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How to Reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro

Updated 2026-08-21 · 1070 words

To reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro, first identify whether the computer uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor, then follow the matching shutdown and key sequence below. Apple silicon MacBook Pro models do not have a separate manual SMC reset; restarting the Mac performs the relevant power-management reset.

An SMC reset can help with certain power, charging, fan, keyboard-backlight, and sleep problems, but it cannot repair a damaged battery or other faulty hardware.

What does the MacBook Pro SMC control, and when should you reset it?

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

You might reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro when one or more of these symptoms continue after a normal restart:

  • The fans run unusually fast when the Mac is cool and has little work to do.
  • The battery does not charge correctly, or the charging indicator behaves unexpectedly.
  • The MacBook Pro will not turn on, sleep, or wake normally.
  • The keyboard backlight does not respond as expected.
  • The computer shuts down unexpectedly despite having battery power.
  • The power button does not respond consistently.

These symptoms can have other causes. A reset the SMC on MacBook Pro procedure is a troubleshooting step, not proof that the controller caused the problem.

What should you check before resetting the SMC on a MacBook Pro?

  1. Save open documents and close apps. Every SMC reset method requires shutting down or restarting the MacBook Pro.
  2. Disconnect nonessential accessories, including external drives, hubs, and mobile devices. Keep the power adapter available.
  3. Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. Look for an Apple M-series chip or an Intel processor.
  4. If the Mac has Intel, determine whether it has the Apple T2 Security Chip. Open System Information, select Controller or iBridge in the sidebar, and look for Apple T2 Security Chip.
  5. For an older Intel MacBook Pro, check whether the battery can be removed using built-in latches. Do not remove a battery that is enclosed behind screws or an adhesive-mounted internal cover.

Use the built-in keyboard for every key combination. The correct way to reset SMC MacBook Pro hardware differs between Apple silicon, Intel models with T2, Intel models without T2, and older models with removable batteries.

How do you reset the SMC on an Apple silicon MacBook Pro?

Apple says an Apple silicon Mac does not need a separate SMC reset. On a MacBook Pro with an M-series chip, restart the computer instead:

  1. Save your work.
  2. Open the Apple menu and choose Shut Down.
  3. Wait until the screen, keyboard backlight, and Touch Bar are completely off.
  4. Wait a few seconds, then press the power or Touch ID button to start the MacBook Pro.

If the Mac is unresponsive, press and hold the power or Touch ID button for about 10 seconds until it turns off. Wait a few seconds, then press and release the button normally. A forced shutdown can discard unsaved work.

Do not use an Intel SMC key combination on an Apple silicon model. There is no additional Shift-Control-Option sequence for an ordinary Apple silicon SMC reset.

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

For an Intel MacBook Pro with the T2 chip, use this SMC reset MacBook Pro sequence:

  1. Shut down the MacBook Pro.
  2. On the built-in keyboard, hold right Shift, left Option, and left Control for seven seconds.
  3. Without releasing those keys, also press and hold the power or Touch ID button for seven more seconds.
  4. Release all four keys and wait a few seconds.
  5. Press the power button to turn on the MacBook Pro.

For an Intel MacBook Pro without T2 and without a removable battery, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down the MacBook Pro.
  2. Hold left Shift, left Control, left Option, and the power button together for 10 seconds.
  3. Release every key, then press the power button to start the Mac.

For an older Intel MacBook Pro with a genuinely removable battery:

  1. Shut down the Mac and disconnect its power adapter.
  2. Remove the battery using the computer’s built-in release mechanism.
  3. Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
  4. Reinstall the battery and reconnect power.
  5. Press the power button to start the MacBook Pro.

If you were asking how to do a SMC reset on MacBook Pro hardware, do not guess which combination applies. Recheck the processor, T2 status, and battery type before repeating the steps.

How can you tell whether the MacBook Pro SMC reset worked?

The MacBook Pro does not display a confirmation message after an SMC reset. Start the computer and test the original symptom under the same conditions as before.

  • Listen for whether the fans settle after startup when no demanding apps are running.
  • Connect the known-good power adapter and check whether macOS recognizes that the battery is charging.
  • Open Battery settings and review the displayed battery condition.
  • Close and reopen the lid to test sleep and wake behavior.
  • Adjust the keyboard backlight, if the model provides that control.
  • Restart once more and confirm that the improvement continues.

A brief change in a light or charging indicator is not enough by itself to confirm a repair. If the same problem returns, record when it happens and which accessories or power adapter were connected.

What should you do if resetting the SMC does not fix the MacBook Pro?

  1. Inspect the charging cable, adapter, connector, and Mac ports for looseness, debris, or visible damage. Stop using visibly damaged power equipment.
  2. Disconnect accessories and test again. A faulty hub, drive, cable, or peripheral can interfere with startup or power behavior.
  3. Install available macOS updates through Software Update, because updates can include firmware and power-management fixes.
  4. On an Intel MacBook Pro, consider resetting NVRAM only for related startup-disk, display-resolution, sound-volume, or time-zone settings. Shut down, turn on the Mac, and immediately hold Option-Command-P-R for about 20 seconds. Apple silicon handles NVRAM differently and does not use this startup sequence.
  5. Run Apple Diagnostics to check for a reported hardware problem.
  6. Open {site} and use the official support options for your MacBook Pro if charging, battery, fan, power, or sleep trouble continues.

Persistent problems may involve the battery, power adapter, charging port, sensor, logic board, or another component. Resetting the SMC cannot correct physical damage or a worn-out part, so repeated resets should not replace hardware diagnosis.