Installing T2 Ubuntu on an Intel-based 2018 Mac Mini

installing_t2_ubuntu.md

Installing T2 Ubuntu on an Intel-based 2018 Mac Mini

Disclaimer: I am not liable or assuming responsibility for any actions/inactions you may or may not take while following these steps or those of the T2 Linux Wiki. Follow these at your own risk

This was extremely tricky, but in the end I was able to accomplish by following these steps. Note, you should follow the project's guidance on pre-install and recommendations on preparing the ISO/USB drive. This guide picks up at the "Disable Secure Boot" step.

Phase 1: Recovery Mode

This phase was tricky-because timing is critical when attempting to use the keyboard shortcut.

1. Turn on the Mac
2. Wait for the power LED to turn solid (it may flicker?) it should be solid before the startup chime plays
3. Press and hold CMD + R (Windows Key + R for a non-Mac keyboard)
4. You should see the Apple logo and the screen flicker grey-the grey flicker is an indicator that you have successfully triggered recovery mode
5. Release the key combination
6. Follow the steps as outlined in the T2 Linux Wiki for disabling secure boot

Phase 2: macOS Startup Manager

The simple key press of holding down the option key was failing me completely. I had to follow the steps from this Apple Discussion post to manage to enter the Startup Manager. I'm including them here for completeness.

1. Shut down the Mac Mini
2. Reset the NVRAM
   1. Press the Power button
   2. Hold down CMD + Option + P + R (Windows Key + Alt + P + R)
   3. Keep holding them down until you hear the startup chime a second time
   4. Let it boot to MacOS
   5. Shut down the Mac Mini again
3. Press the Power button
4. Hold down the Option key (Alt key for Windows keyboards)
5. You should now see the Apple logo and the screen flicker grey, release the option key
6. Choose the UEFI boot option to boot of the external USB drive