- Okay, so what is NVRAM?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
- When do I need to reset it?<\/a><\/strong> <\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Reset PRAM or NVRAM<\/a><\/strong>
- Method 1: Startup Command<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
- Method 2: Terminal<\/a><\/strong> <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Do you have an Intel-based Mac or a Mac with Apple silicon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
NOTE:<\/strong> A Mac with Apple silicon computer automatically tests and resets the NVRAM on startup. If you have a Mac with an M1, M2, or M3 series chip or later and you suspect a problem with NVRAM, all you have to do is shut the Mac down, wait a few seconds, and restart it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are not sure which kind of Mac you have, head on over to this article, How to tell if you have an Intel-based Mac or a Mac with Apple silicon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>If you have an Intel-based Mac, continue reading this article for further troubleshooting information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is PRAM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You may have heard of Random Access Memory<\/strong>, which is commonly referred to as RAM<\/a>. Memory should not be confused with your computer\u2019s storage (hard drive space), as RAM consists of chips in your computer which store active applications and processes. That means when you open an app, you are telling the computer to load it from your hard drive into the RAM. Once the application is closed, it leaves the RAM and frees up memory for other apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRAM, on the other hand, remembers system settings. Do you know how the computer remembers what time it is, your display\u2019s brightness, or system volume? That\u2019s PRAM; the system information your computer holds onto; even when powered off. PRAM is short for Parameter Random Access Memory<\/strong> and includes information about your designated startup disk, display resolution, speaker volume, and other information. Unlike other types of RAM, PRAM does not reset when powering off your computer. This is because a small battery is installed which retains the data when the computer is not powered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ok, so what is NVRAM?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NVRAM is the updated Mac terminology for PRAM and is short for Non-Volatile RAM<\/strong>. Since NVRAM is non-volatile, the settings don\u2019t change when the computer is turned off or disconnected from power. As far as troubleshooting goes, resetting either NVRAM or PRAM on a Mac are the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On PCs, motherboards have a similar component called the CMOS. CMOS RAM also uses a small battery or power supply to store BIOS information while the computer is powered off. PC users can learn how to manage their BIOS settings by visiting the motherboard manufacturer\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When do I need to reset it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For music production, resetting the PRAM\/NVRAM will reset information that deals with start-up disks and device connections such as MIDI devices and audio interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Mac doesn’t boot up correctly<\/strong><\/li>
- Devices aren’t showing up<\/strong><\/li>
- Monitors don’t display properly<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hard drives aren’t connecting<\/strong><\/li>
- Bluetooth is acting up<\/strong><\/li>
- Time is incorrect<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Activity Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can see where your Mac\u2019s RAM is being allocated to in the Activity Monitor app (Finder > Utilities > Activity Monitor). You can also view the CPU and Energy tabs to sort applications & processes by their processor usage and energy impact. Learn more on Apple\u2019s Activity Monitor page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
How to Reset PRAM or NVRAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the instance that PRAM\/NVRAM information has become corrupted, resetting the PRAM\/NVRAM may be a necessary solution. Unless reset, your Mac may use the incorrect settings, behave abnormally, or not even start up! We recommend a wired keyboard since wireless keyboards don’t always work for NVRAM resets. If you don’t have one, just use the second method below. Follow these steps to reset the PRAM\/NVRAM on your Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Method 1: Startup command<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you find that an NVRAM reset might resolve your issue, there is more than one way to do it. The most common method is by holding down a few keys while powering on your Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Power off your Mac.<\/li>
- Press your Mac’s power button and then hold these four keys at the same time: \u2318 + option + P + R<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Continue holding the keys until your Mac restarts for the second time. On older Macs, the chime will sound upon restart. On newer Macs, the Apple logo will appear and then disappear.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Mac Startup Key Commands<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PRAM\/NVRAM reset is not the only startup command for Mac computers. For example, \u2318 + R will take you to the recovery system and option opens the Startup Manager. Learn more on Apple\u2019s Mac startup key combinations page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>
After pressing the power button, press and hold each key all at once.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n Method 2: Terminal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t have a wired keyboard, either connect one and use Method 1 or follow the steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Close all apps and open Terminal<\/strong> (Finder > Utilities > Terminal).<\/li>
- Enter sudo nvram -c<\/strong> and press Enter\/return<\/strong>. Enter the Administrator password<\/strong> and press Enter\/return<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Enter sudo shutdown -r now<\/strong> and press Enter\/return<\/strong>. The computer will now restart, that’s it!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Use Terminal with Caution!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Terminal app an advanced way to issue commands on your Mac. While the commands listed above will help reset the NVRAM and restart your Mac, we recommend studying up on Terminal before venturing further. Learn more on Apple\u2019s Terminal page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>
Using sudo nvram -c<\/em> inside terminal to view the Mac’s NVRAM status.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n Helpful Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- macOS 10.14 Mojave Compatibility List<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- How to Back Up macOS High Sierra 10.13<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- How to Downgrade macOS Mojave 10.14<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Mac Optimization Guide for macOS 10.13 High Sierra<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Mac<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1746742,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[115941,201270,54258,34780,34259,65773,42003,34717,142698,70946,36578,101293,36572],"storecat":[],"itemids":[],"manufacturers":[33184],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n
- How to Back Up macOS High Sierra 10.13<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Enter sudo nvram -c<\/strong> and press Enter\/return<\/strong>. Enter the Administrator password<\/strong> and press Enter\/return<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Continue holding the keys until your Mac restarts for the second time. On older Macs, the chime will sound upon restart. On newer Macs, the Apple logo will appear and then disappear.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Bluetooth is acting up<\/strong><\/li>
- Devices aren’t showing up<\/strong><\/li>
- Method 2: Terminal<\/a><\/strong> <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- When do I need to reset it?<\/a><\/strong> <\/li><\/ul><\/li>