How to Reset SMC on a MacBook: Step-by-Step Guide

To reset the SMC on a MacBook with Apple silicon, restart the Mac; there is no separate SMC key sequence. On an Intel MacBook, shut it down and use the key sequence that matches its battery design and whether it has the Apple T2 Security Chip.

The System Management Controller, or SMC, manages low-level hardware functions such as power, charging, fans, indicator lights, and some sensors on Intel-based Mac computers.

What Problems Can an SMC Reset Fix on a MacBook?

Resetting the SMC on a MacBook may help when a hardware-related control stops behaving normally even after a regular restart. Possible symptoms include:

• The battery does not charge correctly or its status appears wrong.
• The fans run unusually fast when the MacBook is not under a heavy workload and has proper ventilation.
• The power button does not respond normally.
• The keyboard backlight, display backlight, or status indicator behaves incorrectly.
• A built-in port stops responding without an obvious damaged cable or accessory.
• The MacBook sleeps, wakes, or shuts down unexpectedly.

An SMC reset does not repair a worn battery, damaged charging port, faulty power adapter, liquid damage, or broken internal component. It also does not normally fix app crashes, forgotten passwords, missing files, malware, or general macOS problems. Resetting the SMC does not erase personal files.

What Should You Do Before Resetting the SMC?

Save open documents and close apps before you reset the SMC on a MacBook, because the procedure requires a shutdown or restart. Disconnect optional accessories so you can test the MacBook by itself afterward, but keep the power adapter available.

Identify the processor before choosing instructions:

1. Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
2. If the window names an Apple M-series chip, use the Apple silicon instructions.
3. If it says Processor followed by an Intel processor name, use the Intel instructions.

Intel MacBooks with a built-in battery have two possible procedures. Models with the Apple T2 Security Chip use a longer sequence. In System Information, select Controller or iBridge in the sidebar; if Apple T2 chip appears, follow the T2 steps below. If that entry is absent, use the non-T2 built-in-battery steps.

How Do You Reset the SMC on an Apple Silicon MacBook?

Apple silicon MacBooks, including M-series MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, do not have a separate user-performed SMC reset. Their power-management functions reset during a normal restart.

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 MacBook has fully shut down.
4. Press the power button or Touch ID button to start it again.

You can also choose Restart from the Apple menu. Do not use an Intel SMC keyboard combination on an Apple silicon MacBook; it does not perform an SMC reset.

How Do You Reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook With a Built-in Battery?

For an Intel MacBook with the Apple T2 Security Chip:

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the right Shift key, left Option key, and left Control key for seven seconds.
3. Without releasing those three keys, press and hold the power button as well.
4. Hold all four keys for another seven seconds. The MacBook may turn on and off during this step.
5. Release every key, wait a few seconds, and press the power button to start the MacBook.

For an Intel MacBook with a built-in battery but no T2 chip:

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. On the built-in keyboard, 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 keys pressed for ten seconds.
5. Release the keys, then press the power button to start the MacBook.

Use the MacBook’s built-in keyboard for these combinations. On a model with Touch ID, the Touch ID button is also the power button.

How Do You Reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook With a Removable Battery?

This procedure applies only to older Intel MacBook models whose battery is designed to be removed without opening the lower case with tools.

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. Disconnect the power adapter.
3. Remove the battery using the model’s battery release mechanism.
4. Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
5. Reinstall the battery.
6. Reconnect the power adapter and press the power button to start the MacBook.

If removing the battery would require unscrewing the case, treat it as a built-in battery and do not open the MacBook for this procedure.

How Can You Tell Whether the SMC Reset Worked?

An SMC reset does not display a confirmation message. After the MacBook starts, test the original symptom directly:

• Connect the known-good charger and check whether charging begins normally.
• Listen for whether excessive fan noise settles after startup.
• Test the power button, sleep, wake, keyboard backlight, and display brightness.
• Reconnect one accessory at a time and test each affected port.

The reset worked if the original symptom is gone and does not return during normal use. A changed startup sound, battery percentage, or indicator light alone is not reliable proof.

What Should You Do If Resetting the SMC Does Not Help?

If the SMC reset does not fix the MacBook, restart again and install available macOS updates. Check the charging cable, power adapter, electrical outlet, and ports for damage or debris. Test without hubs and accessories, then reconnect devices individually.

Open Battery settings and review Battery Health. Charging may pause because of battery-health features, while a service warning can indicate battery aging rather than an SMC problem. For fan noise, close demanding apps and make sure the vents are not blocked.

Run Apple Diagnostics if the problem continues. Repeated diagnostic codes, visible damage, overheating, a swollen battery, a burning smell, or failure with multiple known-good chargers points more strongly to hardware. Stop using a MacBook with swelling, smoke, or excessive heat, and contact Apple or an authorized repair provider for an assessment.