives around Saturday 20th). Thanks again for your help and hard work, have a nice Sunday!
@@sierracero You bet! Keep that Mac safe until that cable arrives. The last thing you want to is to bring it in for repair only for them to tell you that the HD needs to be erased 😰 Please let me know how it goes!
@@Mr.Macintosh Related to Jorge, my Macbook that's stuck in update loop is 2015 (previously running Mojave OS) and I don't have a thunderbolt cable. I will order one, and try to hook up to my partner's 2019 Macbook, but I can't tell if I need an adapter to connect thunderbolt with the newer Macbook which is running Big Sur OS. Any idea? Also wondering if it's possible to just go BACK to Mojave? Feel like I got burned big time trying to update. :( Thank you so much for your videos and help.
Hi Mr Macintosh, Thanks for the explanation video. I have an issue when i trry to connect my Imac late 2015 through thunderbolt 2 to a macbook pro M1 2020 with a thunderbolt 3 acces. Nothing happens, i do not see any drive popping up to acces. The Macbook pro is runnung on Mojave. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks a lot
Thank´s a lot for the video! I have 2 questions: How do I know if my Mac is encypted with filevault??? And what cable do I need to use for the target disk mode if my Mac is from 2016? Is it a normal double-en usb??? THANKS A LOT!!!
wow thank you thank you thank you!! you deserve an award seriously. was able to delete files from the terminal part in recovery mode. i couldn't use my laptop for a week. watched this with my friend who has some knowledge of coding and she was able to help me follow this better. will definitely direct people to your channel in the future!!
Guys I’m here to tell you it actually worked. Idk about an encrypted maC, but after 4 long days I managed to get the Big Sur to update my mac. And I had only 6 free gb to which I got to 36.5! Terminal is easy once you get used to it, so don’t give up!!! Tbh though on my first try I accidentally deleted desktop 😅
Thank you a lot Mr Macintosh, my parents were on the verge of getting a new mac and I really didn’t want to “waste” money getting a second laptop within 2 years.. THANK YOU
@@Mr.Macintosh Thank you sir! your description was very easy and clear to follow, I am glad I decided to search the problem on RUclips.... Also I wanted to know if I am able to retrieve the Desktop I deleted from terminal ( it had some important files but it’s alright if unable as I can maybe make them again)
Hello, thanks for this video!! But i got a problem, when i connect it to another mac (mac OS Sierra) via thunderbolt i see the macintosh HD in external harddisk but there is no place to add my password to encrypt my mac. Have you got any solution or tip where i can put my password? Thanks (i got macbook air 2015)
Hello Richard, Are you saying that when you plug it in you see "Macintosh HD" on your desktop? If so check in disk utility do you see "Macintosh HD - Data" greyed out?
Thank you so much for creating this video, Mr Macintosh! The "deleting system volume" trick helped me recover my macbook when all hope was lost. Much respect for your expertise and efforts! Subscribed!
This is so helpful thank you! However I have a question- I was able to use your instructions to get into my hard drive and rescue my files and delete them, but when i tried to let it reboot and finish installing Big Sur, I left it overnight and it is still trapped at a partial loading bar and has not moved. I deleted everything i possibly could to make space I don’t know what else could be wrong.
Having the same problem as per the last Big Sur update now 11.6 is giving the same problem as in it downloads but can never finish the install, tried the Safari update that was bundled with 11.6 separately and that worked but the big sur won't. last time I had this problem you sent me a link to download the update without going through the app store.
Hi, i ran into same issue, thx for your post. My system did not want to upgrade to Big Sur. I "fixed" it by rebuilding my internal HD by cloning from a Carbon Copy BackUp. I have FileVault on. Now i need to ugrade to 11.6 from 11.5.2. I am having similar issues . My system runs the installer and reboots, but then it falls back booting to 11.5.2. Not sure if i should try rebuilding the system, or deleteing systemsnapshot to force some upgrade, i am afraid i am running into a similar issue. Proble statement. Macbook Pro 15inch 2017 , 80 Gig free space, 11.6. update installs the system and reboots , but system "falls back" to 11.5.2
Thank you. But I am still stuck. My page is showing the box an error occurred … however my screen is ALL BLACK The top of my screen shoes Apple sign , macOS update assistant, file, edit, format, view, window and help tabs! I am unable to access/ view the free space I have?? I don’t know where to go from here and do not know how to access free space !! As you said I probably don’t have enough space. Plse kindly advise. I am an absolute novice.!! 🙏🏽 Also do I need 3 screens?
If you made a backup before installation and get this error on an encrypted device, should you just erase, reinstall, get your important files back from the backup?
Hello, If the instructions for fixing the issue are difficult than that would work fine. but I would try to fix first as you would not have to reinstall and restore.
Mr Macintosh, thanks fort this detailed video about this issue. I am an IT and I got a MacBook Air A1466 2014m wich was in a logo loop and not booting, I Enter Recovery, try to repair the disk, and nothin, tried to reinstall Mac OS and I got the error of no enough free space I checked and the drive was full, I went to terminal, and made a backup of all the user data to an external drive. then deleted the drive and restart in Internet Recovery mode, deleted all partitions, and installed the Mac OS Maveric, the computer booted just fine, I updated to Catalina and it was OK, then I updated to Big Sur. restored the user data and when I thought everything was just fine I closed the lid of the laptop to deliver ir to the user. When I took the MacBook after several hour to give it to the user, the battery was hot (the palm rest section was hot) instantly after opening the lid the desktop showed up just fine but suddenly the computer hang and booted into the logo loop again. I went to recovery mode, repaired the disk, and it booted just fine again, but freeze again and boot loop again. What is going on here?
So I have a 2015 MacBook Pro and the External hard drive way work. Was able to transfer my personal stuff to the hard drive and delete things to make space. But it’s still doing same thing doesn’t show hard drive on startup disk. Any idea?
i took my machine to the geeks, and they said that my only option was to wipe my drive... i figured i could do that myself and luckily, i found your video. you legit saved my files. thank you!
Awesome Wes! That should have been my first warning "DO NOT BRING YOUR MAC TO ANY SERVICE SHOP FOR THIS ISSUE IF YOU WANT TO RETAIN YOUR DATA!!!" I joke but sadly over the past month this has happened to hundreds of users :(
Great video!!! I had the problem with a Filevault encrypted disk... I didn't have a thunderbolt 3 cable, so I used a bootable USB stick instead. Here's the bootable USB method: Reformat it to APFS and then install Catalina (you can choose another OS version) there. (notice that creating a bootable USB is different from creating a USB OS installer) Then, boot from the USB by holding Option at startup and choosing the USB. I was finally able to access Disk Utility, therefore being able to delete Machintosh HD, mount Machintosh HD - Data and free up some space!
Eleven months have passed when you released this video. Evidently Apple does not care about fixing this update issue. I’ve tried to do the update and I am stuck on this “not enough space available” I only have a MacBook Pro… no other Mac computer. I did the external hard drive update option. It did work the update… my problem now is that, I can see the data drive but, I can not see the files. Wondering if the issue is because the internal drive is an ssd and the external drive is mechanical one without not enough power to keep up the the internal one. Can someone help me out with this one? Do I need an external drive with a power adapter… maybe?
Hey there, I wanted to follow up on my old comment. So at about minute 40:00 of your video you are mentioning what to do if we dont have a second Apple device and seconds later you are pulling the Mojave device. What is left for people that indeed do not have a second device themselves nor family or friends? I did understand that I can have a 2nd device that is either Catalina or Big Sur and delete the Macintosh Hard Drive so that way the system will not be locked and we get into recovery mode. But again, I just do not have access to any Apple Mac Book device, what are my options?
Hi im in terminal trying to type the command ls /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/ -\Data/ but its not working any tips? If i can get a reply as soon as possible it would be greatly appreciated as i need to fix my computer for school
Hi, please, could you do a video explaining the process with just an external hard disk? I don’t have another Mac and with the third option you provided is not working for me. Thanks
I don't understand how could you go to the Disk Utility or the recovery mode from the Error page without a second macbook(to free some space). By command + r? it doesn't work
This is going to cause me to break my MacBook in half. I’m assuming apple won’t do anything about this to fix older Mac’s without charging a bunch of money
Thank you so much! Just one question regarding fixing an encrypted mac using TDM on Catalina host mac, after I used target disk mode to free space on my macbook pro the Big Sur installation was able to complete however when I reach the setup stage for Big Sur it asks me to either create a new user or migrate my existing user (which I cannot do because that would double the storage needed). After doing an inspection in Disk Utility in recovery mode it is apparent that Big Sur has installed its own "Macintosh HD" for the OS and "Macintosh HD - Data" for user data (which in this case is empty) in its own partition whilst ignoring my existing data which is in an unmounted volume called "Macintosh HD - Data". So to clarify Big Sur has created its own volume group (Mac HD, Mac HD - Data, both mounted) and my original data and files (Mac HD - Data, unmounted) are not part of that. I have tried to delete the partition containing Big Sur and reinstall it from recovery mode however this has not changed anything. Is there any way to solve this without copying my data off the hard drive, wiping my exisiting partition and then transferring my data back onto the new Big Sur data partition?
Nayan Kad, I go over this situation at the very end of my video. The difference is that on my test the OS reconized the user and let me log in. In yours it seems to not be able to unlock the old DATA volume. Maybe you could create a new user then copy the data from your old to new. That should do the trick let me know if that works!
Finally got the right cable to connect my MacBook to the iMac. (The iMac is the one with the message). I was able to get in and move/ delete files and now it says there are 168gb available on the HD. I emptied the trash with the empty trash selection on the MacBook. Still got the same message when I tried to restart the iMac. Is there something else I need to do with the iMac HD while connected?
![Big Sur Upgrade Not Enough Free Space [UPDATE] NEW FIXES for TDM & ENCRYPTED Mac Step-by-Step Guide!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/O8d939VAPU8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Big Sur Upgrade Not Enough Free Space [UPDATE] NEW FIXES for TDM & ENCRYPTED Mac Step-by-Step Guide!](/img/tr.png)
![Big Sur on older Macs [2008-2013] ULTIMATE GUIDE! OpenCore Legacy Patcher for Unsupported Macs](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/znlhI6f7x1Q/mqdefault.jpg)
![How To Backup & Restore Time Machine on OCLP Mac [FULL GUIDE]](/img/1.gif)
Hey guys, this is the longest most detailed video that I've ever created. I cut it into chapters so you can easily navigate to the section that you need. I know this is a super complicated issue. If you watch this video and are still confused, it's totally understandable. Even I was overwhelmed by all the different situations. I tried my best to go over each situation that you could be in. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask and I will help you with your situation. I've added 2 clarifications to this video in the comments 👍
Can I just send you my laptop so you could get this done for me 😂
Your description and process saved me and my impulsive upgrade with no backup stuck because I had 26Gb available, in a 2017 MacBook Pro. I required a Thunderbolt 3 cable to access via second MBPro. Apple store staff had no idea what I was talking about when I explained .
on target disk mode I don't see the usb sign. thunderbolt I tried one time and it didn't work. why is my target disk mode not working? not reading usb to c type either .... 2014 Mac Pro going on 2020 Mac Pro. thank you
@@nashik807 i can help u miss way easier then this i had same problem before and i got the solution super easy
@@Everestkitchen07 Hi Suraj, thank you so much for replying. how would you have fixed it? I ended up ordering the thunderbolt 2.0 and the thunderbolt 3 to 2.0 adaptor cables and followed the recovery steps for Big Sur by deleting the system files , taking some backup [basically making space] , finishing the installation on Mac 2014. my old laptop has now rebooted and I couldn't be happier. it cost me a lot though to get the cables so I would have been preferred a different method, but in the end it was worth it to get the data recovered.
Just got into an issue recently with a customer’s macbook. Didn’t find out that older systems might work w/ target disk. But thank you so much for all the detailed video. I love it.
You bet András! thanks for the comment!
This video was super helpful for troubleshooting this exact problem that my friend was having. I owe a huge thanks to you finding out that Mojave would let us access his encrypted APFS volume and we had no idea that he was running out of storage space on his main drive. You helped us recover his data and complete the Big Sur software update. Thank you again for your thoroughness and detailed help. Cheers!
Luke, thanks for writing in. I'm really glad that you were able to help your friend! I bet this person was super happy👍
I’m a Mac guy, I’m and IT guy and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I spent hours talking with apple and days rebooting for nothing. I’m trying this now, will report if anything wrong happens. Thanks again!
Keith, thank you! Question, was this an update or upgrade that caused this issue?
@@Mr.Macintosh it’s a 2017 iMac w/1TB SSD that was enrolled In Monterey beta. On Monterey beta release 5 install did the same as your video. I erased the disk, still the same error. I have installed high sierra all the way to Catalina on different volumes but Big Sur and Monterey are both giving this issue. I just got it to target disk mode but it’s giving me an issue by not showing up on my host machine. Your video is the first one I’ve come across being able to replicate my issue. Anything else you can think of let me know. It’s baffling me why it’s not working.
Just to update, I got into the system but my suspected volume isn’t even 10% full. So, although this error is exactly as mine it appears the issue isn’t the same. I am almost convinced this is on Apples end. I may try to copy a disk to see if that will resolve the issue.
Thanks for the detailed response Keith. Yes, even though the error in this video was for an out of space issue it seems like your issue was different.
@@Mr.Macintosh thank you for your video. It gave me different ideas for possible solutions. I think I corrupted my drive on my iMac during that beta installation. I was able to install Big Sur and Monterey on a usb drive through my MBA which is running Monterey. Just a heads up that the new version has the same basic settings as Big Sur. Again, thank you for your really helpful video!
I was glued to your videos for hours(!) yesterday during my big sur debacle. It wasnt pretty but thanks to your comprehensive and friendly demos’, my M1 and a very old air both came out alive. My sincere thanks for your time, effort and knowledge!!!
Glad I could help Magoo!!!! 👍
Mr Macintosh, you´re a genius. You saved me from disaster with this video. Though, needed to but that expensive Thunderbolt cable but it was worth it. Thank you so much!
This was INCREDIBLE. Thank you for putting in the time to replicate this error and provide detailed, clear directions for various situations. I specifically benefited from the path in which you used your terminal to delete large files and clear space. Best resource available by far!!
Hi! I’m stuck with the same problem unfortunately :( As this is my first time with terminal, can I maybe DM you and ask about a few steps so I can move forward with my problem? I’m trying to follow the steps on the video but I think I’m probably pressing the wrong keys? 😢 Hopefully you can help me! Thank you so much 😣
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this subject through your incredible video. My wife's Macbook was well and truly locked out due to this issue and we both thought it was a goner, but thanks to your brilliant instructions, I was able to get it back up and running again using the terminal commands and deleting a load of stuff. You are an internet hero!
AMAZING!!! Thank you so much!!! 110% recomended!!
Awesome help thankyou so much, i tried the terminal method and success. Hats off to your help.
Nice work saving that mac IT Admin! Thanks for the comment 👍
EDIT: Clarification #2 In the 2nd part 43:50, where I talk about erasing ONLY "Macintosh HD" What I was trying to explain was that on a FileVault encrypted Mac you can use a Catalina or Big Sur Mac as the Target Disk Mode Host. I forgot to move to the Big Sur Mac to demonstrate. You also do not have to boot to recovery. Just plug in the Mac via Target Disk mode on Big Sur, then erase ONLY "Macintosh HD" once complete click mount on "Macintosh HD - Data" and the password will now work! The 2nd part at 49:25 will show you how to finish the upgrade without an erase and reinstall!!
@Francisco Pinheiro Same i have this error, pls help
@Francisco Pinheiro Im sorry but im not quite sure what you mean by highlighted comment?
@Francisco Pinheiro Well in my situation, its the exact same error as yours when i try to erase the Macintosh HD. Did you find a fix for this error?
Thanks for this very in depth troubleshooting tutorial. I have just purchased a 13” MacBook Pro M1 and am having a similar issue however, there is ample room on the 250GB HARD DRIVE. I have learned a lot from your RUclips vid above but I haven’t resolved the issue. I think this MB Pro may have had macOS Montgomery on it and the individual I purchased this from may have accidentally erased his Mac HD_Data partition. I have gone through a bunch of RUclips tutorials but none of them have solved my dilemma yet. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
EDIT: Clarification #1 - I mention an upgrade hidden partition. What I was incorrectly referring to was the hidden partition created when you run a startosinstall erase install. That hidden partition is created to hold the install data because the installer will erase the main drive. In an UPGRADE the big sur data is stored in a folder at the root of the drive called "macOS Install Data".
Dear Mr. Macintosh, thank you so much for putting together such a detailed, timestamped and easily accessible video and article! Not only did you help me diagnose and understand what my specific problem was, but you also gave me a smorgasbord of solution options. One of those solutions worked for me. Apple should GIVE you MONEY! What a lifesaver. Well done champ! You made my day. You, sir, are a true gentleman and a scholar. Greetings from South Africa! #whatabooikie #befok #mainkonyn #maaklos
Thank you very much Willim, I really appreciate the comments :)
@@Mr.Macintosh No, thank YOU!
It is people like you that make the internet great. This is the one of the most thorough and well constructed help videos i've ever seen. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into making this and how clearly you walked through the resolution. I spent my Valentines evening on the phone with my son at college trying to troubleshoot on my own but to no avail. There was nothing on the internet that was of help at all. Coincidentally when i started doing research the next day, you had just posted this video. Its a Valentines Miracle! Thank you!
Tom, right back at you! Honestly it's comments like this that keep me going! I really do appreciate it, thank you very much. 👍
Big thanks. I was on the dark until your video. I went with the thunderbolt 2 and another laptop solution. Hard drive not encrypted. It reboot now waiting for bigsure to install.
Edit: install completed successfully.
Glad I could help, nice work Lahcene!!
Thank you, your article helped a lot. Especially to calm down and realize that there is a solution.
This problem happened because of the grid of Apple. Why the hell on earth they decided to sell $1500 devices with 128 Gb SSD ? I had more memory on my first computer back in 2005
Tysm! Apple support were telling me to wipe the hdd. Luckily came across your video and deleted apps through terminal. Saved 6 years of personal files.
Glad I could help and you could save your files Hazza!
Thank you for telling me my Mac is full and I though something would go wrong if I updateed
Thank you. Thank you. A thousand times thank you. Although I read your article last week, this video is also extremely useful for a first time Mac owner such as myself. Spent 2 hours on the phone with Apple support and was told at the service center that they’d be wiping my MacBook Pro, along with all of my Lightroom edits (the only thing NOT in my iCloud). Luckily I work at a school that has a bunch of Macs with Mojave still on them. After buying a thunderbolt cable, I was able to access my data.
Liked, subscribed, and eternally grateful. You rule Mr. Mac!
Awesome James, thank you! I'm really glad you were able to save your data 👍
Hey Mr. Macintosh! We have a 2015 Macbook Pro with what appeared to be the same issue, the one difference being the error message is "an error occured APPLYING the software update" rather than PREPARING. I connected it to my 2012 Macbook Pro with Catalina through thunderbolt cable and tried the steps you presented here. I was able to access the Macintosh HD- Data folder through target disk mode and cleared out 45gigs of space. We then rebooted the problem machine and got the same error result.
I then re-connected via target disk mode to check it out and now I cannot access any of the files at all? There is the Macintosh HD, mounted with only 786KB used, 204.97GB other volumes and 45.82GB free. There is also Macintosh HD- Data, mounted with 33KB used, 204.97 GB other volumes and 45.82GB free. There is also a Macintosh HD-Data-Data, which is unmounted and when I try to mount that it doesn't accept my password. There is also two update sections, one with all the update files in it and another that is totally empty as far as i can tell.
I am looking for any guidance on what to do next? At this point I am just trying to access the files to get them somewhere else safe.
Thank you in advance
Thank you so much. That saved me a lot of time troubleshooting my sisters MacBook.
My Macbook Pro had this issue encrypted but I managed to start-up Recovery mode using WiFi and access the data inside via terminal. Thanks alot for the guidance! 🙏
My Macbook Pro had this issue encrypted but I managed to start-up Recovery mode using WiFi and access the data inside via terminal. Thanks alot for the guidance! 🙏
Cannot thank you enough, Mr. Mac. I'm going to call Apple and tell them about this. They're telling people like me to erase their Macs. Now I wonder if you can help me save my bricked iPhone they told me to erase haha! I spent days searching forums, created a bootable OS on an external drive, ordered a Thunderbolt adapter and cable, and called Apple multiple times. All to no avail as the password not being accepted prevented any of those solutions from working. I was left with the devastating knowledge that I had lost years of photos. For me the solution that worked was using Target Disk Mode and connecting to my girlfriend's Mac running Big Sur. When in TDM I was prompted to input the password. The password was rejected. But the image of the Mac HD was on my desktop! I could open it and was able to erase Mac HD (not Mac HD - Data!! Don't Do that!). It took several attempts of turning off both MacBooks and restarting the bricked Mac in TDM (command + T), then connecting the Thunderbolt cable. This was a bit glitchy as sometimes I could see the Mac HD drive on my desktop and sometimes I could not. In the end, it remained on the desktop long enough to delete Mac HD. Then I started the bricked Mac in recovery mode, followed by selecting Disk Utility, then I was able to mount Mac HD - Data. I shutdown and restarted in TDM. Connected to host Mac and was able access Mac HD - Data! I moved all of my photos and important files to an external drive plugged into the host Mac.I did not delete everything I had transferred to the external drive because if possible I'd like to keep most of the files on my Mac. I deleted about 45 GBs. Just enough space to attempt to start the bricked Mac. At this stage I thought hmm, will just starting the bricked Mac really make it work again after having deleted Mac HD which I think contained the Operating System Files?? Luckily, I could go back to the sections of your video that pertained to my problem and solution to watch you perform each step. I turned it off to exit TDM. Pressed the power button normally. It went through several rotations of black screen with Apple Logo and a slowly moving progress bar. Finally I see the pink and purple shades of Big Sur OS X and I'm able to login into my user profile. Everything is as it was before I attempted to install Big Sur! Mr MacIntosh, thank you for being so thorough in detailing with easy to follow instructions all of the ways to solve this problem. You are saving so many people from the terrible experience of losing priceless data.
Thank you, I enjoyed reading your experience! I'm so glad you were able save your data! Nice work 👍
Thank you so much. I used clean data via terminal.
How did you even access terminal? I cant find it in my pulldown menus at all
I had this exact issue with a MacBook Air Early 2015, my solution is just to swap the paltry 120GB SSD with a 500GB NVMe drive with adapter and clone the data over!
I don't understand why Apple would put a 128GB SSD in a Mac, It's way too small!!!
@@Mr.Macintosh it’s like the paltry 5gig for iCloud. Why not allow it to match the device’s storage space 🤦🏽. Can they afford it? Yes. Would it foster brand goodwill? Yes. Would it eliminate a source of confusion for buyers? Yes.
@@_HMCB_ Hello there. I also have an early 2015 MacBook Air so your solution might work for me. Unfortunately, I don't know what and NVMe drive with adapter is (is it different from a regular external HD?) or how to clone the data over. Could you point me to a resource explaining the process?
@@idrawbadly1015 I think you meant to reply to Andrew. 😂
I did indeed! Thanks for making me aware.
Thank you 1000 times - I have not have had this issue but I know I will have customers and friends that will !!! I have never watched a 1 hour you RUclips video before - Worth It - Excelsior !!!!!
When I was editing this video, it became quickly apparent that it would be the longest detailed video that I've ever created. I totally understand that people have a short attention span. Who is going to watch a 1 hour youtube video! haha I figured instead of cutting it up, I would keep it all in one place with chapters. I've seen the stories of computer repair places and Apple Stores struggling with this issue. I hope it helps them and appreciate the comment Shawn!!!
Hello sir, I have same error type but instead it was saying "an error occurred while applying software update", I read the reddit forums and apple support website most of us people are having issues the this problem only. After waching your video I decrypted my apple ssd then ran the installer but same problem occurring again and again even after going to recovery I disk space was 90 gb available. Pls help us suggest some tips to fix this
Mr. Macintosh, I’ve followed your videos instructions but still having issues. I’m desperate to get my Mac back because I have all my businesses info on there. Would you be available for a phone call?! Would be happy to compensate you for your time!
I have a 2014 macbook pro (not t2) thats encrypted with firevault (it won't accept password in recovery mode). Will it work to install macOS Mojave on a external USB and boot from there to delete files?
edit: I meant if I install the Mojave on the USB drive from a different computer. I'm planing on installing Mojave on a usb via a windows pc as I dont have acess to another mac. This videos show how:
ruclips.net/video/4OpF0jJMJzI/видео.html
Old versions of mac os can be downloaded from apples website: support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211683
Just to add my BIG THANKS! This video and your article saved my digital life. I followed the instructions and it worked, I was able to stop the endless loop and get the computer working again without a loss of data. Shame on Apple for putting us through this stressful situation.
I'm glad you got your files back and mac up and running again!!!
Man I cannot explain how grateful and how useful this video this, thanks soooo much you’re a true legend, I followed your steps and fixed my T2 encrypted mac, before seeing your vid I spent 1 hr with apple support which they had no clue what the issue is.
Glad it helped M M !!!
For non-T2 Macs, I have been able to use apfs-fuse in linux to mount the affected drives when macOS refuses to unlock the drive after the failed Big Sur upgrade.
Followed your video, I was able to successfully bring my mac air back , thank you
Glad it helped Srihari!!!
Than you Mr.Macintosh. There is a lot of information I follow your step when I do not have another computer. I have a hard disk, so it does not work like what you say. I stick in this step and now my Mac-pro sticks :(. Could you please help me 😢
This video and your article totally saved the day. THANK YOU! I was finally able to get my working iMac to recognize the password of my broken MBP, so I could access Target Disk mode and free up some space. I am writing this from my now-working MBP! THANK YOU!
Glad it helped Bill!!! 👍
Mr Macintosh you are incredible!!! I have sent my laptop to 2 different technicians and both of them told me all of my data was lost due to this problem. I was devastated as this would have meant that all of my university work from the past year (including my final year dissertation) would have been lost. I found your video yesterday and have managed to get all of my data back through target disc mode through a laptop running Mojave. I cannot thank you enough! I wish I could share this with everyone is experiencing this problem😁
Lara, that's great news! I'm really glad that you were able to rescue your data 👍
Dear Mr. Macintosh, my wife and I can't thank you enough. We had a lot of stress the past few days thinking we might have lost years of work due to this bug... and if it wasn't for you, we'd still be none the wiser. A friend of mine was able to install Mojave on a partition of his iMac... and yes, for the first time in days we have access to our data again. Buying an external drive right now, copying all data, resetting the machine and setting up automatic iCloud backup, time-machine, and regular check-ins. We walked away with a black eye, for sure, but if it wasn't for you... it would have been a broken heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
[Also, I think this is the first time I ever commented on a RUclips video]
Alex, thanks for writing in! Let's be honest, with everything going on it is hard to focus on computer backups. In this case you researched found this video and fixed it yourself! Now you not going to let this happen again because you have a backup. This is the right path an you will never have to worry about your data again! I'm really glad that you got your Mac up again going again 👍
Thank you Mr. Macintosh, you have no idea how much this has helped me. This issue happened to me on Wednesday, I found your blog on Thursday, and you had a solution by Sunday. The timing was unbelievable and I am so grateful for your work. I had to use the final solution you provided because my friend's Macbook already updated to Big Sur. One thing to note was that I had to purchase a thunderbolt cable and a thunderbolt to USB-C adapter just to connect my 2013 model to his 2016 model! Anyway, I really appreciate this video. Thanks again.
Ricky, thank you for your comments! I'm really glad that you got your Mac up and running again 👍
Did you use the MacBook with Big Sur on it to fix yours? There is a part of the video that I don’t understand. He says that you can’t use the Bigsur MacBook to fix yours unless you delete the hard drive of your own MacBook. An than he deletes the hard drive with the Mojave MacBook... How can I delete the hard drive when I don’t even have excess to a Mojave MacBook in the fist place...? maybe I’m totally wrong and it’s just my overstressed dumbass self that has overlooked something ;) (I got a encrypted MacBook late 14 myself, with the same problem, I ordered a thunderbolt cable yesterday... should arrive tomorrow, but I can’t find anyone with Mojave...) your answer will immensely appreciated ;)!
@@woutaccou I have the same problem. i have no access to another mac user where i am at. I have no idea what to do.
Hello! First of all thank you for this video! Saved all my data! For other side, I had the last scenario you've explaneid, but a little different, I had to REinstall the MacOs, and created me another partition with new users and all stuff, how can I get my old user and applications set as primary for deleting this new "Macintosh HD Data" (it's different as you've explained, I can send you screen shots so you can add one more possibility to your awesome video!)
While this video was very helpful I found a much easier solution. Simply shut down and hold the option key while booting, it will then let you select the disc and sign into wifi. From there you can boot into your normal login GUI and delete whatever is needed. Thanks so much for all the work in troubleshooting this pain.
This case was not encrypted though so I do not know how that would affect it.
I’m still having trouble. I typed in ls /Volumes/ and it didn’t say the same thing your terminal answered. Mines answered by saying .fseventsd
Macintosh Hd - Data - Data- Data- Data
macOS Base System
Mine has Macintosh HD - Data - Data
I don’t know why it has two Data’s, is that a problem? We’re you able to figure it out?
this is awesome 😍thanks for creating!
You're welcome Tushar!
Thank you so much. I’m running this fix now, it’s a hell lotta work. Would have to erase my Mac if I didn’t find this video. Let’s see if I can do it.
You bet Daria! I know you've got this 👍 Let me know if you have any problems.
@@Mr.Macintosh aaand IT WORKED! I went to the physical apple store to get second mac to be able to perform this fixing process. Well, they gave it to me somehow. The guys there were all like "what are you even doing" ahaha, not many people here (in ukraine) know that this problem exists. You saved all my files from being erased forever. This is awesome, Im so thankful you can't imagine!
I just took the files from my mac (in a hard drive mode) and sent them to my phone via airdrop. And then installed Big Sur as for a brand new mac. Put files back from my phone via airdrop and that was it. Thank you so much again! Im your fan forever)
Can you please help me? I’m desperate. I don’t have another Mac... I am willing to do a hard reset but it won’t let me because it won’t recognize my password
Mandy, you are in the most serious of situations. If you want to erase and NOT rescue your data you can enter recovery and you will be prompted to enter in your password. Go to the menu bar at the top and click "Erase Mac" follow the instructions and you can reinstall. If you want to save your data and the OS all you need is access to another Mac.
Life saver, thank you so much for all your hard work
You're welcome Andrew!
Thank God I found you before I did anything!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!! Saved all my files and recovered everything!!!! Wow!!! Even Apple didn’t help me. This video is great!!!!
Glad I could help Mimo!!!
When chatting to Customer Care I was literally asked ‘Can you tell me what’s the big issue with losing your data? At least you still have your laptop, I don’t see the issue’... Have since lost everything and now there seems so be a glitch with my screen, it appears it’s the hardware as I’ve tried everything else possible. Not sure if Big Sur has caused this but it was working fine beforehand. Big Sur has been an absolute nightmare.
wait what? I can't believe that AppleCare would say that to you. What is the current situation, never lose hope.
@@Mr.Macintosh I was completely taken a back when she said it.
As my Mac is logging on there’s a static flicker that occurs. The screen continues to flicker ever so slightly, yet still noticeable when my Mac is on. The colouring of images/pictures on my screen is totally off, it’s like a digital art drawing. I’m totally lost as to how this has happened. I’m now going to have to bring it to either an Apple store or someone to have a further look at it.
You sir are a humungous help. I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful multiple explanations. I was able to use the terminal window to clear space and deploy big Shit (Big Sur). Not sure what kind of QA they have in Cupertino, maybe they are in a mind-altering stupor to deploy something with such a gaping hole. The Apple store imbeciles wanted me to format and install Big Shit. Yes, I know I should back up blah blah blah who the hell has time? Yeah, now I backup good lessons learned ;) Thank you again, Mr. Macintosh you are the true genius, not those denigrates at the Apple store.
Ayaz, sorry you had so many issues. I am just glad you were able to get your mac up and running again!!! 👍
Thank you Mr.Mcintosh, you just made me cry, because I was able to retrieve my desktop folders, when my IT Support could not even fathom how to think of a fix!
I'm really glad that I could help Lissette!
Great video! Just wish I would have seen this and known about it before I did my upgrade. Lost everything. Had a backup but it was over 2 month old. So lost all data after that. Tried to recover no success. Horrible that Apple releases something like this and then does not patch right away.
What a bummer J Dutch. :( I'm just glad you had that 2 month old backup. Some users lost everything :( not trying to downplay your situation but it sure put things into perspective.
Hands down one of the best videos I have seen on here! Thank you for taking your time on making it.
Thank you @MSPiVS, I really appreciate that. This video was crazy to make for sure. 👍
Got stuck on "about 29 minutes remaining" Did all the reboots and disk utility not working. I have a 1 T drive on my mac mini and have 911GB free still will not upgrade to Bug Sur any ideas?
alternative title : Watch me destroying my mac on purpose
You might be on to something Jannis! A new series "What will happen if I do "this" to a Mac?" I could put a surprised face in the thumbnail along with a bunch of red arrows 🤣👍
What cable can I use to connect a MacBook Air 2015 to a MacBook Air 2015 to do this? Thank you! Very urgent!
YES! this will work fine with a thunderbolt cable 👍
Thank you very much. Your video helped me solve the problem. So good that you’re doing this.
Glad it helped Stefan!!!
Man Bless you Bless you Bless you a thousands a million a billion times! I got my data back. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!!!
You bet Skeop! I'm really glad you could get your data and get your mac up and running again!
Thank you very much for this amazing video. I encountered this exact issue yesterday and discovered this morning that you posted this video on the same day. I haven't quite gotten to the solution yet because I'm pretty inexperienced with IT trouble shooting. I have an early 2015 MacBook Air so I don't have USB C/Thunderbolt ports. Is it possible to perform the Target Disk Mode solution with regular USB cables or with Thunderbolt-to-USB adaptors? I actually have two early 2015 MacBook Airs - exact same model, bought at the same time - so if the fix is possible with a regular USB connection cable then I could try that.
And if the above is not possible, then is there a way to move my files to an external drive using the terminal? You are explaining how to get to the terminal to remove some files and create space but I would prefer not deleting files. So if there is a way to move them to an external drive somehow, that would be preferable.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Hello! The good news is, your Macbook Air DOES have one thunderbolt 2 port on the right hand side! You can use this port and a ThunderBolt 2 cable to connect both Macs together to save your data 👍If you want to use terminal in recovery you can do that also! Just plug in an external USB and use the cp or copy command. Example - cp -R /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD\ -\ Data/Users/yourusernamehere/Desktop /Volumes/USBDrive
@@Mr.Macintosh I was able to fix it by installing Big Sur on an external HD, booting into it, moving files over to the external, then upgraded to Big Sur on my MacBook and moved the files back. Thanks again for the excellent video! It saved my day!
I was able to bypass the loop by shutting down, then immediately holding the Option button after powering on, and selecting the Macintosh HD startup option.
Many thanks for this video. Unfortunately, I am on standby for your video using Big Sur, as I have already upgraded my Host computer to Big Sur! Nevertheless, your video - which I first found via your blog- was SUPER useful!! Awaiting your video using Big Sur 😅 Many thanks again!
Glad it helped Lashbzh! I'm working on an update video for tomorrow 👍
Mr. Macintosh Can’t wait!!
Will target disk mode work with a thunderbolt 2 cable? Your article specifically mentioned thunderbolt 3 so just wondering if I can use a thunderbolt 2 cable to connect my MacBook to an older iMac (both have thunderbolt 2 ports) or if I’d need to use the adapter and connect to my dads newer MacBook that has a thunderbolt 3 port
Yes, all you need is a ThunderBolt 3 to ThunderBolt 2 adapter for newer Macs and a standard ThuderBolt 2 cable for older Macs.
@@Mr.Macintosh Are there any other cables which would work aswell?
@@minazwerg5123 Hello Mina, possibly. What cable set would you need? I could test a USB-C to USB-A but did not get a chance.
@@Mr.Macintosh thank you! Got the thunderbolt cable today and got everything sorted 😄
@@Mr.Macintosh yes that would be very helpful. I tried USB-C to USB-A and it did not work. I‘m not sure wheter thats because of the cable or my ten year old mac running on high sierra. But probably the cable is the problem because apple states that you can only use lightning and firewire cables for TDM.
Thank you for this video! I’ve successfully used target disk mode to transfer files to my wife’s Mac and cleared 75 gigs of space on my Mac. But when I restart the computer it’s still giving me the error message. 🤷🏻♂️
OMG! Thank you so much! You saved my MacBook Air 2015😭 I had everything on there and my personal statement that I need to apply to MS program soon! I’m subscribed to you!
Nice work Lina!!! 👍
35GB free is good advice, thanks
Thank You very much for your help, It’s also save my data when apple couldnt help me 🙏🏻 so thank you!!
Happy to help Avd Audrey!
Thanks, you saved my wife :D She had the encrypted version issue. Solved deleting the partition and mounting again in another mac.
Glad I could help! Happy wife happy life am i right? hehe
Hi Mr. Macintosh, first of all thank you so much for such a helpful video, I really appreciate the time you put into it. I'm working on a 2015 MacBook Pro but my issue is that it doesn't have a thunderbolt input. Do you know of any alternative adaptors that I could use? I've tried with a thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor but my working computer didn't recognize my problem computer. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance!
Jorge, your 2015 MBPro has 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports that accept incoming and outgoing data. If you put your problem mac in TDM and your 2015 does not read it we have to troubleshoot. The first thing is to reboot the 2015. Does it show up now? If not do you see it in disk Utility ?
@@Mr.Macintosh Hi, thanks for replying so quickly. After some confusion I see that my issue is that I don't have the thunderbolt cable. I realized I was looking for the wrong input so in that aspect we are all set. So I just placed an order for a thunderbolt cable (I did some research and realized none of the cables and adapters I own could do the work) and will have to wait for that (arrives around Saturday 20th). Thanks again for your help and hard work, have a nice Sunday!
@@sierracero You bet! Keep that Mac safe until that cable arrives. The last thing you want to is to bring it in for repair only for them to tell you that the HD needs to be erased 😰 Please let me know how it goes!
@@Mr.Macintosh Related to Jorge, my Macbook that's stuck in update loop is 2015 (previously running Mojave OS) and I don't have a thunderbolt cable. I will order one, and try to hook up to my partner's 2019 Macbook, but I can't tell if I need an adapter to connect thunderbolt with the newer Macbook which is running Big Sur OS. Any idea? Also wondering if it's possible to just go BACK to Mojave? Feel like I got burned big time trying to update. :( Thank you so much for your videos and help.
Hi Mr Macintosh,
Thanks for the explanation video. I have an issue when i trry to connect my Imac late 2015 through thunderbolt 2 to a macbook pro M1 2020 with a thunderbolt 3 acces. Nothing happens, i do not see any drive popping up to acces. The Macbook pro is runnung on Mojave. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks a lot
Thank´s a lot for the video! I have 2 questions: How do I know if my Mac is encypted with filevault??? And what cable do I need to use for the target disk mode if my Mac is from 2016? Is it a normal double-en usb??? THANKS A LOT!!!
Literally love you ❤️ Apple has no idea how to fix this... sending them your vid😂
Thank you so much Mr. Macintosh ended up using the terminal function. I thought my computer was toast.
So if I dont have a second mac Im SOL huh? What a garbage product.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome!
wow thank you thank you thank you!! you deserve an award seriously. was able to delete files from the terminal part in recovery mode. i couldn't use my laptop for a week. watched this with my friend who has some knowledge of coding and she was able to help me follow this better. will definitely direct people to your channel in the future!!
Glad I could help Shalenah!!! thank you 👍
hey. uh would your friend know what i shld do is the test option didn’t come up? it’s fine if she doesn’t :)
I’m stuck in the loop in a M1 MacBook Air, I was trying to go from the beta to public release.
But running Monterrey.
Guys I’m here to tell you it actually worked. Idk about an encrypted maC, but after 4 long days I managed to get the Big Sur to update my mac. And I had only 6 free gb to which I got to 36.5! Terminal is easy once you get used to it, so don’t give up!!!
Tbh though on my first try I accidentally deleted desktop 😅
Thank you a lot Mr Macintosh, my parents were on the verge of getting a new mac and I really didn’t want to “waste” money getting a second laptop within 2 years.. THANK YOU
This is great news! I'm glad you were able to rescue your mac and get it back up and going again 👍
@@Mr.Macintosh Thank you sir! your description was very easy and clear to follow, I am glad I decided to search the problem on RUclips.... Also I wanted to know if I am able to retrieve the Desktop I deleted from terminal ( it had some important files but it’s alright if unable as I can maybe make them again)
Hello, thanks for this video!! But i got a problem, when i connect it to another mac (mac OS Sierra) via thunderbolt i see the macintosh HD in external harddisk but there is no place to add my password to encrypt my mac. Have you got any solution or tip where i can put my password? Thanks (i got macbook air 2015)
Hello Richard, Are you saying that when you plug it in you see "Macintosh HD" on your desktop? If so check in disk utility do you see "Macintosh HD - Data" greyed out?
I NEED HELP MY MAC BOOK
TURNS ON REGULARLY THEN IT ASKS FOR MY PASSWORD! AFTER I PUT MY PASSWORD IT STAYS ON LOADING SCREEN AND IT STAYS THERE ! Help
I LOVE YOU!!! Thanks infinity!!!!
Thank you so much for creating this video, Mr Macintosh! The "deleting system volume" trick helped me recover my macbook when all hope was lost. Much respect for your expertise and efforts! Subscribed!
This is so helpful thank you! However I have a question- I was able to use your instructions to get into my hard drive and rescue my files and delete them, but when i tried to let it reboot and finish installing Big Sur, I left it overnight and it is still trapped at a partial loading bar and has not moved. I deleted everything i possibly could to make space I don’t know what else could be wrong.
Having the same problem as per the last Big Sur update now 11.6 is giving the same problem as in it downloads but can never finish the install, tried the Safari update that was bundled with 11.6 separately and that worked but the big sur won't. last time I had this problem you sent me a link to download the update without going through the app store.
Great memory William, here is that link again 👍mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-full-installer-database-download-directly-from-apple/
Btw what error are you getting?
@@Mr.Macintosh Thanks. the message I get is as follows:
Thanks. the message I get is as follows:
Hi, i ran into same issue, thx for your post. My system did not want to upgrade to Big Sur. I "fixed" it by rebuilding my internal HD by cloning from a Carbon Copy BackUp. I have FileVault on. Now i need to ugrade to 11.6 from 11.5.2. I am having similar issues
. My system runs the installer and reboots, but then it falls back booting to 11.5.2. Not sure if i should try rebuilding the system, or deleteing systemsnapshot to force some upgrade, i am afraid i am running into a similar issue. Proble statement. Macbook Pro 15inch 2017 , 80 Gig free space, 11.6. update installs the system and reboots , but system "falls back" to 11.5.2
Thank you. But I am still stuck.
My page is showing the box an error occurred … however my screen is ALL BLACK
The top of my screen shoes
Apple sign , macOS update assistant, file, edit, format, view, window and help tabs!
I am unable to access/ view the free space I have??
I don’t know where to go from here and do not know how to access free space !!
As you said I probably don’t have enough space.
Plse kindly advise.
I am an absolute novice.!! 🙏🏽
Also do I need 3 screens?
If you made a backup before installation and get this error on an encrypted device, should you just erase, reinstall, get your important files back from the backup?
Hello, If the instructions for fixing the issue are difficult than that would work fine. but I would try to fix first as you would not have to reinstall and restore.
Mr Macintosh, thanks fort this detailed video about this issue. I am an IT and I got a MacBook Air A1466 2014m wich was in a logo loop and not booting, I Enter Recovery, try to repair the disk, and nothin, tried to reinstall Mac OS and I got the error of no enough free space I checked and the drive was full, I went to terminal, and made a backup of all the user data to an external drive. then deleted the drive and restart in Internet Recovery mode, deleted all partitions, and installed the Mac OS Maveric, the computer booted just fine, I updated to Catalina and it was OK, then I updated to Big Sur. restored the user data and when I thought everything was just fine I closed the lid of the laptop to deliver ir to the user. When I took the MacBook after several hour to give it to the user, the battery was hot (the palm rest section was hot) instantly after opening the lid the desktop showed up just fine but suddenly the computer hang and booted into the logo loop again. I went to recovery mode, repaired the disk, and it booted just fine again, but freeze again and boot loop again. What is going on here?
So I have a 2015 MacBook Pro and the External hard drive way work. Was able to transfer my personal stuff to the hard drive and delete things to make space. But it’s still doing same thing doesn’t show hard drive on startup disk. Any idea?
Great work! I saved 300€ thanks to you :D
Glad I could help Saad!!!
i took my machine to the geeks, and they said that my only option was to wipe my drive... i figured i could do that myself and luckily, i found your video. you legit saved my files. thank you!
Awesome Wes! That should have been my first warning "DO NOT BRING YOUR MAC TO ANY SERVICE SHOP FOR THIS ISSUE IF YOU WANT TO RETAIN YOUR DATA!!!" I joke but sadly over the past month this has happened to hundreds of users :(
Great video!!! I had the problem with a Filevault encrypted disk... I didn't have a thunderbolt 3 cable, so I used a bootable USB stick instead.
Here's the bootable USB method:
Reformat it to APFS and then install Catalina (you can choose another OS version) there. (notice that creating a bootable USB is different from creating a USB OS installer) Then, boot from the USB by holding Option at startup and choosing the USB. I was finally able to access Disk Utility, therefore being able to delete Machintosh HD, mount Machintosh HD - Data and free up some space!
Nice Work Jose!!!! 👍
Eleven months have passed when you released this video. Evidently Apple does not care about fixing this update issue. I’ve tried to do the update and I am stuck on this “not enough space available” I only have a MacBook Pro… no other Mac computer. I did the external hard drive update option. It did work the update… my problem now is that, I can see the data drive but, I can not see the files. Wondering if the issue is because the internal drive is an ssd and the external drive is mechanical one without not enough power to keep up the the internal one. Can someone help me out with this one? Do I need an external drive with a power adapter… maybe?
Hey there,
I wanted to follow up on my old comment. So at about minute 40:00 of your video you are mentioning what to do if we dont have a second Apple device and seconds later you are pulling the Mojave device. What is left for people that indeed do not have a second device themselves nor family or friends? I did understand that I can have a 2nd device that is either Catalina or Big Sur and delete the Macintosh Hard Drive so that way the system will not be locked and we get into recovery mode. But again, I just do not have access to any Apple Mac Book device, what are my options?
Hi im in terminal trying to type the command ls /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/ -\Data/ but its not working any tips? If i can get a reply as soon as possible it would be greatly appreciated as i need to fix my computer for school
Hi, please, could you do a video explaining the process with just an external hard disk? I don’t have another Mac and with the third option you provided is not working for me. Thanks
I don't understand how could you go to the Disk Utility or the recovery mode from the Error page without a second macbook(to free some space). By command + r? it doesn't work
This is going to cause me to break my MacBook in half. I’m assuming apple won’t do anything about this to fix older Mac’s without charging a bunch of money
Thank you so much! Just one question regarding fixing an encrypted mac using TDM on Catalina host mac, after I used target disk mode to free space on my macbook pro the Big Sur installation was able to complete however when I reach the setup stage for Big Sur it asks me to either create a new user or migrate my existing user (which I cannot do because that would double the storage needed). After doing an inspection in Disk Utility in recovery mode it is apparent that Big Sur has installed its own "Macintosh HD" for the OS and "Macintosh HD - Data" for user data (which in this case is empty) in its own partition whilst ignoring my existing data which is in an unmounted volume called "Macintosh HD - Data". So to clarify Big Sur has created its own volume group (Mac HD, Mac HD - Data, both mounted) and my original data and files (Mac HD - Data, unmounted) are not part of that. I have tried to delete the partition containing Big Sur and reinstall it from recovery mode however this has not changed anything. Is there any way to solve this without copying my data off the hard drive, wiping my exisiting partition and then transferring my data back onto the new Big Sur data partition?
Nayan Kad, I go over this situation at the very end of my video. The difference is that on my test the OS reconized the user and let me log in. In yours it seems to not be able to unlock the old DATA volume. Maybe you could create a new user then copy the data from your old to new. That should do the trick let me know if that works!
Finally got the right cable to connect my MacBook to the iMac. (The iMac is the one with the message). I was able to get in and move/ delete files and now it says there are 168gb available on the HD. I emptied the trash with the empty trash selection on the MacBook. Still got the same message when I tried to restart the iMac. Is there something else I need to do with the iMac HD while connected?