Reset SMC on Your Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

To reset the SMC on a Mac, first identify whether the Mac uses Apple silicon, an Intel processor with the T2 Security Chip, or an older Intel processor. Apple silicon Macs need only a restart, while Intel Macs require a specific key sequence or a temporary power disconnection.

The System Management Controller, or SMC, manages low-level hardware functions on Intel-based Mac computers. These functions include power, battery charging, cooling fans, status lights, and some keyboard features.

What problems can an SMC reset fix on a Mac?

A Mac SMC reset can help when an Intel Mac has a hardware-control problem that a normal restart did not resolve. It does not erase personal files, apps, or account settings.

Consider resetting the SMC when one or more of these symptoms appear:

• The Mac does not respond normally when the power button is pressed.
• A MacBook battery does not charge as expected even though the power connection appears secure.
• The cooling fans run unusually fast when the Mac is not under a heavy workload and has proper airflow.
• The keyboard backlight, battery indicator, status light, or display brightness behaves incorrectly.
• The Mac sleeps, wakes, shuts down, or opens and closes its lid in an unexpected way.

An SMC reset will not repair a damaged battery, power adapter, charging port, fan, or logic board. It also does not address forgotten passwords, missing files, or most software errors.

What should you do before resetting the SMC?

Before you reset the Mac SMC, save open work and close important apps. The reset should not remove data, but the Mac must be shut down or restarted during the procedure.

1. Open the Apple menu and select About This Mac to identify the processor or chip.
2. If the window lists Apple M1, M2, M3, or another Apple chip, use the Apple silicon steps below.
3. If the window lists an Intel processor, determine whether the Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip. System Information may show it under Controller or iBridge.
4. Check that the charging cable and power adapter are connected firmly. Inspect them for visible damage without opening or repairing them.
5. Disconnect unnecessary accessories, external drives, and hubs so they do not affect the test.
6. Try a normal restart first. Continue with an SMC reset only if the power, fan, battery, or lighting problem remains.

How do you reset the SMC on an Apple silicon Mac?

Apple silicon Macs do not have a separate manual SMC reset procedure. For a Mac with an M1, M2, M3, or later Apple chip, restarting the computer handles the relevant power-management reset automatically.

1. Save your work and close open apps.
2. Open the Apple menu and choose Shut Down.
3. Wait until the screen is dark and the Mac has completely shut down.
4. Wait several seconds, then press the power button to start the Mac.
5. Test the battery, charging, fan, or keyboard-backlight function that was causing trouble.

Do not use an Intel key combination on an Apple silicon Mac. Holding Intel SMC reset keys does not add a separate reset step.

How do you reset the SMC on an Intel Mac with the T2 chip?

Use this Mac reset SMC sequence on an Intel MacBook with the Apple T2 Security Chip. The left and right sides of the keyboard matter in this procedure.

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the right Shift key, the left Option key, and the left Control key for seven seconds.
3. Without releasing those three keys, press and hold the power button as well.
4. Keep all four keys pressed for another seven seconds.
5. Release every key and wait several seconds.
6. Press the power button to turn on the Mac.

The Mac may appear unresponsive while the keys are held. After startup, check whether charging, fan speed, sleep, or keyboard lighting now works normally.

How do you reset the SMC on an older Intel MacBook?

For an Intel MacBook without the T2 chip and with a non-removable battery, the Mac SMC reset uses Shift, Control, Option, and the power button. Use the keys on the left side of the built-in keyboard.

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. Press and hold left Shift, left Control, and left Option.
3. While holding those keys, also press and hold the power button.
4. Keep all four controls pressed for ten seconds.
5. Release the keys, then press the power button to start the MacBook.

Some much older MacBook models have a removable battery and use a different procedure. If the battery can be removed without tools, confirm the model-specific instructions before attempting a reset rather than using the non-removable-battery sequence.

How do you reset the SMC on an iMac or Mac mini?

For an Intel iMac, Intel Mac mini, Intel Mac Pro, or Intel Xserve, reset the SMC by disconnecting the computer from power. This procedure is for Intel desktop Macs, not Apple silicon models.

1. Shut down the Mac completely.
2. Unplug the power cord from the Mac or its power source.
3. Wait fifteen seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord.
5. Wait five seconds.
6. Press the power button to start the Mac.

Reconnect essential accessories only after the Mac starts, then test the original symptom.

What should you do if an SMC reset does not fix the Mac?

If the reset Mac SMC procedure does not solve the problem, shut down the Mac and check the power cable, adapter, outlet, ventilation openings, and charging connection again. Try another known-working compatible power connection only if one is already available.

Install available macOS updates, restart the Mac, and run Apple Diagnostics if the computer can start. Record any diagnostic reference code and note exactly when the problem occurs.

If the Mac still will not power on, charge, control its fans, or operate its lights correctly, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Provide the Mac model, processor type, symptoms, diagnostic results, and the SMC reset steps already attempted.