Your Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the NVRAM Reset on Mac
The NVRAM reset is an incredibly useful tool that can address a wide range of issues on your Silicon-based Apple Mac.
Do I have a silicon or Intel based Mac?
If you’re unsure whether your Mac has a Silicon or Intel based processor, you can click here for instructions on how to find out.
Silicon Based Mac NVRAM Reset
On Apple Silicon-based Macs, the process of resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) has been replaced with a different procedure called “Reset NVRAM” (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory).Â
Intel Mac PRAM Reset
The key combination to perform a PRAM reset on an Intel Based Mac is:Â Option, Command, P, and R. For full instructions on resetting the PRAM on an Intel-based Mac, click here.
Should I perform a NVRAM Reset?
Performing an NVRAM reset is generally recommended as a troubleshooting step when you encounter specific issues with your Mac, such as problems with startup, display settings, sound, or network connectivity. If you are not experiencing any faults or issues, there is typically no need to perform an NVRAM reset. The NVRAM reset can reset certain system settings to their default values, so it is advisable to only perform it when necessary. If your Mac is functioning normally, there is usually no benefit in resetting the NVRAM.
Why would you perform the NVRAM Reset?
The NVRAM reset, also known as PRAM reset on older Mac models, is a valuable troubleshooting technique that can help resolve various issues and optimize the performance of your Mac. By resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory), you can clear system settings related to display resolution, sound volume, startup disk selection, and more. This process can fix problems like erratic behavior, incorrect settings, or unresponsive hardware. It’s a simple yet powerful way to refresh your Mac’s configuration and ensure it operates smoothly. Performing an NVRAM reset is a go-to solution for troubleshooting common Mac issues and maintaining peak performance.
What can a NVRAM Reset fix?
- Display issues
- Power and startup problems
- Time and date settings
- Keyboard and mouse issues
- Sound-related problems
- Network and connectivity issues
- System performance
Lets get started
First, we need to determine whether your Mac is Intel or Silicon.
Step 1 – Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2 –Â Select “About This Mac” from the dropdown menu.
Step 3 –Â In the “Overview” tab, you will see the name of the processor mentioned below the macOS version. It will indicate either “Intel” or “Apple” followed by the specific processor model.
If the processor is listed as “Intel,” it means your Mac is using an Intel processor. If it is listed as “Apple,” it indicates that your Mac is equipped with an Apple Silicon (M1) or (M2) processor.
NVRAM Reset on Silicon-based Macs (Most models Prior to 2020)
Step 1
Completely shut down your Mac to ensure it is powered off, and not on standby.Â
Step 2
Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Step 3
Immediately press and hold the following keys on your keyboard:
Option, Command, P, and R.
 Maintain holding the keys until you hear the start up chime twice.
Step 4
The NVRAM reset is now complete. You can release the keys you were holding.
Provided the reset was performed successfully, your Mac will now start up as normal.
If the reset was not successful, here are some useful tips that could help:
-
- Press and hold all of the keys in the given combination together, simultaneously, rather than pressing them one at a time.
- If you are unable to activate a key combination when restarting your Mac, first shut down your Mac. If your Mac won’t shut down, press and hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until your Mac turns off. Then press and hold the key combination after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac.
- Allow a few seconds before pressing the keys to give your Mac time to recognize the keyboard during startup. Some keyboards have a brief flashing light at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you are using a wireless keyboard, try connecting it to your Mac using a cable, if possible. Alternatively, use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you have a keyboard designed for a PC, such as one with a Windows logo, try using a keyboard made specifically for Mac.
- Note that certain key combinations may not work if your Mac has a firmware password set. Disable the firmware password first.
- If you are using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, adjust the startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart your Mac and try the key combination again.
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