How to Reset the SMC on Your Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your Mac is acting up—battery issues, overheating, or problems with sleep mode—it may be time to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC controls essential hardware functions like power management, battery charging, and thermal regulation. Resetting it can often resolve persistent issues that don’t go away with a simple restart.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of resetting the SMC on different Mac models.
When Should You Reset the SMC?
Resetting the SMC can help resolve the following issues:
✅ Mac won’t turn on or respond to power button presses
✅ Battery not charging correctly
✅ Fans running excessively loud or always on
✅ Display brightness not adjusting properly
✅ Sleep mode or lid-closing issues
✅ External devices not recognized properly
✅ Performance issues related to power and hardware
If you’re experiencing any of the above, resetting the SMC could be the fix you need.
How to Reset the SMC on a Mac
For Intel Macs with T2 Security Chip (2018–2020 models)
If your Mac has a T2 Security Chip (found in models like the 2018 MacBook Air, 2018 MacBook Pro, and 2019 iMac), follow these steps:
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac completely.
2️⃣ Press and hold Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) + Shift (⇧) on the left side of your keyboard for 7 seconds.
3️⃣ While still holding these keys, press and hold the power button for another 7 seconds.
4️⃣ Release all keys and wait a few seconds.
5️⃣ Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
Your Mac’s SMC is now reset!
For Intel Macs Without the T2 Chip (2017 and earlier models)
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac.
2️⃣ Press and hold Shift (⇧) + Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) on the left side of the keyboard while also pressing the power button.
3️⃣ Hold all four keys for 10 seconds, then release.
4️⃣ Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
This method works for older MacBook models (2017 and earlier).
For Desktop Macs (iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro)
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac.
2️⃣ Unplug the power cord from the wall or power strip.
3️⃣ Wait 15 seconds before plugging it back in.
4️⃣ Wait another 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn your Mac back on.
This process resets the SMC for desktop Macs, which don’t have built-in batteries like MacBooks.
SMC Reset Not Working? Try These Fixes
If resetting the SMC doesn’t solve your issue, try the following:
- Check macOS Updates – Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, software updates fix hardware-related issues. (Check for updates here)
- Reset PRAM/NVRAM – If you’re still having problems, try resetting the PRAM/NVRAM, which controls display settings, sound, and startup disk preferences. (Learn how here)
- Contact Apple Support – If your Mac still isn’t working properly, it may have a deeper hardware issue. (Visit Apple Support)
Final Thoughts
Resetting the SMC is a simple yet powerful way to resolve many common Mac issues. Whether your battery isn’t charging, your fans are running non-stop, or your Mac won’t power on, an SMC reset is worth trying before seeking professional repair.
