Unable to reset NVRAM

[ParagJain]

I am unable to reset NVRAM on my Mac mini M2. I have a Logitech MX Keys attached via USB receiver and an apple mouse.
I press the power button and then quickly press Option, Command, P & R.

However, I think the keys are not getting recognised and it just boots up normally. I don't have access to a wired keyboard.

How can I do this?

Need to do this as for some reason, my USB Port is not recognising external hard disks.

thank you.

 

[hg.wells]

Apple’s support article advices those steps don’t work on Apple Silicon and are not needed:

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If one or more settings stored in NVRAM don't work as expected on an Intel-based Mac, resetting NVRAM might help.

support.apple.com

 

[ParagJain]

ah okay, in that case, could this be possible a defective unit to me ? the M2 is about a month old now.
But taking it to apple service centre is a task, long waiting queue and loads of time gets wasted.

the USB port powers the devices (attaching iPhones) and it also connects to the Logitech keyboard.
Just the external harddisks don't work.

I have tried with 2 disks, have access to MacBook Pro and checked.- it works over there but not on M2.

thx.

 

[zhaoxin]

Is your external disk a hard disk or an SSD? If it is a hard disk, you can put your ear closely to it and hear the sound. If the sound is not constant, it means the power is not enough. You need to connect it to Mac mini directly or change to other usb hub that support power in.

 

[ParagJain]

Is your external disk a hard disk or an SSD? If it is a hard disk, you can put your ear closely to it and hear the sound. If the sound is not constant, it means the power is not enough. You need to connect it to Mac mini directly or change to other usb hub that support power in.

Thanks for your reply, it's a solid state drive.. those super small USB stick.

 

[zhaoxin]

After I read your post again, it seems that you want to boot from the external disk? In Mac with Apple's silicon. You should do it with system settings, choose boot device. Or turn off you Mac, then power it on with holding the power button until you see the loading page on the screen. Then you can choose which disk to boot.

 

[ParagJain]

After I read your post again, it seems that you want to boot from the external disk? In Mac with Apple's silicon. You should do it with system settings, choose boot device. Or turn off you Mac, then power it on with holding the power button until you see the loading page on the screen. Then you can choose which disk to boot.

Apologies for not being clear enough,

I just want to start doing time-machine backups. It's a new machine and wanted to keep a backup every month or so.. and for that I need the USB port to recognise my USB attached external disk.

For some reason, it's able to power up devices attached to it like iPhone, or bluetooth receiver like Logitech mx keys but, not the external drive.

The same external disk when I attach to MacBook book pro, it just works fine.

 

[zhaoxin]

Apologies for not being clear enough,

I just want to start doing time-machine backups. It's a new machine and wanted to keep a backup every month or so.. and for that I need the USB port to recognise my USB attached external disk.

For some reason, it's able to power up devices attached to it like iPhone, or bluetooth receiver like Logitech mx keys but, not the external drive.

The same external disk when I attach to MacBook book pro, it just works fine.

I have never seen things like this. Sometimes external disks are not recognized because of the disk format are not supported. But at least it will be recognized in Disk Utility. You disk can be recognized in Intel Mac but not Apple silicon, that is very abnormal. Also, for Apple silicon Mac, nvram is cleared every time you power off your Mac. So that is not the issue.

Maybe you should take you disk to Apple Store and see if their Mac can recognize it.

 

[Fishrrman]

"However, I think the keys are not getting recognised and it just boots up normally. I don't have access to a wired keyboard.
How can I do this?"

Get a wired keyboard..

Does the wireless keyboard you have also use a USB cable from which to charge?
If so, have you tried plugging the charging cable in -- and THEN trying the reset?