Is your Mac performing up? Did the simple reboot also fail? Try stepping up your troubleshooting game by resetting NVRAM on your Mac. We present a complete guide on how to reset NVRAM or PRAM on a Mac.
What Is NVRAM?
NVRAM is a short form for Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. It is the RAM used in modern Macs to store peripheral data, including volume, time settings, display resolution and brightness, and start-up disk selection. Since NVRAM is non-volatile and uses a small battery, the settings don’t change when the power is turned off or disconnected.
What Is PRAM?
PRAM is a short form for Parameter Random Access Memory. NVRAM and PRAM are the same thing; PRAM was used in the older versions of Mac, and NVRAM is now used in the new versions. Resetting the PRAM is the same thing as resetting the NVRAM. Suppose you have an older version of Mac with PRAM and are facing the same issues as above; follow this guide on resetting the NVRAM or PRAM.
How To Reset NVRAM or PRAM On Mac
There are two kinds of Mac: Mac with Intel Core and Mac with Apple Silicone chip. The ways to reset an NVRAM or PRAM for both types of Mac are different. Both of them are the following:
Reset NVRAM or PRAM in M-Series
If you have an M-1 or M-2 series of Mac, it is believed in the tech industry that you don’t really need to reset your NVRAM or PRAM. Because it resets automatically when you restart your Mac with Apple Silicone. In other words, you have to simply cold reboot your Mac, in order to reset.
Reset NVRAM or PRAM Intel Based Macs
There are two methods to reset NVRAM or PRAM on Mac. For the first method, it is suggested to use a wired keyboard and to remove all the USB devices (except the wired keyboard). If you don’t have a wired keyboard, use the in-built keyboard or the terminal.
Intel Macs
The most common method for NVRAM or PRAM to reset your Mac is to hold down a few keys while powering on your Mac.
- First, shut down your Mac, and then hold the power button to power on your Mac.
- Immediately press and hold this key combination, alt/option + command ⌘ + P + R, and keep holding them down for 20 seconds.
- Now, let go and let your Mac continue to open normally. For older Macs, release the keys when you hear the startup chime for the second time.
- Your Mac is open now. You can go to System Preferences to adjust the settings according to your preferences.
Terminal
Another option for NVRAM reset is to use the Mac Terminal. You can also try this on M-series Mac if you suspect anything is wrong.
- Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities) and close all the other apps.
- Type sudonvram –c sand press Enter.
- You will then be asked to enter your administrator password. Type your Password and press Enter.
- After that, restart your Mac; that’s it.
| Note: Mac’s Terminal App is an advanced way to issue commands. It is only recommended for advanced users since wrong commands can lead to irreversible changes. |
Why To Reset NVRAM? 5 Reasons
Resetting your NVRAM is quite an easy process and does not require any tools or expertise. Anyone can very easily do it. Although NVRAM is less prone to corruption, you can reset your NVRAM if you are having problems like:
- Mac is having trouble finding the correct startup disk.
- Wrong resolution and display setting issues.
- Data and Time settings are incorrect.
- Non-responsive external displays
- The Mac doesn’t boot up correctly.
What if the Issue Still Continued?
If you are having problems on Mac like battery draining issues or having trouble with your fan. Then, instead of resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you should reset SMC (System Management Controller). Moreover, you can consider starting your Mac in Recovery Mode, as it factory resets your Mac. Thus eliminating all the potential problems with your Mac.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to reset NVRAM?
After you reset the NVRAM or PRAM, your Mac will return to its factory default setting. This is safe for your Mac but can be considered ‘unsafe’ for any custom settings you make, as you will lose them and have to customize them again.
Q: Why NVRAM or PRAM reset is not working?
One common mistake is setting a Film Ware Password. Your MacBook will not reset if you have a Film Ware Password.
Q: Will resetting NVRAM or PRAM delete files?
No, resetting NVRAM doesn’t delete any saved files, as it doesn’t delete any of your storage device data.
Q: Do I need to reset NVRAM before selling my Mac?
Yes, it is advisable to reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac before selling it. This guarantees that all user-specific configurations are cleared.
Wrapping Up
Every MacBook user should know how to reset NVRAM or PRAM on a Mac so that they don’t have anything to worry about when their Mac behaves unusually.
