Reset the SMC of your Mac

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can help resolve uncommon issues related to power, thermal management, or hardware behavior.

Do you need to reset the SMC?

You most likely do not need to reset the SMC. However, it may help resolve certain issues on Intel-based Mac computers.

• Battery isn't charging

• Mac isn't turning on

• Fans are running fast

• Mac laptop computer gets too warm

• Built-in camera isn't working

If you’re experiencing one of these issues, follow the instructions below based on your Mac type.

What does the SMC control?

• Power button behavior

• Battery and charging

• USB port power

• Thermal features like fans

• Lid open and close behavior

• Sensors (such as ambient light, motion sensor, keyboard backlighting)

• Status indicators (such as sleep and battery lights)

Identify Your Mac type

Choose your path based on your chip type:

Find out if you have a Mac with Apple silicon

Find out if you have a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip

Mac with Apple Silicon

Make sure that your Mac is plugged into power, then take one of these actions.

• Restart: Choose Apple menu  > Restart.

• Or shut down: Choose Apple menu  > Shut Down. Then press the power button on your Mac to turn it on again.

No other steps are needed. SMC resets automatically on Mac with Apple silicon.

Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip

Step 1: Restart

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Press and hold the power button (or Touch ID) for 10 seconds.

3. Release, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Step 2: Reset the SMC (if issue persists)

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of the following keys. Your Mac might turn on.

   • Control on the left side of your keyboard

   • Option (Alt) on the left side of your keyboard

   • Shift on the right side of your keyboard

3. Keep holding all three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn off as you hold the keys.

   

4. Keep holding all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.

5. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Desktop computer with the T2 chip

If your Mac isn't a laptop computer, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord.

2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.

3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

For Mac without Apple Silicon or T2 Chip

Laptop Mac

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of these keys:

   • Shift on the left side of your keyboard

   • Control on the left side of your keyboard

   • Option (Alt) on the left side of your keyboard

3. While holding all three keys, press and hold the power button as well.

   

4. Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.

5. Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Desktop Mac

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord.

2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.

3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.