Solution to MacMini 2018 Failing to Autoboot / Start Up Automatically After a Power Failure
MacMini 2018 fails to auto boot after power loss and power back on. If it does a controlled shutdown then a scheduled boot will boot it up on schedule. But if there is loss of power after the shutdown, the scheduled boot will not happen. I deleted the plist, reflashed the T2 firmware using DFU, reset the SMC, reset the PRAM, toggled settings, replaced the coin cell battery CR2032. Nothing worked.
So I ordered a little robot to remotely power on the Mac. I made a rig by using a piece of 2x4 and attached it to the MacMini with adhesive velcro. I wanted to still be able to access the internals so I made sure the rig was removable and did not conflict with sliding the internals out. I then used a thin piece of wood as an end cap to get the bot closer to the button. I placed a 3/8” silicone furniture bumper on the Mac power switch that fit it perfectly. The bot consistently presses the power button.