Performing a SMC Reset has the potential to fix problems and performance related issues on Mac. You can find below the steps to Reset SMC on Mac.
What is SMC On Mac?
SMC or System Management Controller is a Microchip located on the Logic board of Apple computers that are using Intel based processors.
SMC is responsible Battery Control, Battery Indicator Light, Temperature control, Light Sensing, Fan Speed, Keyboard backlights and other low-level functions.
The steps to Reset SMC on Mac vary, depending on whether or not your Mac is equipped with Apple’s T2 security chip and also on the type of battery installed on your Mac (Removable or Non Removable).
Why and When to Reset SMC on Mac?
Sometimes, SMC can become confused or corrupted, leading to problems on Intel based MacBooks and Desktop Macs and needs to be Reset.
In general, the following type or category of problems on a MacBook, Mac Mini or iMac indicate the need for a SMC Reset.
Power Supply Issues: MacBook is not turning ON, Battery Not Charging, Battery Indicator Light Not Working. Keyboard Backlight Not Working, Mac shutting down abruptly or not waking up from sleep mode.
Cooling System: Fans not working, Fans always running at high speed.
Display Problems: External Display not working, Videos not playing, Change in Display brightness.
Devices & Ports: Ports not working, external connected devices not working, track pad not working, keyboard not responding normally or mouse behaving abnormally.
Performance Related Issues: Slow or sluggish performance even under low CPU load, Bluetooth not working, Mac not connecting to WiFi and others.
The steps to Reset SMC vary, depending on the type of Mac (Laptop or Desktop) and also on whether or not your Mac is equipped with Apple T2 Security chip and Apple Silicon Chip (M1.M2).
1. Reset SMC on Mac with Apple Silicon Chip
If your Mac is equipped with Apple’s M1 or M2 chip, the System Management Controller (SMC) is built into the Apple Silicon Chip (M1/M2).
Hence, all that is required to Reset SMC on a Mac with M1 or M2 Chip is to Shut Down the Mac, wait for 30 seconds and restart Mac.
- Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and click on Shut Down.
- Wait for 30 seconds and press the Power button to Restart Mac.
If restarting did not help, the problem might be due to the firmware on the computer being corrupted or damaged and this can be fixed by reinstalling the firmware.
2. Reset SMC on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with Apple T2 Chip
If you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with T2 Security Chip, remove all accessories (except keyboard and mouse) and follow the steps below to Reset SMC.
1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and click on Shut Down (wait for complete Shut Down).
2. Press and hold the Left Control key + Left Option key + Right Shift Key for 7 seconds and then also press and hold the Power button (All 4 keys together).
Note: You may notice Apple Logo appearing and find Mac turning ON and turning OFF.
3. Keep holding all the four keys for another 7 seconds and then release them.
4. Wait for a few seconds and then press the Power button (or Touch ID) to switch on your Mac.
Note: The boot time of your Mac immediately after SMC Reset can be longer than normal.
3. Reset SMC on Mac Mini & iMac with Apple T2 Chip
If you have a newer (2018 and later) version of Mac Mini, iMac or iMac Pro with T2 Chip, remove all accessories (except keyboard and mouse) and follow the steps below to Reset SMC.
1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and click on Shut Down (wait for complete Shut Down).
2. Unplug the Power Cord.
3. Wait 15 seconds > Plug the Power Cord back in.
4. After 5 seconds start your Mac by pressing the Power button.
5. Reset SMC on MacBook Without T2 Chip
If you have an older MacBook without T2 security Chip, you can follow the steps below to Reset SMC.
1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and click on Shut Down (wait for complete Shut Down).
2. Press and hold the Left (Shift + Control + Option) Keys + the Power Button for 10 seconds.
3. Release all the 4 keys and then press the Power button to switch ON the computer.
5. Reset SMC On Mac Mini, iMac, iMac Pro Without T2 Chip
Follow the steps below to Reset SMC on desktop versions of Macs like iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro.
1. Click on Apple Logo > Shut Down and wait for your Mac to shut down.
2. Unplug the power cord from your Mac.
3. After 15 seconds > plug the Power Cord back in.
4. Wait for 5 seconds and press on the Power button to restart your Mac.
How to Check If Your Mac Has Apple T2 Chip?
Before going ahead with the steps to Reset SMC, you need to find if your Mac has a removable battery and whether or not it is equipped with Apple T2 Chip.
1. Click on Apple Logo > About This Mac > System Information.
2. On the next screen, click on Controller in the left-pane. In the right-pane, you will be able see if your Mac is equipped with Apple T2 Chip.
After checking for T2 Chip, follow the steps as applicable to Reset SMC on your type of Mac.
Source: Apple Support
