How Do You Reset Display Options On A Mac?
Learn how to reset display options on a Mac with our detailed, user-friendly guide. Fix issues like screen resolution, color calibration, and more. Dive in now!
How Do You Reset Display Options On A Mac?
Hey there, Mac user! Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a newbie to the world of Apple, resetting your display options on a Mac can be a handy skill. Maybe you’ve updated your OS, fiddled with your settings too much, or just want your display back to its pristine state — whatever the reason, I’m here to guide you through the process step-by-step.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
Why You Might Need to Reset Display Options
There are plenty of reasons resetting your display options could be beneficial. From fixing glitches to solving resolution issues, a simple reset can often work wonders.
Screen Resolution Problems: Sometimes after an update or software installation, your screen resolution can get all out of whack. Everything might look too large or too small, and that’s definitely not ideal.
Color Calibration Issues: Your display might suddenly appear too warm, too cool, or just plain off. Resetting those settings can get your screen colors looking accurate again.
Multiple Displays: If you’re using multiple monitors, settings can sometimes get jumbled. Resetting can make sure all your monitors are in harmony.
General Glitches: Sometimes, for no apparent reason, things just glitch out. It happens to the best of us, but a reset can often clear things right up.
Back Up Your Settings Before You Reset
Before diving headfirst into resetting, it’s a good idea to back up your current settings. This way, you can always go back if you find that the reset doesn’t solve your problem or if you simply prefer the old settings.
How to Backup Your Display Settings
Take Screenshots: Capture screenshots of your current settings. Go to System Preferences > Displays and take screenshots of each tab and each monitor’s settings if applicable.
Write Notes: Old fashioned, but effective. Write down your current display settings on a piece of paper or in a digital note.
Backing up your settings adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Resetting Display Options: The Step-by-Step Guide
Now, onto the main event: resetting your display settings!
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Go to Displays
In System Preferences, locate and click on “Displays.” This will open up the window where you can see and adjust all your display settings.
Step 3: Reverting Display Settings to Defaults
In the Displays window, you’ll see several tabs (Display, Color, etc.). Here’s what you need to do:
Display: Under the “Display” tab, click on “Default for display.” This will reset your screen resolution to its factory default.
Color: Go to the “Color” tab and select the default color profile for your display.
Arrangement: If you’re using multiple monitors, click on the “Arrangement” tab and ensure the default settings are applied.
Step 4: Resetting NVRAM/PRAM
Sometimes, the root cause of your display problems can be traced back to corrupted NVRAM/PRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory/Parameter RAM). Resetting them is quite simple and could resolve many display issues.
Shut down your Mac.
Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the following keys: Option, Command, P, and R.
Hold these keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
Your Mac will restart, and the NVRAM/PRAM will have been reset.
Step 5: Resetting the SMC
If resetting NVRAM/PRAM didn’t solve your display issues, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) might help.
For laptops with T2 chip:
Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release.
Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
For laptops without T2 chip:
Shut down your Mac.
Unplug the power adapter.
Hold Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and reconnect the power adapter.
Turn on your Mac.
For desktop Macs:
Shut down your Mac.
Unplug the power cord.
Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.
Wait an additional 5 seconds, then turn on your Mac.
Step 6: Updating macOS
While it’s not exactly resetting your display settings, updating your macOS can resolve underlying issues that might be causing display problems.
Click on the Apple logo.
Select “About This Mac.”
Click on “Software Update” and follow the instructions to update to the latest version of macOS.
Troubleshooting Common Display Issues
So, you’ve reset your settings, but you’re still encountering issues. Don’t worry; I’ve got some troubleshooting tips for you!
Screen Flickering
Screen flickering can be incredibly annoying. Here’s what you can do to fix it:
Update Software: Make sure all your software, including macOS and individual applications, are up to date.
Safe Mode: Restart your Mac in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key during startup. Safe Mode can help isolate software conflicts.
Check Display Cable: If you’re using an external monitor, check the cable for any damage or loose connections.
Color Profiles Not Applied Correctly
Sometimes, even after resetting, your display might not look quite right. Here’s what you can do:
Recalibrate Your Display: Go to System Preferences > Displays > Color, then click on “Calibrate.”
Profile Management: Delete any custom profiles that could be conflicting. Go back to the “Color” tab and remove anything that isn’t a factory profile.
External Display Not Detected
If your external display isn’t showing up, here’s a quick fix guide:
Reconnect Display: Unplug and then replug the display while your Mac is on.
Detect Displays: Go to System Preferences > Displays, click on the “Arrangement” tab, then press and hold the Option key to reveal the “Detect Displays” button. Click it.
Restart Mac: Sometimes, all you need is a simple restart to fix the issue.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Feeling adventurous? Here are some advanced tips to get even more out of your Mac’s display settings.
Terminal Commands
You can use Terminal commands to reset various settings. It’s a powerful tool but should be used carefully.
Reset All Display Settings:
sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver
Rebuild Color Profile Cache:
sudo rm -rf /var/folders///*/com.apple.ColorSync
Use Third-Party Software
Sometimes built-in options aren’t enough. Third-party software can provide more advanced features and settings.
SwitchResX: Customize your resolutions, color settings, and much more.
Display Menu: Easily switch between display configurations from the menu bar.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Fresh Display Settings!
And there you have it! You’ve just learned how to reset display options on a Mac. With these steps, you’re well-equipped to tackle any display issues that may come your way.
If you found this guide helpful, please leave a clap, drop a comment, and subscribe to our Medium newsletter for more updates.
Happy Mac-ing!
via Stories by Casenixx Phone Cases on Medium https://ift.tt/jXhKBDb
August 19, 2024 at 06:46AM