Mac Mini M4 Orange SOS DFU Recover Failed OXFCA (4042)

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Mac Mini M4 Orange SOS DFU Recover Failed OXFCA (4042)

A number of closed threads here -- I had a "me too" moment -- all of my Mac mini m4 were timing out during DFU "restore"

Apple Support unable to help. Escalated to Genius Bar.

Bottom line - Apple needs to refresh their tech docs for DFU mode on the M4 Mac mini. The service guide used by the Genius tech clearly states to use the CENTER usb port on the rear of the mini, NOT the usb port closest to the HDMI, as prior generations used.

Solved: on my computer by using the middle USB port of the Mac mini M4 for DFU mode.

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Aug 22, 2025 8:37 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

90,706 points

Aug 22, 2025 10:10 AM in response to mysticybiq

The official Apple Support article says to use the middle USB-C port of a 2024 M4 Mac mini.

see > How to identify the DFU port on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,196 points

Aug 22, 2025 10:36 AM in response to mysticybiq

If all else fails take it in to the nearest Apple Genius Bar and let them do it. I achieved the same state, orange light, via a different route and took it in to the local Apple Genius bar and they had fixed it in about 45 minutes. All I had to do it take it home, hook it up and migrate my user data from my Time Machine backup.

I don't think I would ever found the den.thed solution of the DFU port in the back of the Mini. Thanks, den.thed, I'll remember that if I screwup again and want to try it myself……or not.

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