If your Mac is acting strange—maybe it’s running hot, refusing to start up, or your screen brightness and audio settings seem off—there’s a simple fix that could get things back on track: resetting the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM.

These system-level resets are safe, take just a few minutes, and can resolve a surprising number of hardware- and setting-related issues. But the exact steps vary depending on your Mac’s model—especially now that Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, and the new M4 chips) has replaced Intel chips in most current models.

This guide will walk you through exactly what SMC and PRAM/NVRAM are, when you should reset them, and how to do it for every type of MacBook released in the past decade—from 2015 Intel models to the latest M-series MacBooks.

What Are SMC and PRAM/NVRAM?

• SMC (System Management Controller) handles your Mac’s low-level functions: power management, thermal control, sleep behavior, battery charging, fans, and LED indicators.
• PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) store small amounts of system settings, such as screen resolution, startup disk preferences, speaker volume, and time zone information.

These settings persist even after restarting your Mac—but if they become corrupted or misaligned, strange behaviors can occur.

Common Issues Fixed by Resetting SMC or PRAM/NVRAM

You might want to perform a reset if you’re experiencing any of the following:

Symptoms that point to an SMC issue:

• Mac won’t power on
• Fans are loud or running constantly
• Battery doesn’t charge or reports incorrect levels
• Mac runs hot even with minimal use
• Display backlight is erratic
• USB-C ports or MagSafe not functioning
• Power button unresponsive

Symptoms that suggest a PRAM/NVRAM reset:

• Incorrect display resolution or screen flicker
• Startup disk not remembered
• Mac boots to a blinking folder or question mark
• Volume levels reset randomly
• Mouse/keyboard behavior is glitchy
• Date and time incorrect

How to Reset SMC on Your Mac

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For Intel-based MacBooks (2015–2017)

These models have a removable SMC that can be reset manually:

• Shut down your Mac completely.
• On the left side of the built-in keyboard, press and hold:Shift + Control + Option, then press and hold the power button as well.
• Keep holding all keys for 10 seconds, then release.
• Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to start your Mac.

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For Intel-based MacBooks with T2 Chip (2018–2020)

These include MacBook Airs and Pros with Touch ID sensors and the Apple T2 Security Chip:

• Shut down the Mac.
• Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release.
• Wait a few seconds and turn the Mac back on.

If that doesn’t work:

• Shut it down again.
• Press and hold right Shift, left Option, and left Control for 7 seconds.
• While still holding those, press and hold the power button too.
• Hold all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release.
• Wait a few moments, then turn the Mac back on.

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For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4 – 2020 to Present)

There’s no manual SMC reset. All functions once handled by the SMC are now integrated into the Apple Silicon chip, and they reset automatically during a standard restart.

To reset SMC on an M-series Mac:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Press the power button to start it up again.

That’s it—no key combo required. If something still seems off, try a safe mode boot or recovery options.

How to Reset PRAM/NVRAM on Your Mac

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For Intel Macs (2015–2020)

• Shut down your Mac.
• Turn it on and immediately press and hold:Option + Command + P + R
• Keep holding the keys for 20 seconds.Your Mac may restart during this time—this is normal.
• Release the keys. Your PRAM/NVRAM has now been reset.

You may need to go into System Settings afterward to adjust settings like:

• Startup disk
• Sound output volume
• Time zone or clock settings
• Trackpad or mouse sensitivity

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For Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer)

There is no manual PRAM reset on these models. NVRAM is checked and refreshed automatically during every startup.

If you suspect a system setting is stuck, just shut down the Mac completely, wait 10 seconds, and start it up again.

Bonus: How to Check Your Mac’s Model or Chip Type

Not sure whether you have an Intel, T2, or M-series Mac? Here’s how to check:

• Click the Apple menu  in the top-left corner.
• Select About This Mac.
• The Overview tab will tell you your chip (Intel or Apple M1/M2/M3/M4).

Final Thoughts

Resetting the SMC or PRAM/NVRAM on a Mac is a simple but powerful troubleshooting step. If your Mac is misbehaving and standard reboots haven’t helped, these resets are often the fix.

That said, use these steps only after trying basic solutions like quitting apps or checking for macOS updates. And always back up your data before doing any reset, just to be safe.

Whether you’re using a 2015 MacBook Air or a brand new M4 MacBook Pro, the steps above have you covered.

Still having issues? You might be dealing with a hardware fault—or it might be time for a deeper diagnostics check. Or, maybe it's time for a new MacBook altogether? If that's the case, then make sure to see how much we can offer you for your old one here.