How to nvram reset mac

What is NVRAM?

NVRAM, also known as Parameter RAM (PRAM) on older Macs, is a small amount of memory on your Mac's logic board that stores certain settings so that they are available quickly. These settings are typically those that don't change often and need to be accessed quickly by macOS. This includes things like your Mac's startup disk selection, screen resolution, speaker volume, and time zone information. It also stores information about the most recent kernel panic, which can help Apple diagnose issues.

Why Reset NVRAM?

Resetting NVRAM is a troubleshooting step that can resolve a variety of unusual problems. If you're experiencing issues such as:

• Your Mac not remembering sound volume settings.
• Problems with screen resolution or display settings.
• Your Mac starting up from the wrong disk.
• Your Mac behaving erratically or experiencing kernel panics (often indicated by a black screen with a message).
• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity issues that persist after other troubleshooting steps.

Then resetting the NVRAM might be the solution. It's a harmless procedure that can often fix these types of persistent glitches without affecting your personal data or installed applications.

How to Reset NVRAM on Intel-based Macs

The process for resetting NVRAM on most Intel-based Macs is straightforward:

1. Shut Down Your Mac: Make sure your Mac is completely powered off.
2. Turn On Your Mac: Press the power button to start your Mac.
3. Press and Hold Key Combination: Immediately after pressing the power button, press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously.
4. Keep Holding: Continue holding these keys for about 20 seconds. You might hear the startup sound play a second time, or you might see the Apple logo appear and disappear a second time.
5. Release Keys: Release the keys.
6. Continue Startup: Your Mac will continue to start up as usual.

After the reset, you may need to readjust your Mac's settings, such as speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone, as these will revert to their default values.

How to Reset NVRAM on Macs with the Apple T2 Security Chip

Most Macs released since 2018 are equipped with the Apple T2 Security Chip. The NVRAM reset procedure is the same:

1. Shut Down Your Mac: Ensure your Mac is fully shut down.
2. Turn On Your Mac: Press the power button.
3. Press and Hold Key Combination: Immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys.
4. Keep Holding: Hold the keys for at least 20 seconds. Your Mac might restart during this process. If you hear the startup sound for a second time or see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice, you can release the keys.
5. Release Keys: Release the keys.
6. Continue Startup: Allow your Mac to start up normally.

Again, you may need to reconfigure some system settings after the reset.

When to Use NVRAM Reset

An NVRAM reset is generally a last resort for troubleshooting specific hardware-related settings or persistent startup issues. It's not a fix for software glitches or problems caused by applications. If you're unsure whether an NVRAM reset is appropriate for your issue, it's always a good idea to consult Apple's support documentation or contact Apple Support.

Important Considerations

It's important to note that resetting NVRAM is different from resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC handles power management, battery, fans, and other low-level functions, while NVRAM handles the settings mentioned earlier. The procedure for resetting the SMC is different and varies depending on your Mac model.

For Macs with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.), there is no user-initiated NVRAM reset procedure. The system automatically checks and resets NVRAM if necessary during startup. If you encounter issues on an Apple Silicon Mac that would typically be resolved by an NVRAM reset on an Intel Mac, it's recommended to try restarting your Mac, or if necessary, proceeding with other troubleshooting steps like reinstalling macOS.