Available since October 25, 2021, macOS Monterey brings a slew of improvements. Mac users can now enjoy many new and improved features, including being able to switch seamlessly to iPad with Universal Control and use updated FaceTime, Safari, and Notes. . However, to benefit from the fresh batch of macOS features, many users have to first overcome a couple of issues.
In this article, we’ve highlighted some simple fixes for the most common macOS Monterey issues. If you’ve encountered an error during or after the installation of macOS Monterey, you can jump straight to the solution below.
- Fixing a Mac that doesn’t turn on
- Fixing Monterey installation error
- Fixing email loading issues
- Fixing the Hide My Email error
- Fixing screen saver error
- Fixing trackpad issues
- Fixing Messages crashes
Before we proceed:
While each new macOS comes with improvements of users' privacy, it's still important to take measures and protect your online life as well as your device. Download MacKeeper and get an impressive set of features, from VPN to advanced anti-tracking tools.
We provide 1 month of free antivirus!
How to Fix a Mac that won’t turn on after Monterey has been installed
If, after the installation of macOS Monterey, you can’t turn on your Mac, try reviving or restoring it using a functioning Mac. Note, however, that the following fixes apply only to Macs with an Apple T2 Security Chip.
Before you start, install Apple Configurator 2 on the functioning Mac, ensure it is connected to the internet and find a USB-C cable supporting data transfer.
How to revive a Mac
Here’s how to revive a Mac after a botched installation of Monterey:
- Plug the power supply cable into the functioning Mac
- Unplug the power supply cable from the non-functioning Mac
- Connect the two Macs with the USB-C cable
- Plug the power supply into the non-functioning Mac while holding the power button down for 3 seconds. (for Intel-based MacBooks, hold the power button down for 10 seconds while also holding the right Shift + the left Option + the left Control keys)
- Open Apple Configurator 2 on the functioning Mac and right-click the DFU icon
- In the Advanced section of the menu, select Revive Device
- Click Revive and wait for the process to continue
- Unplug the second Mac
Your Mac should now function properly. However, if the revival didn’t help and you still can’t turn on your Mac after installing Monterey, try recovering it via the internet.
How to reinstall macOS Monterey on a Mac that won’t turn on
If your Mac won’t start after an unsuccessful installation of Monterey, try reinstalling macOS with the help of Internet Recovery. This life-saving feature has been specifically designed for situations like this that are seemingly hopeless. All you need is access to the internet and some patience.
Here’s how to fix a Mac after an unsuccessful installation of Monterey:
- Press the Power button while holding the Command+Option+R keys
- Release the keys when the Starting Internet Recovery message appears on your screen
- In the menu that opens, select a Wi-Fi network
- Wait for the progress bar to disappear
- In the Utilities window, select Reinstall macOS Monterey and follow the onscreen instructions
How to fix a Monterey installation error
When installing macOS Monterey, you might see the following error message on your screen: “macOS could not be installed on your computer. An error occurred while verifying firmware.” Most likely, a third-party SSD is to blame.
For the new macOS to function on the non-Apple SSD, the Extensive Firmware Interface (EFI) of your Mac needs to be updated. And it’s something that can only be done with the original SSD.
Follow these steps to fix macOS Monterey’s installation error:
- Replace the third-party SSD with the original SSD
- Install macOS Monterey on the original SSD
- Replace the original SSD with the third-party SSD
- Install macOS Monterey on the third-party SSD
How to fix email loading issues after your Monterey upgrade
If you’re using the Mail app after upgrading to macOS Monterey, you might have noticed that the contents of some emails are no longer displayed. To fix the error, do the following:
- In the Mail menu, select Preferences
- In the Privacy section, uncheck the Block All Remote Content box
Antiviruses are also known to interfere with iCloud email. If the fix detailed above doesn’t help, try uninstalling your antivirus and reinstalling it again after its developers have released a patch addressing the issue.
How to fix the Hide My Email error in Monterey
macOS Monterey introduces a handy feature for maintaining your online privacy — Hide My Email. The feature allows a random email address to be displayed instead of a real one. If the privacy feature is not available on your Mac, either reinstall macOS Monterey or wait for a patch to fix the error.
How to fix screen saver not working on Monterey
For some Mac users, their macOS Monterey upgrade is followed by a screen saver error. To be specific, users are unable to set a custom screensaver or even some stock ones. If you’ve encountered a similar issue, set one of the following screen savers that do work.
Here’s how to fix a screensaver error in Monterey:
1. In the Apple menu, select System Preferences

2. Click Desktop & Screen Saver

3. Select one of the following screensavers: Monterey, Flurry, Shell, Arabesque, Message Album Artwork, Word of the Day, or Hello Drift

How to fix trackpad issues on macOS Monterey
After your macOS Monterey upgrade, you might discover that the trackpad doesn’t work anymore on M1 Macs. If you use a mouse to navigate around your macOS, the issue can be solved fairly easily.
To fix the problem follow these steps:
1. Connect a wired or wireless mouse to your Mac
2. In the Apple menu, select System Preferences

3. In the Accessibility section, select Pointer Control
4. Deselect this option: Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present

How to fix Messages crashes on macOS Monterey
If your Messages app crashes after your macOS Monterey upgrade, you don’t need to wait for a patch to fix the issue. You can resolve any Messages app crashes on your own by deleting the AddressBook-v22.abcddb file.
Take these steps to fix any Messages app crashes in macOS Monterey:
1. In Finder, select the Go menu and click Go to Folder

2. Type this path ~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook and click Go

3. Find the AddressBook-v22.abcddb file and drag it to the Trash

Read more: