What Is NVRAM (Or PRAM)? How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM on Mac to Solve Problems?

PAGE CONTENT:

Note: This guide only applies to Intel-based Macs. There is no need to reset NVRAM (or PRAM) on a Mac with Apple silicon.

Have you ever had strange problems with your Mac, like display settings that wouldn't work right, music that wouldn't work right, or startup times that were too long? The problem could be with NVRAM or PRAM, which are small but essential parts of your Mac's design.

These abbreviations may sound like computer slang, but they stand for necessary memory modules that store crucial system settings and setups. Simply put, they store essential information, like your Mac's memory bank, even when the power is off.

This guide will show you how to reset NVRAM and PRAM on Mac, which is crucial in fixing common Mac problems and getting things back to normal.

What Is NVRAM (also called PRAM)?

Data is stored in NVRAM, a random-access memory, even when the power is off. Its non-volatility makes it excellent for storing key system settings that must survive reboots. Mac NVRAM holds display resolution, sound volume, startup disk selection, time zone, and recent kernel panic information.

NVRAM uses a small amount of RAM-free memory. It uses (EEPROM) Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory to write, erase, and rewrite data. Mac systems can preserve necessary configurations that survive power cycles and system updates.

Why Reset NVRAM/PRAM on Mac?

NVRAM or PRAM reset is a common debugging step for Macs that can fix several system problems or return to the original settings. The information kept in NVRAM or PRAM can get damaged or out of date over time, which can cause strange behavior or speed problems. Here are some everyday situations in which restarting NVRAM or PRAM might be helpful:

How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM on Mac (Intel-based Mac)?

On a Mac, resetting NVRAM or PRAM is a simple process that only takes a few steps.

Step 1. Shut Down Your Mac.

To reset NVRAM or PRAM, ensure your Mac is switched off. Either choose "Shut Down" from the Apple menu or press and hold the Power button until the computer is switched off.

Step 2. Hold  Option, Command, P, R.

Then turn on your Mac, immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, R.

Hold down the keys for about 20 seconds, or until you hear the startup sound a second time (on Intel-based Macs) or see the Apple logo show and disappear a second time.

Let go of the keys when the second starting sound or the Apple logo appears or disappears. After that, your Mac usually starts up.

Once your Mac is fully up and running, you can be sure that NVRAM/PRAM has been reset by seeing if any of the problems you were having before are gone. Depending on your tastes, you may need to change some settings, like the display resolution or the startup disk.

Note: If you lose data due to resetting NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac, you can use a data recovery app to scan your Mac disk and get the lost data back.

Conclusion:

We learned how important NVRAM or PRAM is for running your Mac smoothly. Knowing that it keeps your system settings safe gives you a valuable tool for fixing common problems. Remember that restarting NVRAM and PRAM isn't just a technical fix; it's also a helpful way to fix common Mac issues.

Now that you know this, you can safely deal with the occasional bugs that may show up and keep your Mac in great shape for all your projects. Enjoy your newfound knowledge of NVRAM and PRAM, and keep enjoying your Mac's smooth operation.

If your Mac gets damaged and you will repair it, it is strongly recommended to create a full bootable clone for it before you reset it or send it to a Mac repair store. Donemax Disk Clone for Mac is a powerful disk cloning app, it is able to securely and quickly move everything from your Mac to an external HDD or SSD and create a full bootable clone backup.