Technology

Resetting SMC (System Management Controller) On A Mac

Published: October 8, 2023

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What is SMC (System Management Controller)?

The System Management Controller (SMC) is a vital component in every Mac computer. It is responsible for managing various hardware functions, such as power management, thermal management, battery management, and more. Essentially, the SMC acts as the interface between the hardware and the operating system, ensuring that your Mac functions smoothly and efficiently.

The SMC is a microcontroller that runs on firmware code. It monitors sensor inputs, regulates power and thermal conditions, and controls important aspects of your Mac’s hardware. From managing fan speeds to handling sleep and wake functions, the SMC plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal performance and stability of your Mac.

One of the essential tasks the SMC performs is managing power-related functions. It ensures that your Mac’s battery is properly charged and provides power to various components, such as the logic board, keyboard, trackpad, and other peripherals. Additionally, the SMC regulates power delivery to different hardware components, preventing overheating and avoiding potential damage.

The SMC also handles thermal management by monitoring temperature sensors throughout your Mac. It adjusts fan speeds to maintain optimal operating temperatures, preventing overheating and ensuring that your Mac remains cool during demanding tasks.

Furthermore, the SMC controls sleep and wake functions, allowing your Mac to enter sleep mode when not in use and wake up quickly when needed. It also manages the behavior of the power button, keyboard backlighting, and other system-related functions.

In summary, the SMC is a critical component in your Mac that helps ensure smooth operation, power management, thermal regulation, and other essential functions. Resetting the SMC can help resolve certain hardware-related issues and restore your Mac’s optimal performance.

Why would you need to reset the SMC on your Mac?

As reliable as Mac computers are, there may be instances where you encounter issues with hardware functions or system performance. In such cases, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can often help resolve these problems. Here are some situations where resetting the SMC may be necessary:

  • Power-related issues: If your Mac is not turning on or not charging properly, resetting the SMC can potentially fix these power-related problems. The SMC manages power functions, and a reset can clear any issues that may be causing abnormalities in power delivery.
  • Fan and thermal issues: If your Mac’s fans are running at high speeds constantly or the temperature is abnormally high, resetting the SMC may help correct these thermal management issues. The SMC controls fan speeds and thermal regulation, and a reset can restore proper functionality.
  • Keyboard and trackpad problems: If your keystrokes or trackpad gestures are unresponsive or erratic, resetting the SMC might resolve these input-related issues. The SMC manages keyboard and trackpad functions, and a reset can reestablish proper communication.
  • Battery-related anomalies: If your Mac’s battery is not charging, not detected, or draining unusually fast, resetting the SMC can potentially resolve these battery management issues. The SMC regulates battery functions, and a reset can recalibrate and restore normal battery operation.
  • Sleep and wake problems: If your Mac is unable to sleep or wake from sleep, resetting the SMC may help rectify these sleep-related issues. The SMC controls sleep and wake functions, and a reset can address any underlying problems disrupting these operations.

In addition to the above situations, generally, when you encounter inexplicable hardware issues or abnormal behavior on your Mac, resetting the SMC can act as a troubleshooting step. It is important to note that resetting the SMC should not be the first action you take when faced with problems. Troubleshooting steps such as restarting the Mac, updating software, or checking for hardware connections should be attempted before resorting to an SMC reset.

How to reset the SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on a MacBook with a non-removable battery is a relatively simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Shut down your MacBook: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.”
  2. Disconnect the power adapter: Unplug the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter from your MacBook.
  3. Reset the SMC: Press and hold the following keys on your MacBook’s built-in keyboard for at least 10 seconds: Shift + Control + Option. While holding these keys, press the power button as well.
  4. Release the keys: Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
  5. Reconnect the power adapter: Plug the power adapter back into your MacBook.
  6. Power on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

Once your MacBook boots up, the SMC will have been successfully reset. You can now check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If not, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from Apple Support.

It’s worth noting that resetting the SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery is slightly different from models with removable batteries or newer MacBook models with Touch ID. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your MacBook model to ensure a successful SMC reset.

How to reset the SMC on a MacBook with a removable battery

If you own an older MacBook model with a removable battery, the process of resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) is slightly different. Follow these steps to perform an SMC reset on your MacBook with a removable battery:

  1. Shut down your MacBook: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.”
  2. Disconnect the power adapter: Unplug the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter from your MacBook.
  3. Remove the battery: Flip your MacBook over and locate the battery latch. Slide it to release the battery, then gently lift it out of the laptop.
  4. Hold the power button: Press and hold the power button on your MacBook for about 10 seconds.
  5. Reinsert the battery: Place the battery back into its compartment on your MacBook.
  6. Connect the power adapter: Plug the power adapter back into your MacBook.
  7. Power on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

After you have completed the above steps, the SMC on your MacBook with a removable battery should be successfully reset. You can now check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If the problems persist, you may need to explore further troubleshooting steps or contact Apple Support for assistance.

Please note that newer MacBook models do not have removable batteries, so this method is specifically for older MacBook models that allow battery removal. If you own a newer MacBook with a non-removable battery or Touch ID, refer to the appropriate instructions for resetting the SMC on those models.

How to reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro (2018 and later) or MacBook Air (2018 and later) without Touch ID

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air without Touch ID, released in 2018 and later, involves a different process compared to older models. If you own one of these newer MacBook models, follow these steps for an SMC reset:

  1. Shut down your MacBook: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.”
  2. Turn on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
  3. Press and hold the keys: Immediately press and hold the following keys on the built-in keyboard:
    Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard
    Power button on the right side of the keyboard
  4. Hold for 10 seconds: Continue holding all four keys for about 10 seconds.
  5. Release the keys: Release all the keys, including the power button, at the same time.
  6. Power on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

After following these steps, the SMC on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air (2018 and later) without Touch ID should be successfully reset. Check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If the problems persist, further troubleshooting or assistance from Apple Support may be required.

It’s important to note that if your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air has Touch ID, the process to reset the SMC may differ. In that case, refer to the appropriate instructions for your specific model to successfully reset the SMC.

How to reset the SMC on a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with Touch ID

If you own a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with Touch ID, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) involves a specific process. Follow these steps to perform an SMC reset on your MacBook with Touch ID:

  1. Shut down your MacBook: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.”
  2. Turn on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
  3. Press and hold the Touch ID button: On the right side of your MacBook’s Touch Bar, press and hold the Touch ID button for about 10 seconds.
  4. Release the Touch ID button: Release the Touch ID button after approximately 10 seconds.
  5. Power on your MacBook: Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

Once you have completed these steps, the SMC on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with Touch ID should be successfully reset. Check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If the problems persist, you may need to explore further troubleshooting steps or seek assistance from Apple Support.

Please note that this method for resetting the SMC is specifically for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with Touch ID. If you own a different MacBook model without Touch ID or an older MacBook model, refer to the appropriate instructions for resetting the SMC on those devices.

How to reset the SMC on an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro is slightly different from resetting it on a MacBook. If you own one of these desktop Mac models and need to reset the SMC, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.”
  2. Disconnect the power cord: Unplug the power cord from the back of your Mac.
  3. Wait for 15 seconds: Wait for at least 15 seconds to ensure that all power is drained from your Mac.
  4. Reconnect the power cord: Plug the power cord back into the back of your Mac.
  5. Wait for 5 seconds: Wait for about 5 seconds after plugging in the power cord.
  6. Power on your Mac: Press the power button to turn on your Mac.

After following these steps, the SMC on your iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro should be successfully reset. Check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If the problems persist, you may need to explore further troubleshooting steps or contact Apple Support for assistance.

It’s worth noting that the SMC reset process for desktop Mac models is simpler than for MacBook models, as there are no keyboards or removable batteries to consider. However, it’s important to ensure that your Mac is completely powered off and unplugged from the power source before reconnecting and powering it back on.

Additional tips for troubleshooting SMC issues on a Mac

If you have followed the appropriate steps to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac but are still experiencing issues, there are a few additional tips you can try to troubleshoot SMC-related problems. Here are some suggestions:

  • Check for software updates: Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve hardware-related issues.
  • Reset NVRAM or PRAM: On certain Mac models, resetting the non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) or parameter RAM (PRAM) can help resolve hardware-related issues. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup chime twice.
  • Disconnect peripherals: Unplug any external devices or peripherals connected to your Mac, such as printers, external hard drives, or USB hubs. Sometimes, issues with external devices can interfere with the SMC’s normal operation.
  • Perform a clean boot: Starting up your Mac in Safe Mode can help diagnose and troubleshoot software-related issues. Restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key until the Apple logo or login screen appears.
  • Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the SMC issues on your Mac, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Apple’s support team can provide personalized guidance and help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

It’s important to note that the SMC is a critical component of your Mac’s hardware, and issues with the SMC can sometimes indicate underlying hardware problems. If you continue to experience persistent issues even after attempting the troubleshooting steps, professional assistance may be required to diagnose and repair the hardware.

Remember to always ensure the safety and integrity of your data by backing up your Mac before attempting any troubleshooting steps or hardware repairs.

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Written by Cami Johansen

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