Resetting your Mac’s PRAM (Parameter RAM)—now commonly called NVRAM—and System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve a surprising range of issues, from odd display resolutions and boot problems to power-management quirks and fan noise. While modern Apple Silicon Macs handle many of these settings automatically, Intel-based Macs still rely on manual resets for a clean slate.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when and how to reset PRAM/NVRAM and SMC on both Mac notebooks and desktops. You’ll walk away with clear, action-oriented steps, plus pro tips to avoid common mistakes and an advanced use case for rolling resets across multiple machines.
Whether you’re troubleshooting random kernel panics, odd audio behavior, or battery-charging issues, these resets often serve as a simple first line of defense before more invasive diagnostics. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Identify Your Mac Type
- Click Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Note whether it lists an Apple M1/M2 (Apple Silicon) or an Intel processor.
Note: Apple Silicon Macs manage NVRAM and SMC-like functions automatically on startup—manual resets aren’t supported in the same way.
2. Resetting PRAM / NVRAM on Intel Macs
- Shut down your Mac via Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Press the power button, then immediately hold Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + P + R.
- Keep holding for ≈20 seconds.
- On older Macs, release after you hear a second startup chime.
- On newer models, release after the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
- Let your Mac finish booting normally.
Warning: If FileVault is enabled, you won’t hear a startup chime. Rely on the double-logo method.
3. Resetting the SMC on Mac Notebooks with Non-Removable Batteries (2018 and earlier Intel Models)
- Shut down your Mac.
- On the built-in keyboard, press and hold Shift (⇧) + Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) on the left side and the powerbutton, all at once.
- Keep holding for 10 seconds, then release all keys.
- Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
4. Resetting the SMC on Mac Notebooks with the Apple T2 Security Chip (2018–2020 Intel Models)
- Shut down your Mac.
- On the built-in keyboard, hold Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) on the left side + Shift (⇧) on the right side for 7 seconds.
- While still holding those three keys, press and hold the power button for another 7 seconds.
- Release all keys and wait 3–5 seconds, then press power to start up.
5. Resetting the SMC on Mac Desktops (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro)
- Shut down and unplug the power cord.
- Wait 15 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in.
- Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on.
Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements
- Backup First: Although resets are non-destructive, having a current Time Machine backup never hurts.
- Automate Keyholding: For frequent IT use, create a small timer app on your phone to ensure precise hold durations.
- Firmware Updates: Always install the latest macOS updates—some SMC/NVRAM issues get fixed via firmware delivered in system updates.
- External Devices: Disconnect all peripherals (USB hubs, displays) before resetting to avoid peripheral-related holdups.
- Verify with Apple Diagnostics: After reset, reboot into D-key diagnostics (⌘ + D) to check for lingering hardware faults.
Advanced Use Case: Rolling Resets via Mobile Device Management (MDM)
If you manage a fleet of Intel-based Macs in an enterprise or school:
- Enforce firmware updates and NVRAM parameter checks via your MDM tool (e.g., Jamf Pro).
- Deploy a shell script that triggers
sudo nvram -c(clears NVRAM) on next reboot. - Combine with an SMC reset reminder in a login hook or configuration profile message.
This approach minimizes manual intervention while institutionalizing clean-boot policies.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
| Issue | Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No startup chime | FileVault or silent Mac | Rely on the double Apple-logo method for NVRAM reset. |
| Keys not recognized | Using external keyboard | Use the built-in keyboard only—external keyboards ignore the reset combos. |
| SMC reset seemed ineffective | Didn’t hold long enough or used wrong keys | Re-read your Mac’s chip status in About This Mac, then follow the exact procedure above. |
| Persistent power-management errors | Faulty SMC firmware | Check for a firmware update via System Settings > General > Software Update, then retry. |
| Won’t boot after reset | Corrupted NVRAM | Boot into Recovery (⌘ + R), open Terminal, run nvram -c, then restart. |
Conclusion
Resetting PRAM/NVRAM and SMC can often breathe new life into a misbehaving Mac, resolving display anomalies, boot hiccups, and power-related quirks. You now have the exact steps for every Intel-based Mac model, plus pro tips and an MDM-driven advanced workflow.
Give these resets a try whenever you hit one of the covered symptoms—and once you’re comfortable, explore our guide on [Creating a Bootable macOS Installer] to further empower your Mac troubleshooting toolkit.
Happy troubleshooting!
