The method to reset NVRAM or PRAM varies by Mac chip type. 1. Intel chip Mac: immediately hold down Command Option PR when restarting until you hear the second startup sound or see the Apple Logo appear again and then let go; 2. Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2, etc.): Turn off the power completely first, wait for at least 20 seconds before restarting. This operation is suitable for solving problems such as fan rotation, abnormal resolution, no response to external monitors, unrecognized startup disks, or invalid volume adjustment. In particular, it is important to note that the Apple Silicon model must wait for 20 seconds.

Press and hold these keys immediately when powering on to reset NVRAM or PRAM.

If you are using a Mac and have problems related to sound, display, or startup, resetting NVRAM (nonvolatile random access memory) or PRAM (parameter random access memory) may be a worthwhile solution. Different models of Mac operations are slightly different, so let’s talk about how to do it.

Suitable for Intel chip Mac: Press Command Option PR when restarting

If you are using a Mac equipped with an Intel processor, you need to press these four keys during restart: Command Option PR .

• After you click Restart, immediately press this set of shortcut keys
• Keep pressing and holding on until you hear the second startup sound (if the startup sound is enabled), or see the Apple logo appear and disappear and appear again, you can let go
• This process usually lasts about 10 to 20 seconds

This operation will clear some hardware-related settings, such as volume, monitor resolution, boot disk selection, etc. After reset, these settings will be reloaded with default values.

Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2 and other chips): Reset in three steps

Macs equipped with Apple's self-developed chips operate differently because they do not have NVRAM in the traditional sense. But you can simulate similar operations by "reset NVRAM":

1. Completely shut down
2. Wait for at least 20 seconds (don't skip this step, this is the key)
3. Press the power button to turn on the power

Although it does not operate with buttons like Intel models, this step can have a similar effect. Apple's official notes also point out that this method can reset NVRAM-related settings, especially if there are problems with startup or peripheral recognition.

When should I reset NVRAM/PRAM?

Common situations include:

• The fan is spinning wildly after turning on the computer, or the temperature is abnormal
• The screen resolution is wrong, or the external monitor does not respond
• The startup disk cannot be recognized during startup
• The volume setting is muted as soon as it is turned on, and the adjustment is invalid

These problems are sometimes caused by configuration disorders in NVRAM, and resetting them can often be solved quickly.

Basically all is it, the operation is not complicated but the details are easy to ignore. Especially the 20-second waiting time of the Apple Silicon model, many people think that it’s over if the power is turned off. In fact, this is one of the key points.

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