Read and Clear NVRAM Firmware Variables

Inspect boot-args and other firmware settings stored in non-volatile RAM from the Terminal.

macOSnvramrecoverybootfirmwareLow risk

Run `nvram -p` to dump all variables, and `sudo nvram -d boot-args` to delete a specific one like boot-args.

01Command

Command

$ nvram -p | grep -i boot

02What it does

NVRAM is where the firmware keeps settings that survive reboots: chosen boot volume, verbose-boot flags, and any boot-args you or a tool ever set. A leftover boot-args value is a classic cause of stuck verbose mode or Recovery-only boots, and `nvram -d` removes just that key. On Apple Silicon, most variables are managed by the system and user writes are ignored — inspect freely, modify carefully.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

RequirementsWriting variables requires sudo; on Apple Silicon most variables are not user-writable.

04Undo

Undo

$ sudo nvram -d boot-args

05Sources

macOS nvram — manipulate firmware NVRAM variables
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents nvram -p printing, -d deleting, and variable naming conventions.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings