Skip to main content Screen Reader Website Version
Not Sure Where to Start? Start with the website you already have.

We can review the site and help identify what deserves attention first.

Website Checkup →
Different Businesses Different websites.

Structure, content and conversion paths should follow the business rather than a house template.

See Our Work →

How to Reset the SMC on Your Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

More Web Design Blog Content

Is DIY Website Design Costing You More Than You Think?

Brought to you by Livewire – Professional Web Design and SEO Services Building your own website sounds like a budget-friendly way to get your business online. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress make it look easy. Just drag, drop, publish… right? But here’s the catch: DIY web design

Raven Tools

Took a look at Raven SEO tools today. Really, not all that impressed. They have a good price but it mostly looks like you’re just hooking up other services to be managed in one location. That’s valuable in and of itself, but not really what we’re looking for

What makes your website attractive to google?

What makes your website attractive to google? In 2013, Google released Search Quality Evaluation Guidelines to provide transparency in how google rates websites. The main goal of Google’s Search Quality Ratings is to provide results that represent and are beneficial to a specific user and their locale. This

Website Redesign Launch: Precon Tanks Gets a Modern Upgrade

We’re excited to announce the launch of the brand-new website for Precon Tanks — a leading manufacturer of precast concrete tanks and systems for the wastewater and stormwater industries. With decades of expertise and a reputation for quality and dependability, Precon needed a website that reflected their technical

Understanding Image Optimization

Image optimization is complicated and a multi-tiered process that takes months of study and practice. Just kidding. It’s easy. First, make sure you’re images aren’t huge. Most digital devices take pictures in high resolutions and most stock photos come that way. Always size your images to the exact