How to Reset SMC on Your Mac: Step-by-Step Guide for All Models
Is your Mac acting up? Experiencing issues with power, battery, fans, display, or other hardware-related problems? Before heading to the Apple Store, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC is a chip on your Mac’s logic board responsible for controlling various hardware functions. Resetting it can often resolve a wide range of issues without requiring more drastic measures.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of resetting the SMC on various Mac models, providing detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips to help you get your Mac back to its optimal performance. Let’s dive in!
## What is the SMC and Why Reset It?
The System Management Controller (SMC) is an integrated circuit (chip) that manages low-level functions on your Mac. These functions include:
* **Power Management:** Controls power on/off, sleep, wake, battery charging, and power adapter functionality.
* **Thermal Management:** Manages fan speed to regulate the temperature of the CPU, GPU, and other components.
* **Battery Management:** Monitors and controls battery health, charging cycles, and performance.
* **Display Management:** Controls display brightness, backlight, and external display connectivity.
* **Keyboard and Trackpad:** Manages keyboard backlighting, key responsiveness, and trackpad functionality.
* **Other Hardware Functions:** Controls the status indicator lights (SIL), ambient light sensor, and other hardware components.
When your Mac experiences problems related to these functions, resetting the SMC can often resolve the issue. It’s like giving your Mac a ‘soft reboot’ at the hardware level. Resetting the SMC restores these settings to their default values, potentially fixing any glitches or conflicts that might be causing the problem.
## When Should You Reset the SMC?
Resetting the SMC is a troubleshooting step you should consider when you’re experiencing issues with:
* **Power Issues:**
* Mac won’t turn on.
* Mac turns on but won’t start up.
* Mac randomly shuts down.
* Mac won’t go to sleep or wake up from sleep.
* Battery not charging properly.
* Battery draining quickly.
* Mac is running slowly.
* **Fan Issues:**
* Fans running at high speed even when the Mac is idle.
* Fans not running at all, leading to overheating.
* **Display Issues:**
* Display not turning on.
* Display brightness not adjusting properly.
* Image on the display is distorted or flickering.
* External display not being recognized.
* **Keyboard and Trackpad Issues:**
* Keyboard backlight not working.
* Keys not responding or responding incorrectly.
* Trackpad not working properly or responding erratically.
* **Other Hardware Issues:**
* Status indicator lights (SIL) not working correctly.
* Ambient light sensor not working.
* Unexpected behavior with USB or Thunderbolt ports.
**Important Note:** Before resetting the SMC, try simpler troubleshooting steps like restarting your Mac, checking your power adapter and cable, and updating your macOS. Resetting the SMC should be a last resort if other solutions haven’t worked.
## How to Reset the SMC: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for resetting the SMC differs depending on your Mac model. We’ll cover the instructions for laptops (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro) with both non-removable and removable batteries, as well as desktop computers (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro).
### Resetting the SMC on Mac Laptops with Non-Removable Batteries
This includes most modern MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros.
**Steps:**
1. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “Shut Down.”
2. **Press and Hold Keys:** Once your Mac is completely shut down, press and hold the following keys simultaneously on the left side of your keyboard:
* **Control (Ctrl)**
* **Option (Alt)**
* **Shift (⇧)**
3. **Hold and Press Power Button:** While holding down the Ctrl + Option + Shift keys, press and hold the power button as well.
4. **Hold for 10 Seconds:** Continue holding all four keys (Ctrl + Option + Shift + Power) for 10 seconds.
5. **Release All Keys:** After 10 seconds, release all four keys.
6. **Power On Your Mac:** Press the power button again to turn your Mac back on.
**Important Considerations:**
* You might not see any visual indication that the SMC has been reset. However, the process is still running in the background.
* Make sure your Mac is completely shut down before starting the reset process.
* Ensure you are pressing the keys on the **left side** of the keyboard, as the right-side keys might not work.
* If your Mac turns on when you press the key combination, it means you didn’t shut it down completely. Shut it down again and repeat the process.
### Resetting the SMC on Mac Laptops with Removable Batteries (Older Models)
This applies to older MacBook and MacBook Pro models that have a user-removable battery.
**Steps:**
1. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple menu and select “Shut Down.”
2. **Remove the Battery:** Disconnect the power adapter and carefully remove the battery from your Mac. Refer to your Mac’s manual for instructions on how to remove the battery safely.
3. **Press and Hold Power Button:** After removing the battery, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
4. **Reinstall the Battery:** Reinstall the battery back into your Mac.
5. **Connect the Power Adapter:** Connect the power adapter to your Mac.
6. **Power On Your Mac:** Press the power button to turn your Mac back on.
**Important Considerations:**
* Handle the battery with care to avoid damage.
* Make sure the battery is properly reinstalled before connecting the power adapter.
* This method is only applicable to Macs with user-removable batteries.
### Resetting the SMC on Desktop Macs (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro)
This applies to iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro desktop computers.
**Steps:**
1. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple menu and select “Shut Down.”
2. **Unplug the Power Cord:** Once your Mac is completely shut down, unplug the power cord from the back of your computer.
3. **Wait 15 Seconds:** Wait for 15 seconds.
4. **Plug the Power Cord Back In:** Plug the power cord back into the back of your computer.
5. **Wait 5 Seconds:** Wait for 5 seconds.
6. **Power On Your Mac:** Press the power button to turn your Mac back on.
**Important Considerations:**
* Make sure your Mac is completely shut down before unplugging the power cord.
* Wait the specified amount of time (15 seconds) before plugging the power cord back in. This allows the SMC to fully reset.
* This method works for all iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro models.
## Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Even with these detailed instructions, you might encounter some issues during the SMC reset process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Mac Turns On When Pressing the Key Combination (Laptops with Non-Removable Batteries):** This usually means your Mac wasn’t completely shut down before you started the process. Make sure your Mac is fully powered off before attempting to reset the SMC.
* **No Visible Indication of Reset:** As mentioned earlier, you might not see any visual cue that the SMC has been reset. Don’t worry; the process still works in the background. Simply restart your Mac after following the steps.
* **SMC Reset Doesn’t Fix the Problem:** If resetting the SMC doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem might be more complex. Consider trying other troubleshooting steps, such as resetting the NVRAM/PRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory / Parameter RAM), running Apple Diagnostics, or contacting Apple Support.
* **Forgetting the Key Combination:** It’s easy to forget the specific key combination for laptops with non-removable batteries. Double-check the instructions and make sure you’re pressing the correct keys simultaneously.
* **Difficulty Removing the Battery (Older Laptops):** If you’re having trouble removing the battery from an older MacBook or MacBook Pro, consult your Mac’s manual for detailed instructions. Be careful not to force the battery, as this could damage it.
* **Confusion About Which Method to Use:** Make sure you’re using the correct method for your specific Mac model. Refer to the sections above to determine whether your Mac has a non-removable battery, a removable battery, or is a desktop computer.
## Resetting NVRAM/PRAM: Another Helpful Troubleshooting Step
In addition to resetting the SMC, resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can also resolve certain hardware and software issues. NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) store certain settings on your Mac, such as display resolution, startup disk selection, and volume settings. Resetting these can sometimes fix problems related to these settings.
**How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM:**
1. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple menu and select “Shut Down.”
2. **Power On Your Mac:** Press the power button to turn your Mac back on.
3. **Press and Hold Keys:** Immediately after you hear the startup chime, press and hold the following keys simultaneously:
* **Command (⌘)**
* **Option (Alt)**
* **P**
* **R**
4. **Hold Until Second Startup Chime:** Continue holding these four keys until you hear the startup chime a second time (or see the Apple logo appear and disappear a second time on newer Macs with the T2 chip).
5. **Release All Keys:** Release all four keys.
**Important Considerations:**
* You must press the keys immediately after hearing the startup chime.
* The screen might flash or your Mac might restart multiple times during the process. This is normal.
* After resetting NVRAM/PRAM, you might need to reconfigure some of your settings, such as display resolution and startup disk selection.
## Running Apple Diagnostics
If you’re still experiencing problems after resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM, you can run Apple Diagnostics to check for hardware issues.
**How to Run Apple Diagnostics:**
1. **Disconnect External Devices:** Disconnect all external devices from your Mac, except for the power adapter, keyboard, mouse, and display.
2. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple menu and select “Shut Down.”
3. **Power On Your Mac and Hold D Key:** Press the power button to turn your Mac back on and immediately press and hold the ‘D’ key on your keyboard.
4. **Release D Key When Prompted:** Release the ‘D’ key when you see the Apple Diagnostics screen appear (or a screen asking you to select your language).
5. **Follow On-Screen Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostics test. The test may take several minutes to complete.
6. **Review Results:** After the test is complete, Apple Diagnostics will display any hardware issues it has detected. Note down the error codes or messages.
**Important Considerations:**
* Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet, as some diagnostics tests require an internet connection.
* If Apple Diagnostics detects hardware issues, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
## Contacting Apple Support
If you’ve tried resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM, running Apple Diagnostics, and still haven’t resolved the issue, it’s time to contact Apple Support. They can provide more specialized assistance and diagnose any underlying hardware problems.
**Ways to Contact Apple Support:**
* **Apple Support Website:** Visit the Apple Support website (support.apple.com) to find troubleshooting articles, contact options, and schedule a repair.
* **Apple Support App:** Download the Apple Support app on your iPhone or iPad to get personalized support and schedule appointments.
* **Apple Store:** Visit your local Apple Store to speak with a Genius Bar technician.
* **Authorized Service Provider:** Contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repair services.
**When contacting Apple Support, be prepared to provide the following information:**
* Your Mac’s model and serial number.
* The specific issues you’re experiencing.
* The troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried (including resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM).
* Any error codes or messages you’ve received from Apple Diagnostics.
## Preventing Future SMC-Related Issues
While resetting the SMC is a helpful troubleshooting step, it’s also beneficial to take steps to prevent future SMC-related issues.
* **Keep Your macOS Updated:** Regularly update your macOS to the latest version. Apple often includes bug fixes and performance improvements in macOS updates that can help prevent hardware issues.
* **Avoid Overheating:** Avoid using your Mac in excessively hot environments or placing it on soft surfaces that can block ventilation. Overheating can strain the SMC and other hardware components.
* **Manage Battery Health:** Follow Apple’s recommendations for optimizing battery health. Avoid completely draining the battery frequently and keep your Mac plugged in when possible.
* **Use a Surge Protector:** Protect your Mac from power surges by using a surge protector. Power surges can damage the SMC and other electronic components.
* **Regularly Clean Your Mac:** Clean your Mac regularly to remove dust and debris that can accumulate and cause overheating.
* **Avoid Installing Untrusted Software:** Be cautious about installing software from untrusted sources. Malware and other malicious software can interfere with the SMC and other system functions.
## Conclusion
Resetting the SMC can be a helpful troubleshooting step for resolving various hardware-related issues on your Mac. By following the detailed instructions in this guide, you can safely and effectively reset the SMC on your Mac, potentially fixing problems with power, battery, fans, display, and other hardware functions. Remember to try simpler troubleshooting steps first and to contact Apple Support if you’re still experiencing problems after resetting the SMC. Regularly maintaining your Mac and following preventative measures can also help minimize the risk of future SMC-related issues.
By understanding the role of the SMC and knowing how to reset it, you can take control of your Mac’s performance and resolve common issues without needing to visit a repair shop. This guide provides you with the knowledge and steps needed to troubleshoot effectively and keep your Mac running smoothly.
Good luck, and happy computing!