Resetting NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC on Your Mac

If your Mac is exhibiting peculiar glitches, there\’s a troubleshooting step that might just save the day. Resetting the NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC can work wonders when your Mac starts acting up. In this guide, we\’ll walk you through the process of resetting these essential components to restore your Mac to optimal performance. 

Understanding the NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC

When your Mac enters a realm of unexpected behaviour, your initial response might involve common troubleshooting methods such as restarting, running Disk Utility, or initiating a Safe Boot. However, it\’s important to expand your repertoire of solutions to include a set of additional procedures that have the power to eliminate even the most enigmatic problems. These procedures involve resetting the NVRAM and the SMC.

Zapping the NVRAM (or PRAM)

In the past, the troubleshooting toolkit for Mac problems included the classic practice of clearing the PRAM. PRAM, which stands for \”parameter RAM,\” was a small section of battery-backed memory in Macs storing crucial information required for booting up the operating system. If this data became corrupted or misaligned, your Mac could encounter startup issues or exhibit strange behaviors. To address this, a key sequence at startup was employed to \”zap\” the PRAM, restoring it to its default settings.

With modern Macs, PRAM has been replaced by NVRAM (non-volatile RAM). While the purpose remains similar, NVRAM contains fewer variables, including startup disk selection, speaker volume, screen resolution, time zone, and recent kernel panic details. Although NVRAM corruption is uncommon, it could lead to issues like prolonged boot time, incorrect screen resolution, or audio problems. Resetting the NVRAM can offer a swift remedy without causing harm.

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Resetting NVRAM on Intel Macs

For Intel-based Macs, resetting the NVRAM follows a process similar to the traditional PRAM reset.

  • Shut down your Mac.
  • Press the power button. As the laptop powers up, hold down Command-Option-P-R simultaneously.
  • Hold the keys for about 20 seconds. Release them and allow your Mac to start normally.
  • Check System Preferences. Examine the Startup Disk, Display, and Date & Time settings to ensure they\’re configured as desired.
  • In the event that pressing Command-Option-P-R results in a static gray screen, indicating no progress or signs of startup, the problem might be related to a USB device. Try disconnecting all USB devices (excluding the keyboard if it\’s wired), then press and hold the power button until the Mac shuts down. Afterward, power it on while holding Command-Option-P-R.

Advanced Option: Terminal Reset

Advanced users can explore using the Terminal for an NVRAM reset. However, if this step becomes necessary, the issue at hand likely extends beyond NVRAM problems. Enter the following command in a new Terminal window:

After executing the command, restart your Mac to apply the changes.

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Rebooting the SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for several hardware functions in Intel Macs, such as power management, temperature monitoring, fan control, and more. Resetting the SMC can resolve issues like excessive fan noise, slow performance, battery anomalies, and sleep/wake problems. Although Apple recommends trying other troubleshooting steps first, an SMC reset can sometimes work wonders.

M1 Macs: New Approach to SMC

M1 Macs handle SMC functions differently due to the built-in capabilities of the M1 chip. To perform something akin to an SMC reset on an M1 Mac:

  • Power down the M1 Mac completely.
  • Leave it off for 30 seconds.
  • Power on the Mac.

Should the problem persist, you can attempt a more complex procedure of reinstalling the M1 Mac\’s firmware with the Apple Configurator 2 app on another Mac.

Resetting SMC on Intel Macs

The process of resetting the SMC varies depending on your Mac model:

Desktop Macs: Disconnect the power cord, wait for 15 seconds, and reconnect it. Afterward, wait for 5 seconds and turn the Mac on.

Laptops with T2 chip: Shut down, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release it. Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

Laptops (no T2 chip) with non-removable batteries: Shut down, then press and hold Shift, Option, and Control keys on the left side of the keyboard. Simultaneously, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release all keys. Connect the power adapter and start the Mac normally.

Laptops (no T2 chip) with removable batteries: Shut down, unplug the power cord, remove the battery, press the power button for 5 seconds, release it, reattach the battery, reconnect the power cord, and start the Mac.

Although neither of these techniques is guaranteed to work, they both can fix a variety of weird issues and are worth a quick try before taking your Mac to the nearest repair centre.

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FAQ

1. What is the purpose of resetting NVRAM and SMC on a Mac?

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) can help resolve various issues on Mac computers, such as startup problems, audio glitches, display irregularities, and hardware-related anomalies. These procedures restore essential system settings to their default values, potentially improving overall performance.

2. How do I know if I need to reset the NVRAM on my Mac?

If your Mac is experiencing issues like prolonged boot times, incorrect display settings, or audio problems, a reset of the NVRAM might be beneficial. These problems could indicate corrupted NVRAM settings. However, it\’s important to try basic troubleshooting steps first before resorting to a reset.

3. Can I reset NVRAM on M1 Macs?

Yes, M1 Macs do have the ability to reset NVRAM, but the process differs from Intel-based Macs. Simply power down the M1 Mac completely, wait for around 30 seconds, and then power it back on. The system will perform an NVRAM check during startup and reset if necessary.

4. Is resetting the SMC safe for my Mac?

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is generally safe and can resolve various hardware-related issues. However, it\’s recommended to try other troubleshooting methods before attempting an SMC reset. While there are minimal risks associated with resetting the SMC, it\’s advisable to follow the correct procedure based on your Mac model.

5. How can I reset the SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery?

To reset the SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery, follow these steps:

  • Shut down your MacBook.
  • Press and hold Shift, Option, and Control keys on the left side of the keyboard.
  • Simultaneously, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
  • Release all keys and the power button.
  • Reconnect the power adapter and start the MacBook normally.

Remember that while NVRAM and SMC resets can be effective solutions for certain issues, they should be considered after trying simpler troubleshooting steps. If problems persist, seeking professional help may be necessary.