Mac Self-Service System Configuration: How-To

Apple Self-Service
System Configuration: How-To

System Configuration may be required at the end of your repair. System Configuration is a postrepair software tool that completes the repair for genuine Apple parts. System Configuration has a number of purposes that vary based on the part replaced. Refer to the Introduction section of the model you’re repairing for a complete list of details.

Before initiating System Configuration, ensure that the Mac is running the latest version of macOS. You’ll have one attempt to complete System Configuration. If the attempt is interrupted, canceled, or encounters an error, the Mac will display a message instructing you to contact the Self-Service Repair Store team for assistance.

If you don’t want to update the Mac to the latest version of macOS or need assistance initiating the System Configuration process, contact the Self Service Repair Store team.
Initiate System Configuration

Important: If the Mac automatically starts up to diagnostics mode, skip to step 6.

If you use Ethernet to connect the Mac to the internet, plug the Ethernet cable into the Mac before turning on the computer. If you use Wi-Fi, you'll connect the Mac to the internet during step 5, after the computer starts up to diagnostics mode.

1. Press and hold the power button on the Mac to turn on the computer. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold the Touch ID button.
2. Continue to hold the power button or Touch ID button as the Mac turns on and loads startup options. Release the power button when “Loading startup options...” appears on the screen.
3. When the startup options screen appears, press and hold Command (⌘)-D on the keyboard to put the computer into diagnostics mode.
4. If you're using Wi-Fi to connect the Mac to the internet, choose the network from the Wi-Fi menu in the upper right corner of the diagnostics mode screen.
   Note: The Wi-Fi menu may take a few seconds to appear. This is normal behavior.
5. A list of languages will appear on the diagnostics mode screen. Choose your preferred language and click "OK."
6. When the Diagnostics & Repair screen appears, click “I agree“ to begin System Configuration.
   Important: If you replaced the lid angle sensor on a laptop, skip to step 9.
7. If System Configuration is successful, the Mac will display a message that says, “Suite completed. Restarting to Diagnostics Mode.”
8. Important: If you encounter an error, contact the Self-Service Repair Store team for assistance.
   Complete steps 9 through 14 only if you replaced the lid angle sensor on a laptop.
9. When the Action Required alert window appears on the screen, click "Continue." Then immediately close the display.
10. Keep the display closed for 20 seconds.
    
    
    Caution: If the display isn’t fully closed during the System Configuration process, 
    you’ll need to install another new lid angle sensor.
    
    
11. Open the display when you hear the startup chime or after waiting 20 seconds.
12. If System Configuration is successful, the Mac will display a message that says, “Suite completed. Restarting to Diagnostics Mode."
13. The Mac will automatically restart to diagnostics mode. Then choose Restart from the Apple menu.
14. After the Mac restarts again, confirm that you can put it to sleep by closing the display. The Mac should sleep when the display is almost completely closed.
• Important: If you encounter an error, or the Mac doesn't sleep when expected or wakes unexpectedly, contact the Self Service Repair Store team for assistance.

Restore the Mac Before Initiating System Configuration

You may need to restore the Mac before initiating System Configuration for the following reasons:

• If you replaced the logic board and the replacement logic board isn't running the latest version of macOS.
• If you replaced the logic board or SSD modules on a Mac Pro or Mac Studio.

To restore the Mac you will need the following:

• Another Mac running macOS Sonoma (14.1 or later) or another Mac using the latest version of Apple Configurator.
• Internet access
• A USB-C charge cable. The USB-C cable must support both power and data. Don’t use Thunderbolt cables.

Follow these steps to restore the Mac:

1. Choose one of the following methods to restore the repaired Mac, then continue to step 2:
• Restore the repaired Mac with another Mac running macOS Sonoma (14.1) or later.
• Restore the repaired Mac with another Mac running macOS Sonoma (14.1) or later using Apple Configurator.
• If you replace the logic board, the Mac will start up in diagnostics mode.
• If you replace SSD modules, the Mac will start up to Setup Assistant. Shut down the Mac before continuing.
2. Follow the steps above to Initiate System Configuration
• Important: If you encounter an error, contact the Self-Service Repair Store team for assistance.
3. The Mac will automatically restart to diagnostics mode. Then choose Restart from the Apple menu.
4. After the Mac restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to activate the Mac.

Published Date: May 08, 2024