How to Reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro

To perform a MacBook Pro SMC reset, first identify whether the Mac has Apple silicon, an Intel processor with the T2 Security Chip, or an older Intel processor. Apple silicon models do not have a separate key combination; Intel models require instructions matched to their hardware.

An SMC reset does not erase personal files, reinstall macOS, restore factory settings, change account passwords, or reset NVRAM. Save open work before beginning because the MacBook Pro must be shut down.

What does an SMC reset do on a MacBook Pro?

The System Management Controller, or SMC, manages low-level hardware functions on Intel-based Mac computers. These functions can include power-button response, battery and charging behavior, cooling fans, sleep and wake behavior, status lights, and some sensors.

A MacBook Pro SMC reset may be appropriate when an Intel Mac has unexplained power, battery, charging, fan, or hardware-control behavior that remains after a normal restart. For example, the computer may fail to respond to the power button, a fan may run unusually fast without a heavy workload, or charging behavior may appear incorrect.

The SMC does not manage account credentials or personal documents. Resetting it is different from resetting a password, erasing the Mac, reinstalling macOS, restoring factory settings, or resetting NVRAM.

How do I identify my MacBook Pro type?

The correct macbook pro reset smc procedure depends on the processor and, for an Intel model, whether the T2 Security Chip is present. Do not guess from the computer’s appearance.

1. Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
2. Look for a field labeled Chip or Processor. A Chip entry naming an Apple chip means the Mac uses Apple silicon. A Processor entry naming Intel means it is an Intel Mac.
3. On an Intel Mac, hold the Option key while opening the Apple menu, then choose System Information.
4. In System Information, select Controller or iBridge in the sidebar. If the details identify the Apple T2 Security Chip, use the T2 instructions below. If no T2 chip is listed, use the older Intel instructions appropriate to the battery design.

If the Mac cannot start, use its serial number or exact model information to confirm the configuration through Apple Support before attempting a key sequence.

What should I do before resetting the SMC?

Before a MacBook Pro SMC reset, rule out a temporary software or accessory problem. These checks also protect unsaved work.

1. Save open documents and close applications.
2. Disconnect nonessential accessories, including external drives, hubs, displays, and other USB or Thunderbolt devices.
3. Check that the power adapter and cable are connected securely. Inspect them for visible damage without opening or repairing them.
4. Restart the Mac from the Apple menu. If the issue remains, shut it down from the Apple menu and wait for the screen and other activity to stop.
5. If the Mac is unresponsive, press and hold the power button until it turns off. Use this forced shutdown only when normal shutdown is unavailable because unsaved changes may be lost.

After the normal restart, reconnect accessories one at a time. If the problem returns only with one accessory connected, document that detail before contacting support.

How do I reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook Pro?

Intel MacBook Pro models with the T2 Security Chip use a different combination from older Intel models. Follow only the procedure matching the hardware identified in System Information.

For an Intel MacBook Pro with the T2 Security Chip:

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the left Control key, the left Option key, and the right Shift key for seven seconds.
3. While continuing to hold those three keys, press and hold the power button as well.
4. Keep all four keys pressed for another seven seconds, then release them.
5. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to start the Mac.

For an older Intel MacBook Pro with a battery that is not designed to be removed by the user:

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the left Shift key, the left Control key, and the left Option key.
3. While holding those keys, press and hold the power button.
4. Keep all four controls pressed for ten seconds, then release them.
5. Press the power button to start the Mac.

Some older MacBook Pro models have a removable battery. For those models, shut down the Mac, remove the battery, hold the power button for five seconds, reinstall the battery, and start the Mac. If you are unsure whether the battery is intended to be removable, stop and confirm the exact model with Apple Support rather than opening the computer.

Do MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon need an SMC reset?

Apple does not provide a separate SMC key-combination reset for MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon. The Intel SMC reset combinations should not be used on these models.

1. Save your work and close open applications.
2. Open the Apple menu and choose Restart.
3. If a restart does not resolve the problem, open the Apple menu and choose Shut Down.
4. Wait until the Mac has shut down completely, then press the power button to start it again.

If an Apple silicon Mac is frozen and cannot shut down normally, press and hold the power button until it turns off. Unsaved work may be lost during a forced shutdown.

What should I do if the MacBook Pro problem continues?

If power, charging, battery, fan, or other hardware behavior continues after the correct procedure, gather evidence before contacting Apple Support.

1. Install available macOS updates from Software Update, restarting when prompted.
2. Disconnect accessories and test the Mac again to determine whether a connected device affects the problem.
3. Run Apple Diagnostics. Shut down the Mac first. On Apple silicon, press and hold the power button until startup options appear, then press Command-D. On an Intel Mac, turn it on and immediately hold D until the diagnostic process begins.
4. Write down any diagnostic reference code, warning message, charging pattern, fan behavior, and the time the problem occurs.
5. Record the MacBook Pro model, macOS version, and whether the issue happens on battery power, connected power, or both.
6. Open the company’s official website to reach Apple Support and provide the recorded details. If the Mac shows physical damage, excessive heat, swelling, smoke, or an unusual odor, stop using it and request professional assistance.