How to Reset NVRAM on Mac

Resetting NVRAM on a Mac can help fix odd startup, display, sound, and system setting issues. While Kudu is a Windows tool, it can still help if you also use a Windows PC and want to clear temporary clutter that may affect overall performance there.

What Causes This?

NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) stores small system settings your Mac uses before macOS fully loads, such as speaker volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If those saved settings become corrupted or inconsistent after a crash, failed update, hardware change, or power issue, your Mac may start behaving strangely.

On newer Macs, some of this behavior is handled differently than on older Intel models, so the reset process depends on which Mac you have. In many cases, resetting NVRAM is a quick way to clear bad low-level settings without affecting your personal files.

Common Symptoms

• Your Mac starts up with the wrong display resolution
• Speaker volume, startup disk, or time zone settings keep changing
• You hear unusual startup behavior or your Mac boots inconsistently
• External displays or connected devices act unpredictably after startup
• The Mac feels normal in macOS, but startup-related settings do not stick

How to Fix It Manually

1. Identify whether your Mac uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor.

   • Click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
   • If you see Chip with Apple M1, M2, M3, or similar, you have Apple silicon.
   • If you see Processor with Intel, follow the Intel steps below.

2. Shut down your Mac completely.

   • Click the Apple menu and select Shut Down.
   • Wait until the screen is fully black and the Mac is off.

3. If you have an Intel Mac, reset NVRAM during startup.

   • Press the power button.
   • Immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R together.
   • Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds.
   • On some Macs, you may hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo appear and disappear a second time. Then release the keys.

4. If you have an Apple silicon Mac, use a normal restart first.

   • Press the power button to turn it back on.
   • Apple silicon Macs automatically handle NVRAM-related functions differently, and a manual key-combo reset usually is not needed.
   • If the issue continues, shut the Mac down again, wait 30 seconds, and restart once more.

5. Check and reconfigure any settings that may have been cleared.

   • Open System Settings or System Preferences.
   • Review Sound, Displays, Startup Disk, Date & Time, and any recent external monitor settings.
   • Reapply the correct options if they were reset.

6. Test the Mac to confirm the problem is fixed.

   • Restart the Mac normally.
   • Check whether the display resolution, speaker volume, startup disk, or other affected settings now stay consistent.

7. If the issue remains, try a few extra checks.

   • Disconnect unnecessary external devices and restart again.
   • Install any pending macOS updates from System Settings > General > Software Update.
   • If startup problems continue, you may need to reset SMC on older Intel Macs or run Apple Diagnostics.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you also use a Windows PC, Kudu can automatically find and remove temporary junk, leftover files, and other clutter that can drag down performance. It gives you a faster way to clean up common system mess without digging through folders and settings manually.

Download Kudu Free →