Resetting The SMC On Your Mac

The system management controller (SMC) is a chip on Intel-based Macs that manages essential physical components of your computer, such as fans, status lights, system performance, and power supply. If you're having power-related issues, resetting your Mac's SMC can resolve some uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

Can Resetting the SMC Fix My Issues?

Chances are, you do not need to reset your SMC, but if you're having difficulty with power-related Mac computer issues, resetting the SMC has been shown to be helpful in some cases as a last resort. SMC resets can help if you're experiencing problems such as:

Mac Computers with Silicon Chip

In 2020, Apple began to transition from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips in Mac computer models. To check, go to Apple Menu then the About This Mac page, and check what chip you have. If you have a silicon chip, make sure that your Mac is plugged in, then restart it. Mac computers with Apple silicon don't require any additional steps.

Mac Laptop with T2 chip

Before you reset the SMC, follow these steps:

Shut down your Mac
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. On laptops that have Touch ID, you can also press and hold Touch ID to turn on your machine.
After a few seconds, turn on your mac by pressing the power button.

If this did not solve your issue, reset the SMC by following these steps:

Shut down your Mac
Use keyboard shortcuts by pressing and holding down the following keys at the same time. (Your Mac might turn on as a result.)

Control on the left side of the keyboard
Option on the left side of the keyboard
Shift on the right side of the keyboard

Next, keep holding down all three of the following keys (Control, Option, and Shift) at the same time for 7 seconds, then, press and hold the power button as well. Keep in mind that your computer will turn off if it was already on.
Keep holding the four keys (Control, Option, Shift, and Power) for another 7 seconds, then let go.
Once everything in released, count to 10, then press the power button to turn on your computer.

If you need any additional help, feel free to contact Dave's Computers.

Mac Desktop with T2 chip

If your Mac is a desktop computer, follow these steps instead:

Shut down your desktop.
Unplug the power cord.
Wait around 15 seconds, then plug the cord back in.
Wait another 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your computer.

Please contact Dave's Computers if you need additional help.

Mac Laptop Without Apple Silicon or T2

If you have an older laptop that doesn't use Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip, follow these steps.

Shut down your laptop.
Use keyboard shortcuts by pressing and holding down the following keys at the same time.

Shift on the left side of the keyboard
Control on the left side of the keyboard
Option on the left side of the keyboard

While holding all three keys (Shift, Control, and Option), press and hold the power button as well for 10 seconds.
Let go of all four keys, and then turn on your computer but pressing the power button.

If you need help reach out at Dave's Computers.

Mac Desktop Without Apple Silicon or T2

If you have an older desktop that doesn't use Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip, follow these steps.

Shut down your desktop.
Unplug the power cord.
Wait around 15 seconds, then plug the cord back in.
Wait another 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your computer.

If you need help, you can call Dave's Computers at (908) 304-9760 or message us here. On a Windows laptop instead? The equivalent bag of tricks: power drains, brand reset buttons, and the right order to check things in. Is in our guide to a laptop that won't turn on.