This article describes how to reset a MacBook Pro's battery and NVRAM settings, as well as completely wipe the data inside and restore it to factory conditions. Resetting the NVRAM can help fix battery display errors, while resetting the battery can be helpful if your Mac overheats or crashes often. Returning the computer to factory settings will instead delete all data on the computer's hard drive and reinstall the operating system.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reset the NVRAM
Step 1. Understand what errors you can resolve by resetting NVRAM
NVRAM (short for "Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory") stores settings such as speaker volume, default display, and others often used by your Mac. Resetting the memory can fix problems with your MacBook Pro if it does not reproduce sounds, if the image on the screen is not stable or if it turns off, if the system takes too long to start up and similar annoyances.
On some Macs, "NVRAM" is replaced by "PRAM" ("Parameter Random-Access Memory"), which performs a similar function
Step 2. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Click Shut Down…
It is one of the last items on the Apple menu.
Step 4. Click Shut Down when prompted
This will cause the MacBook Pro to shut down.
Step 5. Find the NVRAM reset buttons
To reset NVRAM, you need to hold down the ⌘ Command, ⌥ Option, P and R keys simultaneously for about 15 seconds.
Step 6. Turn on the Mac
Press the "Power" button
on your computer to start it.
Step 7. Press and hold the NVRAM reset buttons
Do this immediately after pressing the "Power" button; you have to start pressing them at the same time before the Apple logo appears.
If the Apple logo appears before you can press the keys, you need to shut down your computer and try again
Step 8. Continue holding the keys until the Mac startup process is complete
The computer may restart during the procedure. Once you get to the user selection screen, you can release the keys and log into your MacBook Pro as you normally do.
Once NVRAM is reset, you may need to change some settings (e.g. default audio output)
Step 9. Check if the problem is resolved
If you still notice system settings issues, you may need to restore your MacBook Pro to factory condition. In this case, you will lose all data saved on your computer.
Method 2 of 3: Reset the Battery
Step 1. Consider what problems you can correct by resetting the battery
To do this, you'll reset the System Management Controller (SMC), a small chip that controls your Mac's external lights, button press responses, and manages the battery. Resetting this component can improve battery life, fix overheating issues, and make your MacBook Pro run faster.
Step 2. Check for symptoms
There are some symptoms directly related to CMS:
- The fans make too much noise and run at high speed even if the computer is not hot and is well ventilated;
- The indicator lights (battery, backlight, etc.) are not working properly;
- The MacBook does not react when you press the Power button;
- The computer shuts down or is suspended unexpectedly;
- The battery does not charge properly.
Step 3. Open the Apple menu
Click the Apple logo on the upper left side of the screen. This will open a drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click Shut Down…
It is among the last items on the menu.
Step 5. Click Shut Down when prompted
The computer will shut down.
Step 6. Connect the MacBook Pro to the power supply
Make sure the power adapter is plugged into a wall outlet, then plug the other end of the cable into the port on the right side of the MacBook Pro.
Step 7. Find the reset buttons on the SMC
To do this, you must hold down the ⌘ Command, ⌥ Option and Shift keys together with the "Power" key at the same time
If your MacBook Pro has the Touch Bar, the "Power" button also acts as Touch ID
Step 8. Press and hold the reset buttons on the SMC for 10 seconds
Once done, you can leave them.
Step 9. Press the "Power" button
The Mac will turn on and when done, the battery problems should be resolved.
Step 10. Check if the problem is resolved
If the battery still isn't working as it should, you may need to return your MacBook Pro to factory condition. In that case, you will lose all the data saved on the computer.
Method 3 of 3: Reset to Factory Settings
Step 1. Back up your Mac if possible
Since restoring factory settings will lose all data on your hard drive, it's a good idea to save a copy of everything you want to keep before you begin.
If you are unable to log into your Mac or are unable to use the system's "Time Machine", skip this step
Step 2. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Click Restart…
It is found in the last menu items.
Step 4. Click Restart when prompted
This will cause the Mac to start rebooting.
Step 5. Press and hold the ⌘ Command keys simultaneously And R.
You must do this immediately after clicking on Restart.
Step 6. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo
The MacBook will complete startup showing the Recovery window. This can take a few minutes.
Step 7. Select Disk Utilities
You will find this entry in the center of the Restore window.
Step 8. Click Continue
This button is located in the lower right corner of the window. Press it and the Disk Utility window will open.
Step 9. Select your Mac hard drive
Click the disc name in the upper left of the Disc Utilities window.
If you haven't renamed your Mac's hard drive, it will have the name "Macintosh HD"
Step 10. Click the Delete tab
It is located at the top of the Disc Utilities window. Click it and a window will open.
Step 11. Click on "Format"
A drop-down menu will open.
Step 12. Click Mac OS Extended (with registry)
This is one of the items in the drop-down menu.
This is the basic hard drive format of a Mac
Step 13. Click Cancel
You will find this button at the bottom right of the window. Press it and it will start erasing the Mac disk.
This can take a few hours, so make sure your Mac is plugged into an electrical outlet
Step 14. Click Done when you get the chance
Your Mac should have been fully formatted.
Step 15. Click Disk Utility
You will see this entry in the upper left corner of the screen. Press it and a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 16. Click Exit Disk Utility
Look for this option from the bottom of the drop-down menu. Press it and you will return to the Restore window.
Step 17. Select Reinstall macOS
This item is located in the Restore window.
Step 18. Click Continue
This button is located in the lower right corner of the window. Press it and you will start downloading the MacOS operating system to your computer.
The computer must be connected to the internet to download MacOS
Step 19. Follow the directions on the screen
Once the MacOS download is complete, you will be able to install and configure the operating system as if you had just purchased your Mac.
