Reset the SMC on Your MacBook: Step-by-Step Guide

To reset the SMC on an Intel-based MacBook, shut down the Mac and use the key sequence for its hardware type. A MacBook with Apple silicon does not need a manual SMC reset; restart it instead.

What problems can a MacBook SMC reset fix?

The System Management Controller, or SMC, manages power-related hardware functions on Intel-based Mac computers. A MacBook SMC reset can help when those functions stop responding correctly.

Consider resetting the SMC when an Intel-based MacBook has one or more of these symptoms:

• The battery does not charge correctly, even though the power adapter and outlet work.
• The battery or charging status appears incorrect.
• The fans run unusually fast when the MacBook is not under a heavy workload and has proper ventilation.
• The MacBook does not respond normally when you open or close the lid.
• Sleep and wake behavior is unreliable.
• The power button does not respond as expected.
• The keyboard backlight or other power-related indicators behave incorrectly.

An SMC reset is a troubleshooting step, not a general performance upgrade. It will not fix every battery, startup, fan, or charging problem.

What should you do before resetting the MacBook SMC?

Save open work and make a current backup before troubleshooting. A MacBook SMC reset does not erase personal files, applications, or user accounts, but shutting down can cause unsaved work to be lost.

1. Quit open applications and save your documents.
2. Disconnect unnecessary accessories, such as external drives, hubs, and printers.
3. Check that the charging cable, adapter, ports, and electrical outlet have no obvious damage.
4. Try a normal restart first. A temporary software problem may disappear without an SMC reset.

Resetting the SMC is different from resetting NVRAM or PRAM. NVRAM stores certain startup and system settings, while the SMC controls power-related hardware behavior on Intel-based Macs. Do not substitute an NVRAM key sequence for the SMC instructions below.

How do you identify which MacBook SMC reset steps apply?

The correct procedure depends on whether the MacBook has Apple silicon, an Intel processor with the Apple T2 Security Chip, a built-in battery without T2, or an older removable battery.

• Apple silicon: MacBook models with an Apple M-series chip do not use a manual SMC reset procedure.
• Intel with T2: Many Intel MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models introduced from 2018 through 2020 have the T2 chip.
• Intel with a built-in battery and no T2: This includes many older MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models whose batteries are not designed to be removed by the user.
• Intel with a removable battery: Some much older MacBook and MacBook Pro models have a battery that releases from the bottom without removing the lower case.

To confirm the processor, open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If the window lists an Apple M-series chip, follow the Apple silicon instructions. If it lists an Intel processor, check the model information against Apple’s official T2 model list at {site} before choosing a key sequence.

How do you reset the SMC on a MacBook with Apple silicon?

A manual MacBook SMC reset does not apply to a MacBook with Apple silicon. Power-management functions are handled automatically when the computer restarts.

1. Save your work.
2. Open the Apple menu and choose Restart.
3. Allow the MacBook to shut down and start again.
4. Test the battery, charging, fan, sleep, wake, or power behavior that caused the problem.

If the MacBook is frozen, press and hold its power button until it turns off. Wait briefly, then press the power button again. A forced shutdown can lose unsaved work, so use it only when a normal restart is unavailable.

How do you reset the SMC on a T2 MacBook?

Use this procedure only for an Intel-based MacBook confirmed to have the Apple T2 Security Chip.

1. Shut down the MacBook.
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. Without releasing those three keys, also press and hold the power button.
4. Keep holding all four keys for another seven seconds. The MacBook may turn on and then turn off during this step.
5. Release all four keys and wait a few seconds.
6. Press the power button to turn on the MacBook.

How do you reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook with a built-in battery?

Use these steps for an Intel-based MacBook that has a built-in battery and does not have the T2 chip.

1. Shut down the MacBook.
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 three keys, also press and hold the power button.
4. Hold all four keys for ten seconds.
5. Release all the keys, then press the power button to turn on the MacBook.

For an older Intel MacBook with a removable battery, shut it down, remove the battery, hold the power button for five seconds, reinstall the battery, and turn on the MacBook.

How can you tell whether the MacBook SMC reset worked?

The MacBook does not display a confirmation message after an SMC reset. Test the original symptom after startup instead.

• Connect power and check whether charging starts normally.
• Let the MacBook sit idle and listen for abnormal fan activity.
• Close and reopen the lid to test sleep and wake.
• Check whether the power button and keyboard backlight respond correctly.
• Open Battery settings and review Battery Health and charging options.
• Review Energy Saver or Battery settings for sleep, display, and low-power choices that could explain the behavior.

If nothing changes, install available macOS updates and test again. For charging trouble, also try a known-working compatible cable, adapter, and outlet when available.

When should you contact Apple Support about an SMC problem?

Contact Apple Support if the MacBook still will not power on, charge, sleep, wake, or control its fans normally after the correct reset procedure. Stop using a damaged cable, adapter, battery, or charging port.

Open {site}, choose Mac, and follow the support prompts for the symptom and MacBook model. Have the model information, macOS version, a description of the problem, and the troubleshooting steps already attempted ready before starting the support request.