Mac Studio startup locked on 'Select Your Country or Region' screen

Predicated on the supplied information 

If your new Mac Studio (M5 Max, 2026) running macOS 27 remains on the “Select Your Country or Region” screen, make sure the display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad are connected directly to the Mac Studio. 

If possible, use wired accessories. Apple’s Mac Studio setup instructions specify connecting a display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad before starting Setup Assistant. (Apple Support)

Try selecting your country or region. If it does not respond, disconnect non-essential USB, Thunderbolt, and other peripherals and try again.

If the Mac remains unresponsive, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until it turns off, then press the power button again to start it. Apple documents this procedure for Macs that do not respond normally. (Apple Support)

If the Mac returns to the same screen, start macOS Recovery by holding the power button while the Mac is turned off until “Loading startup options” or the Options icon appears. Select Options > Continue. (Apple Support)

If Setup Assistant gets past the country/region screen but later requires a network connection, connect to Wi-Fi or use Ethernet. Apple’s Mac Studio Setup Assistant includes connecting to a Wi-Fi network as part of the setup process. (Apple Support)

At this stage, I would not erase the Mac or reinstall macOS unless further troubleshooting indicates that this is necessary. If Recovery does not resolve the problem, Apple Support can provide further assistance.

Apple — How to start up from macOS Recovery

Apple — Mac Studio Getting Started Guide

Apple — If your Mac doesn't turn on

Apple — Mac Desktop Support

To fix a Mac Studio stuck on the 'Select Your Country or Region' setup screen, you need to check your accessory connections or restart the setup process.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Check input devices: Ensure your mouse, trackpad, or keyboard are properly turned on and connected via USB cable or Bluetooth. A wireless mouse or keyboard that isn't paired correctly will prevent you from clicking the continue button.
• Use keyboard navigation: Press the Tab key to highlight your country, and press the Spacebar or Return key to select it and move forward.
• Plug in a wired mouse or keyboard: If Bluetooth devices are not responding during setup, connect a wired USB mouse and keyboard directly to the Mac Studio.
• Restart the Mac Studio: Press and hold the power button on the back of the Mac Studio for up to 10 seconds until it turns completely off. Turn it back on to reset the Setup Assistant.
• Connect an Ethernet cable: If the setup screen is waiting for a network check that is failing in the background, plug a working Ethernet cable with internet access directly into the back port

Note that you need an internet connection during setup. If you are having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, see the following: If you can’t choose a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support