Myth: reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM on an Apple silicon Mac — via Apple Support

MythmacOS 14 Sonoma and later (Apple silicon)

Resetting the SMC and NVRAM (Option-Command-P-R at startup) is classic Mac troubleshooting, but it only applies to Intel Macs. On Apple silicon (M1 and later), Apple says the NVRAM steps don't apply and aren't needed, and the SMC resets automatically. A normal restart does the job.

What to do instead

On an Apple silicon Mac: plug it in, then choose Apple menu > Restart, or shut it down and turn it back on.
On an Intel Mac, the old key combinations still apply. See Apple's SMC and NVRAM articles for the steps for your model.

Sources

Reset the SMC of your Mac — by Apple Support
Reset NVRAM on your Mac — by Apple Support

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every macOS version, so keep the undo handy.

smcnvrampramresetapple siliconm1myth

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