How To: Reset NVRAM or PRAM | Purple Computing
Logo of the Apple Consultants Network, used by accredited Apple IT service providers and business IT consultants
FREE CONSULTATION
Apple MacBook. Purple | Certified Apple IT Support guide on how to reset NVRAM or PRAM

How To: Reset NVRAM or PRAM


Introduction

NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a small amount of memory that your Mac uses to store certain settings and access them quickly. PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores similar information, and the steps for resetting NVRAM and PRAM are the same.

Settings that can be stored in NVRAM include sound volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, time zone, and recent kernel panic information. The settings stored in NVRAM depend on your Mac and the devices that you’re using with your Mac.

If you experience issues related to these settings or others, resetting NVRAM might help. For example, if your Mac starts up from a disk other than the one selected in Startup Disk preferences, or a question mark icon briefly appears before your Mac starts up, you might need to reset NVRAM.

Method

How to reset NVRAM

Option keyplusCommand keyplusP keyplusR key

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart.

  • On Mac computers that play a startup sound, you can release the keys after the second startup sound.
  • On Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip, you can release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.

When your Mac finishes starting up, you might want to open System Preferences and adjust any settings that were reset, such as sound volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, or time zone.

Sources

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204063

Still having problems resetting the NVRAM or PRAM?

Contact Purple and we can help with your business IT support.

Get In Touch

Real-Time Feedback

When we solve a support ticket, clients are given the choice of leaving good or bad feedback along with an optional comment. We post the 10 most recent comments here automatically and in real-time. You can view even more on our page.

Date Name Comments
May 25th Peter G The support was fast and successful. Everything worked just perfect. Bravo!
May 15th Mark H As usual, timely and efficient.
May 15th Caroline C Thank you so much for resolving my problems so swiftly this morning. That's very much appreciated.
May 10th Kelly C Dean has been amazing to work with throughout this project! He was very responsive and knowledgable. We look forward to more support from Dean and team in the future!
May 3rd Craig L Quick service as usual.
May 3rd Amanda H Many thanks Lochie for a quick and successful response
May 3rd Craig L Helpful as usual.
Apr 21st Lorna S Dean has given excellent support
Apr 19th Jane E Thank you James for responding so quickly, identifying the issue with my battery and booking me a session with Apple. I'm very grateful. :)
Apr 18th Craig L Good service as usual.