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

To reset the SMC on a Mac, first identify whether the Mac uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor. A Mac with Apple silicon needs only a restart, while an Intel Mac requires a model-specific key combination or power-disconnection procedure.

What does the SMC do, and when should you reset it?

The System Management Controller, or SMC, is hardware in Intel-based Mac computers that manages several power-related functions. These include battery charging, power-button response, cooling fans, status lights, keyboard backlighting, and some display behavior.

An SMC reset on a Mac may be appropriate when one or more of these symptoms remain after a normal restart:

• The cooling fans run unusually fast when the Mac is not performing demanding work and has proper ventilation.
• The battery does not charge normally, or its status appears incorrect.
• The Mac does not respond as expected when you press the power button.
• The keyboard backlight, display backlight, or status indicator behaves unexpectedly.
• The Mac has trouble sleeping, waking, or responding to opening and closing the lid.

Resetting the SMC does not erase files. It also is not a general solution for every startup, battery, or hardware problem, and it is not guaranteed to remove the symptom.

How do you find out which Mac you have?

The correct reset SMC Mac procedure depends on the processor, the presence of an Apple T2 Security Chip, and whether the computer is a laptop or desktop. Do not use an older key combination until you identify the Mac.

1. Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
2. Look for an entry 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-based Mac.
3. On an Intel Mac, hold Option while opening the Apple menu, then choose System Information.
4. Select Controller or iBridge in the sidebar. If the details identify an Apple T2 chip, use the T2 instructions below.
5. Confirm whether the Mac is a MacBook laptop or an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro desktop.

If the Mac will not start, check its model name or serial-number documentation and confirm the applicable procedure with official Apple Support before continuing.

How do you reset the SMC on a MacBook?

Shut down the MacBook before using any Intel key combination. Use the built-in keyboard rather than an external keyboard.

For a MacBook with Apple silicon:

1. Open the Apple menu and choose Shut Down.
2. After the MacBook has shut down, press the power button to start it again. Apple states that restarting an Apple silicon Mac performs the relevant power-management reset; there is no separate SMC key combination.

For an Intel MacBook with the Apple T2 Security Chip:

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold left Control, left Option, and right Shift for seven seconds.
3. Without releasing those keys, press and hold the power button as well.
4. Keep holding all four keys for another seven seconds, then release them.
5. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to start the MacBook.

For an Intel MacBook without the Apple T2 Security 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 three keys, press and hold the power button.
4. Hold all four controls for ten seconds, then release them.
5. Press the power button to start the MacBook.

These non-T2 steps apply to Intel Mac laptops with a built-in battery. If an older Mac has a removable battery, confirm its model-specific instructions with Apple rather than assuming this sequence applies.

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

The following SMC reset Mac procedure is for Intel-based desktop Macs. An iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro with Apple silicon needs only a restart.

1. Shut down the Intel-based Mac.
2. Unplug its power cord.
3. Wait fifteen seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord.
5. Wait five seconds.
6. Press the power button to turn on the Mac.

Do not disconnect power while the Mac is still shutting down. If you are unsure whether the desktop uses Intel or Apple silicon, identify the chip before attempting an SMC reset on the Mac.

How can you confirm that the SMC reset worked?

A successful reset may not produce a message, sound, or confirmation screen. Start the Mac normally and check the original symptom instead.

• Listen for whether the fans return to a normal speed after startup and while the Mac is idle.
• Connect the correct power adapter and check whether the battery indicator recognizes charging.
• Press the power button once and confirm that the Mac responds normally.
• Test the keyboard backlight, display brightness, sleep, wake, or lid behavior that prompted the reset.

Allow the Mac to finish starting before judging the result. If nothing changed, repeating the same reset many times is unlikely to reveal whether the cause is software, an accessory, the charger, the battery, or other hardware.

What should you do if resetting the SMC did not help?

If you followed the correct method for the Mac and the problem remains, continue with basic checks instead of repeatedly performing an SMC reset.

1. Restart the Mac and install available macOS updates.
2. Disconnect nonessential accessories, hubs, and external drives, then test again.
3. For charging trouble, inspect the power adapter, cable, connector, and charging port for damage or debris. Stop using visibly damaged equipment.
4. Try a known-working electrical outlet and the correct compatible charging equipment.
5. Check Battery settings and battery condition on a MacBook. Managed charging features can sometimes pause charging before the battery is full.
6. Use Apple Diagnostics to check for a possible hardware fault.

Contact official Apple Support through {site} if the Mac still will not turn on, becomes unusually hot, reports a battery service warning, has damaged charging hardware, or continues showing the same power or fan problem. Apple Support can provide the correct next step for the exact model and determine whether service is needed.