Install macOS Sonoma on unsupported models

[@ermo2004]

Mac Mini 2012 2,3 Quad Core intel core i7, Intel hd graphics 4000 1236 mb, 16GB internal memory, 500gb ssd (samsung t7). Works very nice, booting is a little slow but now I can run all my software again. Thanks for this wonderful instruction !! Happy Holidays

[@MichaelKemp-c5m]

You are the best!! I was able to install Sequoia 15.0 my Mac Mini 2012 Intel Core i5, Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536MB, 16GB internal memory, 500 ssd ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT WITH YOUR VIDEO! I had attempted to complete this process watching other youtube videos, but yours was the most clear and easy to understand and detailed step by step process. I went directly from Monterey directly to Sequoia without a hitch. Easy for a 70+ year old non-techie! Thanks again.

[@jensdbe]

@@MichaelKemp-c5m thanks for the nice feedback. Glad it helped you and enjoy Sequoia!

[@mikehalker]

Just put Sequoia on a Mac mini 2014. Worked very well. Thanks.

[@dempsey01202]

Hi. I needed to install Sonoma on a new SSD in a Mac Mini 2012. I have followed other guides to achieve this but none has worked. Yours is the only instruction to explain that to create an installer on a different Mac, I needed to select the model identifier for the target Mac as part of the process. I followed your instructions and it worked first time. Thank you.

[@jensdbe]

Nice to hear and glad that it helped you. It's a small thing but you need to know where to find it off course :) Enjoy Sonoma.

[@rossgeography]

sudo trimforce enable ;)

[@rossgeography]

^ neither OCLP nor the installer enable this for third party SSDs afaik

[@skarovision]

I did this, but all I got was a no entry symbol on selecting the Sonoma install usb.

[@rossgeography]

reset NVRAM / or hold down alt and reboot from stick/EFI partition then Installer/OS @@skarovision

[@rolandohernandez2665]

This was the best and most useful video I've followed in quite a while.

[@the415giant]

Thanks for this in depth tutorial, I now have Sonoma on my Mac mini 2012. At first it encountered errors, probably because I used a different computer to set up the usb, but when I used the Mac mini, it installed smoothly. 👍🏼

[@jensdbe]

Good to hear. Glad it worked

[@peterpayne2219]

This is the most helpful video (and even better, blog post linked from this video) I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@jensdbe]

Thank you for the nice feedback. Similar video on Sequoia should be coming soon :)

[@mikevosper7685]

At last, a well explained and easy to follow tutorial. Worked first time on my 2017 iMac. Thanks!

[@jensdbe]

Thanks for the nice feedback. Good to see this helped :)

[@wolfganghoffmann7731]

Works on my iMac 11,2 (2010) and I'm looking forward to be able to use my Mac-machine a longer period than any other of my PCs ever. Did an upgrade to 12 GB Ram though. Thanx for the excellent video. 😃

[@jensdbe]

Great to hear :)

[@justinwdean]

Hey Jens, Just installed Sonoma on my MacBook Pro (Mid 2015) - No problems at all and its now running quicker than before with a clean install, Cheers Matey 🙂

[@jensdbe]

@@justinwdean nice to hear. Enjoy!

[@adamchahl]

Amazing Jens! Thank you - worked first time like a charm. Great content.

[@jensdbe]

Great to hear!

[@UncleSpellbinder]

An EXCELLENT, easy to follow tutorial. This worked perfectly for my late 2014 Mac Mini. Thanks!

[@marcelpetzold]

Hi! I'm thinking of doing the same to a 2014 Mac Mini and I have a few questions. Do you use an NVME SSD in your Mac? How is the performance overall and is continuity camera working? Maybe you can answer some of these questions 😍

[@UncleSpellbinder]

@@marcelpetzold Yes, I have an NVME SSD. I'm noticing no issues at all. Performance is about the same as before installing Sonoma. As for camera, I don't have a webcam and haven't tried continuity camera.

[@jermainne]

can you please try continuity camera on it? if its working i will install it also on my mac mini. thanks

[@jorgealfredo_10]

I purchased a mac mini on Amazon Renew! I hope everything goes well, and I am getting ready to learn how to do this type of upgrades! Thanks for the video ;) You should try the functionalities of the OS for a video about what works and what does not works. ;)

[@JorshPodGaming]

absolute legend! What a video, great job 😁 Did it to my Mac Mini 2014 today and it works like a charm!

[@pablocohen]

OMG! this is incredible!! Thank you!!🙏

[@Cazon1]

Appreciate it bro! Thank you for this video.

[@umityayla5051]

Crystal clear guidance. Thank you for your effort.

[@jensdbe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@umityayla5051]

Compared to other tutorials available on the internet, your video is significantly better. It doesn't include any unnecessary details but ensures that no important points are missed. Furthermore, I find the written explanations on your website flawless; everything we need is explained in a simple and clear manner. I believe that your effort greatly deserves to be recognized and appreciated by a larger audience.@@jensdbe

[@zilozila]

Works like a charm, thanks!

[@mydeathwish001]

you sir are amazing for explaining

[@professorgamer2084]

Thank You So Much, I was able to install sonoma on mac mini 2014

[@joelwylde]

Very informative, thank you

[@SutboxSutty]

nice and clear. Thank you

[@MauriceJoway]

You the real MVP ❤

[@zilozila]

Installed Monterey on Mac Mini late 2012

[@Zainutm16]

Tinx bro I love at 😊

[@fablapp]

Great video! Helped a lot together with the hard drive upgrade. However seems performance is so so…. Safari really fuzzy

[@jensdbe]

I guess the CPU starts to show its age a bit.

[@laurencejohnson4106]

Another useful video!👍👍 I assume that a Mac usb., installer can only be created on a Mac?

[@jensdbe]

Yes but it can be any Mac. I included a small extra in the end that explains how to create the USB drive to use it on another machine. I do plan to do a video on how to run macOS in a VM on Windows so that might also be an option. Just need to find some more time though :)

[@laurencejohnson4106]

@@jensdbe Thanks for confirming my assumption and installing the latest Mac OS., in a VM., would be an interesting video.👍👍

[@rootbeer666]

Huh, couldn't get OpenCore Legacy Patcher 1.5.0 to boot from USB. Had to get 1.0.1 like you showed in the video.

[@Madsquilla]

Hello, Thank you for posting this! However, I am having issues. I have a late 2012 Mac Mini. I have catalina on it. I followed the steps but I was unable to achieve results. When I get to the step where you install it will take roughly 30 mins then it says it has an error updating...never finishes.

[@jensdbe]

Sounds like there are issues with upgrading from Catalina to Sonoma, which is probably not a supported path. In that case I think your best option is to either do a complete fresh install or split your current install with a new partition on the drive and install both.

[@Madsquilla]

Sorry, didnt see your reply until now. Somehow It worked after multiple attempts haha! Cheers

[@jensdbe]

@@Madsquilla good to hear :) If you like, I just posted a new video for macOS Sequoia

[@Madsquilla]

@@jensdbe ohhh! On my way!

[@fedism]

Unfortunately, it did not help because the installation does not complete. Is there something I should do at this point?

[@WebberLai]

Hi I just try to install the Sonoma on mac pro 5.1 , but it looks like have 2 problems 1.Bluetooth not work : After I success install , the bluetooth is not work anymore , do I need choose ventura ? 2.My mac pro is use fusion , where should I install the bootloader location ? SSD or HDD ? Thanks for your very detail video

[@trei2unu]

Did you notice Sonoma running slower than Ventura? In System Preferences, when I click different tabs it lags from 1 to several seconds until it loads, I don't remember doing this on Ventura.

[@lance3681]

Hi Jens_Be, thanks for your clear and instructive video. I would like to follow and upgrade . I am running MBP 10.1 (mid 2012) with Big Sur 11.7.10 (OCLP) installed.2.7 quad core i7, 16 gb mem The machine has 2 video cards: Intel HD graphics 4000 and NVIDEA GeForce GT 65M. The latter may present an issue. When I tried to upgrade to Ventura, it didn't work well, the text was even too small to read and it was not adjustable. My question is: would it also be an issue when installing Sonoma?

[@MITKonsultanPalembang]

My mouse doesnt work, the click not function after reboot and want to choose efiboot 11:11

[@openmindtechnologic3428]

Good work for Portugal Mac Mini Late 2014 Sucess

[@carlosherrera6196]

Hi thanks for the information I did the step but when it comes to download the system it give me a error need help

[@edsonsimpson283]

Question why about this Mac doesn’t show the year Mac mini example late 2014 Mac mini

[@marsfellow]

Installer gives only one option to create High Sierra but disables MacOs Sonomar: I tried to create USB disk on iMAC mid-2011 which has MacOS Sierra. When I reached the step write to USB it diabled the button for MacOS Sonoma (mentioned requires Hight Sierra) but gave option to select MacOS Hight Sierra. I selected that option to create installer for Hight Sierra on USB but in the end that gave error and did not fully complete the process. I restarted the whole process to select High Sierra from the beginning but there there no option to select older MacOSes only latest ones. Any help highly appreciated.

[@fernandaa274]

Hi and thank you. @jensd-be, i have a macmini late 2014 and seeing you tutorial for installing a SSD drive: can i do all these steps to create the bootable usb on a faster mac and then use it to install on the macmini once i place the ssd drive there? many tks

[@jensdbe]

Sure, you can use the following video to do so, I cover the option to create a bootable drive for another Mac Model in the last chapter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5TTgqh5ft5mfaM

[@nishantyadav2694]

Can I update my device which Apple provides to other supported devices

[@scooter-alchemy]

followed your instructions - no EFI boot loader came up just hard drive + Sonoma - what have i missed??

[@fonsvanswaal]

Hi Jens, I just want to update Sonoma 14.5 to 14.7.1 and later on to Sequoia with OCLP on my unsupported iMac with keeping all my apps ( programs ). I only want to update , not putting a totally clean new version on it. Please can you advice me . Thx a lot .... 🙂

[@jensdbe]

That should be possible. First install the latest version of OCLP, then it should be possible to upgrade to a new macOS version as on supported hardware (from system settings)

[@LewWielki]

YOU ARE MAGICAN

[@srttrans6405]

How to make all those updates on a 21.5-inch iMac Late 2013 and still keep all the documents and files, or transfer all the data except the OS system later?

[@trei2unu]

Do you trust logging into your accounts on a system with OCLP installed?

[@supo_carma]

Hello, I have a question, I recently did the manipulation for Sequoia 15.0 on my MacMini Late 2012 and it was a success! However, in the Mac settings it tells me that the 15.1 update is available. Can I say it directly from the settings or do I have to go through Open Legacy Patcher to do it? Thanks you!

[@jensdbe]

You should be able to install that update directly from the settings dialog. I've never had issues with this but it's always best to have a good backup in case something would go wrong :)

[@supo_carma]

@@jensdbe Thanks !

[@HSinhori]

Dude, I have ventura installed by opencore on my Mac Mini late 2012, the opencore on the PC is updated, how do I update it to Sonoma? Do I have to do the whole process again or can I simply have the update installed via the system since I have opencore installed on the system?

[@kivotosluxurylifestyle3750]

Hello, I have proceeded successfully up to the step where i can install Sequioa however it says the following: 'to continue unlock macintoch hd' and does not proceed with the installation. What should i do here? Thank you

[@jensdbe]

Sounds like your drive is locked by FileVault, did you encrypt that drive? If you want to do a fresh install, I think the easiest is to clear the whole drive using Disk Utility, if you are trying to upgrade, you will need to unlock it first.

[@kivotosluxurylifestyle3750]

@@jensdbe Thank you for your prompt reply! I have proceeded to turn off the firevault and decrypt the HD. I will then proceed to upgrade again and keep you posted.

[@kivotosluxurylifestyle3750]

@@jensdbe Hello again! I still have a problem, now it says this....'This disk has SMART errors. This disk has a hardware problem that can't be repaired. Back up as much of the data as possible and replace the disk.' I have repaired the disk in Disk Utility but still it shows this.

[@CrazyGamer-bc6ix]

hello I did install the Sonoma on my 2016 touch bar MacBook But now my touch bar is not wprking so I am going to reset it But can anyone tell me any solution

[@stacystrange9548]

Everything works until I get to the point to install Sonoma from the boot loader. The WIFi will not stay connected for me to do so, any tips?

[@jensdbe]

You don't need wifi to do the installation as all the files should be on the USB drive. Make sure you boot from that drive and not trying to recover using the internet/wifi.

[@mwm1960]

Download the macOS Sonoma installer fails.

[@pelhamh]

Hi Jens - will Sonoma work on my MacMini mid-2011?

[@jensdbe]

It is on the list of supported models for OpenCore Legacy Patcher so you should be good.

[@ricardotarko]

I mistakenly clicked "Install MacOS Sonoma" instead of "EFI Boot". An error was displayed that prevented it from proceeding. I restarted the Mac and now I can't get into Boot Loader anymore.

[@jensdbe]

This shouldn't make any permanent changes. In the worst case you could try a PRAM reset, this should restore the inital boot settings: Shut down the mac, then press the power button while holding the Option, Command, P, and R keys Wait until you hear the chime at least 2 times and then release the keys. After that, the Mac should boot as default again.

[@johnfay9104]

I get an error "This copy of the install macOS Sonoma application is damaged, and can't be used to install macOS" I have tried downloading many times from different macs. I made sure to select the correct Mac hardware, Mac Mini late 2012 when creating my USB installer.

[@johnfay9104]

@jensd_be any ideas to try?

[@jensdbe]

Did you try another USB drive? It could be a specific issue with the model you're using. Also double-check the time when creating the drive and on the machine where you are trying to install it. This message could be there because the installer thinks a certificate has been expired.

[@retrovox]

Surprisingly, despite holding down the Option key, I could not get the EFI Boot to show up on my 2010 Mac Pro. I proceeded to install macOS Sonoma with no issue.

[@janik29]

Same here, I tried to install Sonoma on 2012 Mac Pro but I do not see EFI boot option during the boot. And installation does not finish, it is just stuck

[@retrovox]

@@janik29 Do you have any earlier version of OCLP installed? If not, you might want to give it a try.

[@janik29]

@@retrovox yes I have old OCLP installed for Ventura. Do I need to remove it?

[@retrovox]

@@janik29 i don't think there is a need to remove the old version.

[@retrovox]

@@janik29 Try building and installing the new version of OCLP directly into the hard disk instead of external USB. This time when you press the Option button during bootup and if the EFI boot option still doesn't show, just proceed with the macOS Sonoma installation. Good luck!

[@azizahmed847]

Hi,Jensd_be I've upgraded sonoma on MB 2017 and and follows your guidance as per instructions to the very end, however now during startup I'm unable to start Mac OS Sonoma without USB support. It does not let me proceed without USB. I'm not sure what is the issue.i did install Open core to my Mac as per instructions and rebooted but it didn't start and came with Mac support symbol, please can you guide how to resolve.this ?thanks

[@jensdbe]

Is Sonoma the only OS on your internal drive? Also, are you sure that you select the internal drive as destination after building OpenCore? You couls try to remove the USB drive after booting into Sonoma, to make sure it doesn't get accidentally selected. If all that doesn't help, a PRAM reset might help as thqt will redetect the boot device (hold CMD + P + R while rebooting your machine and wait for at least 2 boot chimes, then release)

[@azizahmed847]

Thank you Jens, I've windows11 installed on this Mac internal drive via bootcamp, yes I did made sure to select internal drive after building Opencore and repeated this procedure couple of times to ensure the right path installation for OpenCore. I followed the update path from your video and Upgraded on macOS Ventura. PRAM was working fine prior to this Sonoma installation update, however I did check now and its not working during the boot stage and window get stuck on Apple logo for a minute and after displaying apple contact support for few seconds itt automatically switches to Window partition to boot. The only way I'm able to boot now to Sonoma is when I insert the Sonoma bootable USB and selected my internal drive after that. Thank you for your support.

[@azizahmed847]

Hi, I've now remove all operating systems including windows 11 and all partitions and installed a clean Mac OS Sonoma, which has partially resolved the issues during system boot stage, and now my Touch ID on MacBook Pro 2017 is not working, I guess this problem is observed in MB pro 2016 & 2017 models, I did tried the SMC & PRAM reset, however no success. Just for information I don't have the Touch Bar optionality in my settings/menu. Look like the system is not detecting Touch Bar as a hardware in my Mac OS Sonoma. Hoping this will be resolved in next few updates.

[@Mikofoxtube]

Hi. Does this technique work to install Sonoma to an external startup drive? [either installing over the existing Catalina or into separate container]. My attempts to install get stalled near end now showing three disks [named/data/update] I was also using SD-card reader with fast card for lack of USB stick which may be the problem?

[@jensdbe]

I haven't tried that as I don't have an external drive which is big enough for now. It's on my list of future ideas/videos though.

[@Mikofoxtube]

@jensdbe thanks for your answer! Maybe someone else has tried it? Can you tell me if the OCLP changes anything to the firmware on the machine it is installed on?

[@t1maone]

when I select efi boot after reboot, the error is OCB: startimage failed - already started, I have IMAC 9,1 2009, it is in the list of devices supported by the patch, please help me install the system on it

[@jensdbe]

From what I read, this is related to having Windows on your machine as well. Do you have multiple partitions with one of them with Windows? See here on the OCLP issues page: dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Install-Guide/troubleshooting/extended/misc-issues.html#booting-windows-error-ocb-startimage-failed-already-started

[@t1maone]

@@jensdbe I don't have Windows installed, I have a Mac OS Monterey, imac 2009

[@jensdbe]

@@t1maone So you are already using OpenCore probably to boot into Monterey, right? As it is not supported on that device. Maybe first try to rebuild OpenCore with the newest version of OCLP and install it on the drive which you use now to boot that install. Then use that to launch the installer.

[@t1maone]

@@jensdbe I now have Monterey installed via open core, I want to install Sonoma but I get the error that I wrote

[@ThinkItMapIt]

I also have the same Mac mini late 2014, unfortunately after selecting Create macOS Installer then Sonoma 14.1.2(latest version) and selecting download the download times out after a minute or so and I get an Error "Download failed:HTTPS .......: Read timed out". Not sure if it's an Apple issue, OCLP issue or something else. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions.

[@micuale5340]

Same issue

[@JakubTyminski-ii5jh]

I install on my A1286 2011 but freeze at boot after setup any idea

[@littleone9939]

I just had the same thing happen to me on an A1347. Did you solve it?

[@skarovision]

Doesnt work.! I tried this, i selected mac mini 6.2 in the settings of OCLP, created the installer, held down alt key on boot, selected sonoma install and instantly got the no entry non compatible symbol.

[@jensdbe]

That's because you should not directly select the Sonoma installer. First load OpenCore by selecting the EFI boot entry (with OpenCore logo), only then start the installer.

[@jonos138]

That's exactly right. I realised my mistake after posting. Thanks.

[@Bama_Law]

i used a 16gb usb drive 11,2 imac onlly video is an issue and its minr. upgrading tomorrow to SSD harddrive and eventually an i5 or i7 to help out

[@jensdbe]

First things to upgrade would be memory if you still have the original 4GB and replace the hard drive with an SSD. Good luck

[@GeorgeWS]

Does this work with an EGPU supported late 2012 mac mini still running catalina?

[@jensdbe]

No idea to be honest, I would assume it does work but I don't have an EGPU to test.

[@alessandro6660]

Is it mandatory to build on disk the open core?

[@jensdbe]

In theory you can keep booting from USB, then you don't need to build OpenCore and install it to your drive. But doesn't look very practical to me.

[@lavinchi6709]

👏👏👏

[@lucasn0tch]

Apple literally needs two things to truly achieve their environmental vision: better long-term support for both software and hardware, and making their products repair friendly. Unfortunately, there are no federal laws for the right to repair in the US, so Apple can get away with so much anti-repair tactics.

[@jensdbe]

Can't agree more. The worst is that everything actually works perfectly fine on hardware that is twice as old as they support.

[@WhatzHappeningNow9]

Apple like every other corporation cares only about one thing, profit. Environmental vision is just a PR stunt.

[@Slash2632]

Once you install sonoma what do you do when there is a new version. Can you update right from settings?

[@daspec]

For apps you don't need to do anything. For MACOS updates, you just re-apply the patch.

[@Slash2632]

@@daspec thank you!

[@nankovoto]

I've installed it on MB Air early 2014 - the fan keeps working even with the lid closed. Had to do internet installation of BigSur :D So I don't recommend installing it on a 9 y.o. laptop :D

[@Kerstboompje]

Did a first try and my MacBook Pro mid 2014, it keep stuck after the next reboot after 100% complete thing. I see the mouse for like 2 seconds and than it hang there forever at black screen with apple and loading bar..

[@UncleSpellbinder]

@jensd_be What happens when there is a system update? How would I go about updating Sonoma itself?

[@jensdbe]

The best is to first update to the latest version of OCLP, then upgrade just like on a supported system. IN some cases it will be needed to re-apply the root patches from the OCLP main menu but that's all.

[@UncleSpellbinder]

Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated. And thanks for this tutorial.

[@UncleSpellbinder]

@@jensdbe I just received the notice to update to Sonoma 14.1.2. Went through the process. Once updated, OCLP gave me a notification for root patches. I did that and am now running 14.1.2 without issues. Again, fantastic tutorial. And thanks for the guidance on updating.

[@1PALstreetsoccer]

Hi @jensd_be I followed all the step as directed, however when I have to install Sonoma, an error comes up " An error occurred wile preparing the installation. Try running this application again". I have tried running it again and restarting the process, answer still th e same. Please HELP