How to Reset PRAM, SMC, and NVRAM on Your Mac (and Why)
If your Mac is acting strangely and a software update hasn't fixed the issue, it's probably time to reset your Mac's PRAM, SMC, and/or NVRAM.
Strange issues might include any of the following: fans running continuously, Wi-Fi networks not appearing, mounted drives missing, screens not adjusting, Bluetooth not working, MacBook not charging all the way—or a variety of other issues.
Resetting these systems are an invaluable part of troubleshooting your Mac issue. In this guide, I'll cover when, why, and how to reset your PRAM, SMC, and NVRAM on your Mac computer or MacBook.