Bootable USB goes to internet recovery anyway
Solution 1:
By default, Mac's that have the Apple T2 Security Chip cannot boot from external media.
You need to change settings from macOS Recovery using the Startup Security Utility, once a User has been created in the installed version of macOS.
Also note that you can not boot to Internet Recovery if you do not connect to the Internet, so make sure your Mac cannot connect to the Internet. Unplug the Ethernet cable, temporarily turn off the Wi-Fi Router and then try booting from the USB flash drive after changing the security settings in the Startup Security Utility.
If you currently do not have macOS installed on your MacBook Pro, and you have never changed the default security settings, then you'll need to install from Internet Recovery or take your Mac to an Apple store, or authorized service center.
See also: Mac models with the Apple T2 Security Chip
Solution 2:
I currently have a machine with the same issue. I think/hope the internet recovery issue is related to the machine still being locked to another apple ID. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206989
I've asked the user to remove it from his iCloud and them I'm going to retry, but he's on vacation so you may get to it sooner.
To recap, here is what I have tried:
- NVRAM & SMC reset
- Attempt to boot to recovery mode (w/ and w/o shift), it goes straight to internet recovery
- Attempt to boot big Sur usb. It sees the drive, but then when I click on it goes to internet recovery
- Attempt to boot catalina usb. Same as big sur.
- Internet recovery takes a few minutes and then I get error -1008F. This is on 2 different networks, wired and wireless.
Edit: it worked!! Steps to resolve the issue:
- Boot into DFU mode and RESTORE the machine. https://mrmacintosh.com/how-to-restore-bridgeos-on-a-t2-mac-how-to-put-a-mac-into-dfu-mode/
- Reboot and load internet recovery. For me, needed to be connected to wired ethernet.
- Machine will reboot and load a "Activate Mac" screen. Input credentials of old user and machine unlocked and was able to reinstall Big Sur!