Difference in keys for PRAM reset and internet recovery start-up

PRAM is also called NVRAM on newer models. Apple explain it here…

How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

Also see the list of startup commands, it should verify what other options you have.

Startup key combinations for Mac - Apple Support

If one startup command fails try using other keys where available e.g. use the left command key if the right one fails.

Ok. So I actually have a different problem. My "p" button doesn't work on my built in keyboard which is why the option-command-p-r combo isn't working for me. This might be the case with the original poster as well as others who are having this type of issue.

Annoyed4000 wrote:

Ok. So I actually have a different problem. My "p" button doesn't work on my built in keyboard which is why the option-command-p-r combo isn't working for me. This might be the case with the original poster as well as others who are having this type of issue.

Try another keyboard 🙂

Another option is to clear the NVRAM variables from Terminal, which is equivalent …

https://superuser.com/questions/527604/how-to-reset-mac-pram-through-the-command -line-in-lion-mountain-lion

sudo nvram -c

Other startup keys may be settable via Terminal too via 'boot args'…

https://www.cnet.com/news/boot-argument-options-in-os-x/

I tried this method one more time and it worked. I had to use my usb keyboard to log in because the caps lock button, "p" button and "k" button still weren't working but once I was logged in, everything seemed to go back to normal.

You might need to do a SMC reset first. I've seen a keyboard not working correctly can cause this kind of issue.

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

Resetting NVRAM / PRAM

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.

After resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you may need to reconfigure your settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If issues persist, your Mac's logic board battery (not a portable Mac's rechargeable battery) may need to be replaced. The logic board battery helps retain NVRAM/PRAM settings when your computer is shut down.

You have to press the keys immediately after pressing the power button. Don't wait for the startup chime or you'll go into internet recovery.

Nope, not true l. I do this and it still sends me to internet recovery.

You can't just press the keys, you need to hold them down.

Thanks for the response. I had no idea you could use Terminal to reset NVRAM.