MacBook issues Archives

No matter how powerful and efficient M1-powered Macs are, they are not immune to glitches. Just like other machines, a Mac may also run into issues such as freezing, unexpected sluggishness or random rebooting, and, when that happens you might need to reset the SMC or reset NVRAM/PRAM as part of the troubleshooting.

Sounds simple, right? But do you know that Apple does not offer a way to reset NVRAM or SMC on an M1 MacBook? So, to know how to deal with such issues in MacBook powered by the new M1 Chip, let’s explore further.

What is SMC and Why Does it Matter?

Does SMC reset M1? SMC or System Management Controller manages pivotal system controls including power, sleep function, fan speed and keyboard backlights. Being an integral part of any MacBook, SMC plays a vital role in helping the computer deliver peak performance, and when it starts ill-functioning, the performance is seriously impacted.

Interestingly, SMC is available only on an Intel-based MacBook, which means you do not have to bother about resetting it on your M1-powered MacBook. But to reset SMC, there’s a completely different take.

Read – Mac Won’t Update: 7 Best Tips to Fix macOS Update Issues

Note:

Resetting SMC on an Intel-based MacBook is quite straightforward. Simply select the Apple menu -> Shut Down. When your Mac has shut down, press the Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time. Release all the keys when you see the Apple logo.

What is NVRAM/PRAM?

NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) is the updated Mac terminology for PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory). To be precise, it is a small amount of memory designed to store certain settings such as display resolution, sound volume, time zone, startup disk, and recent kernel panic information.

When Mac behaves erratically or does not boot up normally, make sure to opt for MacBook Pro PRAM reset.

Why Don’t M1-Powered Macs Have the Option to Reset SMC or NVRAM/PRAM?

While SMC does not exist on the M1 MacBook at all, NVRAM does exist but it works a bit differently than the Intel-powered MacBook. For a change, Apple has equipped the new MacBook with parameter memory for which settings can be viewed and customised with the terminal command NVRAM. However, they lack the command to reset NVRAM.

Note:

To reset NVRAM/PRAM on an intel-powered Mac, shut down your computer. After that, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys at once. Release all the four keys after about 20 seconds during which your Mac will restart.

Now, that brings us to the important question as to why Apple does not let you reset NVRAM or reset PRAM on MacBook M1. Well, Apple claims that the M1 chip is more than capable to handle the issues that entail PRAM. Even though M1 is still too new for a full-on review, it has the crux to deliver a better performance than Intel. As per the reports, whenever you shut down your MacBook (not a restart), the M1 chip automatically detects if anything is wrong with the PRAM and resets it. This has not been tested properly but if this is how it works, all it needs for you to do is to shut down your MacBook, wait for a few seconds and then start it again to fix most of the common problems which earlier required resetting of NVAM or PRAM.

There are a couple of reasons why Apple M1 is far more efficient in terms of dealing with issues. First and foremost, Apple has absolute control over software and hardware. As a result, the tech giant can deeply integrate the chip with the hardware which is not possible with Intel. This system-level integration has a major role to play in enhancing the proficiency of the M1 Macs.

The second, the M1 chip is built around the same principle as A-Series/AX-Series chip that powers iPhone and iPad. Knowing how fast and efficient the A-series chip is as compared to Qualcomm’s processor, expecting the same amount of proficiency from M1 is not too much to ask.

Bottom Line

Since the day Apple unveiled the M1 chip, Rapid Repair‘s super techies, who are well-known for fixing Apple devices with unmatched precision, could sense that the end of Intel on Mac was just a matter of time. Having put our hands on almost every iPhone model, we have always wanted Apple to provide a custom chip specifically designed for Mac in the same line as the wicked-fast A-Series chip.

Hope the blog gave you enough insights on the MacBook Pro PRAM reset process along with how to reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac M1.

Even though Apple frequently releases software updates for macOS (just the way it does for iOS and watchOS), the operating system keeps throwing weird issues in the wind that sometimes leave you scratching your head wondering what’s gone wrong. Apple App Store not working issue on Mac is one such example.

But fret not, as in this detailed troubleshooting guide, we have come up with some viable solutions to fix Mac App Store issues. So, if you are unable to download apps on your Mac or find the macOS App Store too problematic, try out these tips to get rid of the issue.

Image credit: Apple

Force Quit the App Store and Relaunch It

Force quitting often sorts out freezing or crashing apps. So, if the Mac App Store is crashing randomly or seems to get frozen, force quit the app. Simply right-click on the App Store icon choose Quit App. Or click on the Apple menu at the top right corner of the screen and choose Force Quit. Now, select App Store and hit Force Quit.

(Image Credit: Apple Toolbox)

Check Internet Connection

If the issue persists even after the force quit, check the internet connection. Turn off Wi-Fi and then restart your Mac. Once your Mac has restarted, turn on Wi-Fi. Now, launch the App Store and try to download any app to see if the problem is gone. Check your internet speed to ensure you have a good connection, as App store needs a stable connection to work and download apps properly, specially Apps large in size.

Ensure that Apple’s Systems Are Running

When Apple’s systems face an outage, several core functionalities such as downloading and installing apps come to a halt. So, make sure to check out if Apple’s systems are up and running. If they are down, wait for some time until the outage gets sorted.

Head over to the system status page and then check if the circle right next to Mac App Store is green. If it is not, then Apple’s system is going through an outage. If any service is Red, it means the service is down and we need to wait for it to be again to use it.

Make Sure Mac App Store is Not Restricted

You or someone else may have mistakenly restricted Mac App Store and forgotten to remove the restriction. If that’s the case, be sure the macOS App Store is not limited to using Screen Time. Launch System Preferences and choose Screen Time.

Now, click on Content and Privacy in the sidebar and choose the Apps tab. Next, click on Options at the bottom left corner of the screen and then ensure that the Mac App Store is not unrestricted.

Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In

If the Mac App Store still remains dysfunctional, try to sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Often, a fresh sign-in process does the trick in fixing miscellaneous issues.

Image credit: Apple

Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. After that, click on Apple ID and select Overview in the sidebar. Next, click on Sign Out. Now, go through the onscreen instructions for copying and downloading your data stored in iCloud. Next up, follow the same steps to sign back in.

Update Your Mac

No solution as of yet? Bother not, as the latest software update could well be the answer to your problem. With every latest update, Apple introduces a bundle of bug fixes, changes, and performance enhancements.

Hence, the easiest way to keep your Mac away from the miscellaneous issues is to update the software frequently. Hopefully, it will fix the “Apple App Store not working” issue on your Mac. Open System Preferences app on your Mac and then select the Software Update. Now, download and install the update by following the usual process.

Bottom Line:

Having successfully resolved the Mac App Store not working issue on numerous occasions at Rapid Repair – an eminent Apple device repair centre, we can vouch for the above-mentioned solutions to get the job done for you. There are several other reasons why App Store might not connect like issues with the library files, certificates, or even the firewall may be blocking connections to App Store. In such cases, it is a little difficult to fix them using DIY solutions and need an expert to fix them, in which case we are always here to help you.

Known to sort out both hardware and software issues with unmatched proficiency, Rapid Repair is always here to provide you with the best repair work at a cost-effective price. So, reach out to us in order to resolve any problem.

Tag: MacBook issues

How to Reset SMC, NVRAM/PRAM for M1 Powered MacBook?