How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM on Your MacBook Pro/Air [2024 Comprehensive Guide]

Upon reading forums, they attempted to execute an NVRAM reset, and subsequently, their MacBook Pro 16-inch ceased to recognize the external monitor.

Upon adhering to the instructions to press the keys I was instructed to hold, my Mac proceeded to reinstall macOS. Can you speculate what might have occurred? - Apple Support Communities

It appears that this user accidentally performed an NVRAM Reset on their MacBook Pro, potentially putting their data at risk. In this situation, let's understand what NVRAM is and the correct methods to reset it on your Mac safely.

Overview: What Is NVRAM/PRAM Used for? NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and PRAM (Persistent Random-Access Memory) are types of computer memory that retain data even when the power is turned off. They serve essential functions in various operating systems, particularly macOS and some versions of Windows. Here's an overview of what NVRAM/PRAM is used for: 1. **System Preferences**: NVRAM/PRAM stores certain system preferences, such as screen resolution, startup disk selection, speaker volume, and keyboard settings. When you change these settings, they are temporarily saved in NVRAM/PRAM to ensure quick access. 2. **Network Settings**: It holds network-related configurations like Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs), preferred networks, and Ethernet settings. This allows your computer to connect to networks more efficiently. 3. **Time Zone Information**: Your computer's time zone setting is stored in NVRAM/PRAM, ensuring accurate time display without relying solely on the system clock. 4. **Graphics Parameters**: Some computers use NVRAM/PRAM to store graphics card settings, such as screen resolution and color depth. 5. **Bootloader Configuration**: In some cases, NVRAM/PRAM contains information about the boot process, including boot flags and firmware updates. 6. **Hardware Compatibility**: It can store information about connected hardware peripherals, allowing the system to recognize and configure them correctly. 7. **Performance Optimization**: PRAM, specifically, can store data related to performance optimization, like cache settings and system cache sizes. When issues arise with these settings or if you need to reset your computer to its default configuration, clearing or resetting NVRAM/PRAM can be a troubleshooting step. This is typically done by restarting the computer and holding specific key combinations during the startup process, like Command + Option + P + R on a Mac. In summary, NVRAM/PRAM plays a crucial role in storing and quickly accessing system settings and configurations that persist across power cycles, enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of a computer.

Resetting the NVRAM is the most common recommendation for addressing a malfunctioning Mac.

NVRAM, short for Non-Volatile RAM, is the updated term for PRAM in the Mac world. This small amount of memory stores OS-related settings, allowing your Mac to boot up swiftly and operate as designed. Resetting NVRAM or PRAM on a Mac yields similar results, as the settings are retained even when the Mac is turned off or disconnected, owing to NVRAM's non-volatile nature.

On your Mac, NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) stores and maintains information about how your Mac is configured, including the following settings:

• Keyboard and language region
• Display settings
• Date and time settings
• Volume settings
• Kernel extensions
• Startup disk

In Advance: Recover Your Data When You Need to Reset NVRAM

The state configurations of your Mac are stored in NVRAM/PRAM, as previously mentioned. If the data stored in this non-volatile random-access memory becomes corrupted, your Mac might function improperly.

When the need arises to reset NVRAM, it suggests that your Mac might be encountering one or more of these issues:

• Your Mac won't turn on, showing a black screen.
• You're unable to modify display, date, or sound volume settings.
• Your Mac fails to restart after an update.
• Your Mac doesn't shut down properly.

NVRAM and PRAM are powered by a separate battery from the Mac, ensuring that their data is retained even when the computer is turned off. However, the information stored in these memory spaces is tied to the operating system. If you need to reset your NVRAM to address issues with your Mac, it's crucial to be cautious about data security during the troubleshooting process.

When encountering the issues above, protect and recover your data before resetting the Mac NVRAM. You wouldn't want all your data to vanish after resolving the problems.

The most effective solution can be Tools Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. Tools data recovery software may be the ideal choice when data is accidentally erased from hard drives.

Here are the steps to recover your data before you proceed with the NVRAM reset:

Step 1. Select the drive to be scanned Select the drive you want to scan.

In the main interface of the Data Recovery Wizard, you'll see a list of drives connected to your Mac. Choose the drive from which you need to recover lost or deleted files, and then click the "Search for lost files" button.

Important: Before proceeding with data recovery, it's recommended to click "Disk Backup" from the left panel to create a backup of your Mac to prevent further data loss. Once the backup is done, the software can retrieve data from the backup, and your computer can start writing new data again.

Step 2. Select the lost data/files

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will instantly scan the selected disk volume and display the scan results on the left panel. If you're searching for specific files, you can sort the results to locate them.

Step 3. Recover Lost/Deleted Data

Once you've located the desired files, preview them and then click "Recover" to commence the retrieval of your deleted/lost Mac files.

3 Ways: How to Reset Your Mac's NVRAM/PRAM

First, you can consult the brief video below, which will guide you on how to correctly reset the NVRAM/PRAM. Alternatively, you can refer to the steps outlined here:

1. 00:07 - What is NVRAM?
2. 00:26 - Resetting the NVRAM
3. 01:13 - Logging back into your Mac

Resetting the PRAM/NVRAM is crucial as a solution if the data in the PRAM/NVRAM has become corrupted.

Here are the three methods to reset NVRAM/PRAM, with the first two differing based on whether your MacBook is powered by an Intel processor or Apple silicon: 1. **For Intel-based MacBooks:** - Shut down your MacBook. - Connect any external peripherals if they were connected when the issue occurred. - Press and hold the following keys together: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. - While holding the keys, turn on your MacBook by pressing the Power button. - Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time. - Release all the keys, and your MacBook will continue to boot normally. 2. **For Apple silicon-based MacBooks:** - Shut down your MacBook. - Connect any external peripherals that were present when the issue occurred. - Press and hold the Power button until you see the startup options screen. - Release the Power button. - Press and hold the Command (⌘) and Option keys. - While still holding those keys, press the Power button once to select "Startup Disk." - Keep holding Command (⌘) and Option until you hear the startup sound for the second time. - Release all the keys, and your MacBook will proceed to boot up normally. 3. **通用方法 (For both Intel and Apple silicon Macs):** - Shut down your MacBook. - If necessary, connect any peripherals that were connected when the issue occurred. - Press the Power button to turn on your MacBook. - Immediately after hearing the startup chime, press and hold the Command (⌘), Option, P, and R keys together. - For Intel-based Macs, continue holding until you hear the startup sound for the second time. For Apple silicon-based Macs, hold the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time or until your MacBook restarts. - Release all the keys, and your MacBook should now boot up normally.

Method 1: Reset NVRAM on Intel-based MacBook

Important: Use a wired keyboard for this process, as wireless keyboards may not function properly during NVRAM/PRAM reset.

Step 1. Turn off your MacBook first.

Step 2. Press the power button to turn it on, then press and hold Command + Option + P + R keys together.

Step 3. Release the keys once you see the Apple Logo.

Step 4. Reset your Mac's NVRAM after it has finished starting up.

Method 2: Reset NVRAM on Apple Silicon-based MacBooks

If you have an Apple Silicon-based MacBook Pro with the Apple M1 chip or Apple M2 chip, you cannot perform a manual NVRAM reset. These Macs automatically check the NVRAM on startup, and if any issues are detected, they initiate a reset automatically.

Therefore, it's crucial to verify your MacBook's chip first. Proceeding with the Intel-based MacBook method on an M-series chip MacBook might result in unforeseen errors.

Method 3: Reset NVRAM Using Terminal

Step 1. Open Terminal by selecting it from the Utilities menu in Finder: Finder > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2. Type sudo nvram -c and press Enter. After entering the Administrator password, press Enter again.

Step 3. Type sudo shutdown -r and press Enter. The computer will now restart.

Final Thoughts

Beginners should exercise caution when using Terminal to reset NVRAM, as Mac Terminal is quite advanced. The other two methods can be more accessible even for those new to Macs. And don't forget to utilize data recovery software to retrieve important data.

NVRAM Reset Frequently Asked Questions

Upon reading this passage, you have gained knowledge about resetting the NVRAM on a MacBook Pro. For further information, you can explore the following frequently asked questions.

**1. What does resetting NVRAM do on a Mac?**

For example, issues with Mac's system audio or graphical display can be resolved by resetting the PRAM/NVRAM in macOS.

2. What is an SMC reset? An SMC (System Management Controller) reset is a process used to refresh and reset the SMC, a low-level controller responsible for managing various hardware functions on Apple's Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads. The SMC handles power management, fan control, keyboard backlighting, and other system-related tasks. When the SMC becomes dysfunctional or encounters issues, performing a reset can resolve problems like unexpected shutdowns, abnormal fan noise, or other hardware-related glitches. The procedure for resetting the SMC varies depending on the device model.

SMC stands for System Management Controller. Resetting the SMC on a MacBook Pro can adjust functions that usually cannot be modified in System Preferences. For instance:

• Battery management
• Sleep mode
• Power button mode

3. Does resetting NVRAM delete data on a Mac?

Resetting NVRAM would erase the current data on your Mac and restore default settings. So, if your Mac is severely corrupted, it's advisable to recover your data first.

4. What is stored in NVRAM? NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) is a type of memory that retains its data even when the power is turned off. It is used to store configuration settings and other critical information that needs to be quickly accessible by a computer or device. Here's what typically gets stored in NVRAM: 1. **System Configuration**: This includes settings like the date and time, network preferences, startup disk selection, and display resolutions. 2. **Boot Loader Information**: The boot loader settings that determine how your system starts up, such as the order of devices to boot from. 3. **Driver Settings**: Settings related to hardware drivers, like printer or network controller configurations. 4. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**: In some systems, NVRAM stores BIOS or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings, which control low-level system functions. 5. **Performance Settings**: Customized performance settings like CPU power management, fan control, or acceleration settings for certain applications. 6. **MacOS System Preferences**: On Apple devices, NVRAM holds specific settings like sound volume, screen savers, and trackpad options. 7. **Encryption Keys**: In certain cases, NVRAM may store encryption keys for secure boot processes or file system encryption. 8. **Recent Kernel Extensions**: Information about recently loaded kernel extensions, which are small software components that extend the functionality of the operating system. It's important to note that the exact contents of NVRAM can vary depending on the device and its operating system. Clearing or resetting NVRAM can help resolve issues when troubleshooting a system, as it forces the device to reload default settings.

It is a small amount of memory that stores several quick-access settings for macOS, including preferences for the mouse, speakers, display resolution, and others.