Apple has released a new support document in which it explains that some 13-inch MacBook Pros from late 2013 to mid-2014 may not be able to install Big Sur. Fortunately, it looks like a few simple steps will make the installation easier.
Resetting SMC and NVRAM or PRAM can help
The support document refers to Macs that when lit, they show a black screen or a crossed out circle sign although, in general, this should apply to any 13 “MBP that gives us installation errors. If we are in this situation, we can follow several steps to continue the process:
- We hold down our Mac’s power button for at least 10 seconds to turn it off.
- We disconnect any screens, USB accessories or cards that may be in the reader.
- We turn on the Mac.
So far the Mac should allow us to continue with the installation, but if it didn’t we have two options. First restart the SMC. We are doing it:
- We turn off the Mac, if necessary by holding the power button.
- We press the Shift key (⇧), the Control key (^) and the Option key (Alt or ⌥) to the left of the keyboard.
- While we are holding these three keys, we are pressing the power button for 10 seconds.
- We release all the keys and then we turn on the Mac with the power button.
If the previous steps fail to resolve the startup or installation, we will proceed to reset NVRAM or PRAM. The steps are as follows:
- We turn off the Mac, if necessary by holding the power button.
- We turn on the Mac by pressing the power button.
- Immediately after, we press Option (Alt or ⌥) + Command (⌘) + P + R and keep pressing for at least 20 seconds.
- We wait for the Mac to relapse several times and let go of the keys.
With that, we should be able to turn on our Mac and install macOS Big Sur without any further obstacles. In any case, if the installation is progressing even after following them, it is better to contact Apple directly (900 150 503).
