TL;DR
To reset PRAM and NVRAM on Mac:
- On Intel-based Macs: Press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup chime twice.
- For a Mac with the T2 Security Chip: Keep holding the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
- For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2), NVRAM resets automatically if needed during restart.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
I’ve faced frustrating Mac issues like weird startup problems or settings not sticking. One quick fix that has saved me countless times is resetting the NVRAM or PRAM. It’s simple, effective, and can get your Mac back to working smoothly. Let me show you how!
What Are PRAM and NVRAM on a Mac?
PRAM and NVRAM are small memory sections that store settings your Mac needs to function smoothly:
- PRAM: Found in older Macs, it handles volume, time zone, and more.
- NVRAM: Used in modern Macs, including Intel and Apple Silicon models, for storing startup disk and display settings.
Before Resetting PRAM/NVRAM
- Back up your data: Use Time Machine or another backup tool.
- Check your Mac type: Only Intel Macs need a manual reset.
- Try other fixes first: Update macOS or reset SMC before resetting PRAM/NVRAM.
How to Reset PRAM and NVRAM on Mac
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The steps for resetting PRAM or NVRAM depend on whether your Mac has an Intel or an Apple Silicon processor. Below, I’ll walk you through how to reset PRAM and NVRAM for both Mac types:
For Intel-Based Macs:
Older PowerPC Mac models have PRAM, while their Intel-based cousins have NVRAM. But don’t worry about figuring out which one your Mac has because they’re practically like twins when it comes to resetting them. The process is the same for both.
Here are the steps:
- Turn off your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys simultaneously on your Mac’s keyboard before the gray screen appears.
- Keep holding the keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup chime twice.
- If you have a Mac with the T2 Security Chip, keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
- Release the keys and let your Mac start up normally.
For Apple Silicon Macs
Apple Silicon Macs reset NVRAM automatically during a reboot. Just restart your Mac to refresh the settings.
What Happens After Resetting PRAM/NVRAM?
After resetting, settings like volume, display, and time zone return to default. You may need to reconfigure the startup disk or adjust system preferences manually.
👨💼Ask for Help
If you’re unsure or if something goes wrong, reach out to Apple Repair or a certified Apple technician. They’ve been a lifesaver for me in tricky situations and can ensure your reset goes smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Resetting NVRAM and PRAM can fix those pesky display, sound, and system setting issues on your Mac. And, since we’re on a roll here, let’s go the extra mile and make your Mac experience even more amazing with these awesome tips:
- Prevent system slowdowns and crashes by freeing up RAM on your Mac.
- Clean up your Mac regularly to improve its performance and prevent lags.
- Reset SMC on your Mac before resetting NVRAM/PRAM.
