If your Mac is facing any difficulties like startup problems, problems with display, battery not charging properly, fan noise, or any other problem with the hardware, resetting NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC on Mac could solve the problem. As newer models of Mac that use Apple Silicon take care of most of these automatically, older models of Mac that use Intel processors can still benefit from these resets.

What Are NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC?

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)

NVRAM keeps a small set of Mac system settings saved even after shutdown. This covers things like the chosen startup disk, screen resolution, and speaker volume. It also holds your time zone and details from any recent kernel panics.

PRAM (Parameter RAM)

PRAM is the earlier version of NVRAM, used in older Mac models. Since resetting it works the same way, people often use the two terms interchangeably.

SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC is responsible for performing the low-level tasks associated with hardware components such as battery charging, power button functions, and fan speed. This processor also controls wake/sleep functions, keyboard illumination, and temperature management. In addition to that, the SMC controls LED status indicator lights.

When Do You Need to Reset NVRAM Or PRAM?

PRAM & NVRAM need to be reset if you encounter the following issues –

• Incorrect display resolution
• Problems with the startup disk
• Incorrect speaker volume
• Question mark folder appears at Mac startup
• Time Zone resets
• Problems in detecting an external display
• Startup problems

When Do You Need To Reset The SMC?

SMC reset is required if you are facing problems such as –

• Battery not charging
• Fan running at high speed all the time
• MacBook doesn’t enter sleep mode
• Power button is not working
• Mac shuts down unexpectedly while working on it
• Backlight problem in keyboard
• Poor performance due to thermal management

Prerequisites before you begin troubleshooting.

If you want to reset NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC on a Mac, then you must go through the checklist.

• Save all the open files.
• Shut down your Mac completely.
• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals.
• Know whether your Mac uses Apple Silicon or an Intel processor.

Bonus – Check Your Mac’s Processor. Click on the Apple Menu. Choose About This Mac. Look for Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 or Intel mentioned there to confirm your processor.

How to Reset NVRAM or PRAM (Intel Macs Only)

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Press the Power button.
3. Immediately press and hold

Option + Command + P + R

1. Keep holding the keys for approximately.
2. During this time, your Mac may restart once or twice, and on older Macs, you may hear the startup sound twice.
3. Release the keys and allow your Mac to boot normally.

How to Reset the SMC

The process depends on your Mac model.

Method 1 – Intel MacBooks with T2 Security Chip

Note – Applicable for MacBook Air (2018 or later) and MacBook Pro (2018 or later)

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold Control (Left) + Option (Left)+ Shift (Right)
3. Hold for 7 seconds.
4. Without releasing those keys, press and hold the Power button.
5. Hold all four keys for another 7 seconds.
6. Release all keys.
7. Wait 10 seconds.
8. Turn on your Mac.

Method 2 – Intel MacBooks Without T2 Chip

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option
3. Press and hold the Power button.
4. Hold all keys for 10 seconds.
5. Release everything.
6. Turn on the Mac.

Method 3: Intel Desktop Macs

Note – Applicable for iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait 15 seconds.
4. Plug the cable back in.
5. Wait 5 seconds.
6. Press the Power button.

How to Reset Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4)

Did you know that Apple Silicon Macs do not require manual resets of NVRAM, PRAM, or the SMC? These systems automatically perform low-level hardware checks during startup. Here is what you need to do.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Turn it back on.

If the issue persists:

• Update macOS.
• Start in Safe Mode.
• Run Apple Diagnostics.
• Reinstall macOS if necessary.

What Happens After Resetting NVRAM?

Some settings return to their default values, including Startup disk, Screen resolution, Speaker volume, Time zone, and Display settings. You may need to reconfigure these preferences after the reset.

Troubleshooting Tips if Reset Doesn’t Help

If resetting NVRAM or SMC doesn’t resolve the problem, try the following:

• Update macOS to the latest version.
• Boot your Mac in Safe Mode.
• Disconnect external devices and test again.
• Run Apple Diagnostics to check for hardware issues.
• Reset login items and startup applications.
• Reinstall macOS if software corruption is suspected.
• Contact Apple Support if hardware problems continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

An NVRAM, PRAM, or SMC reset can solve many kinds of hardware problems for Intel-based Mac computers, including problems related to displays, batteries, and startups. In the case of Apple Silicon-based Mac computers, resetting these features is not needed since the computer handles all these tasks automatically. If there are still problems, you should update macOS, do an Apple diagnostics check, or seek professional help.