The SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac is responsible for managing several important hardware functions, such as power, temperature, and fan control. When you experience issues with these functions, resetting the SMC may help resolve the problem. In this tutorial, we will explain how and when to reset the SMC on your Mac.
When to Reset the SMC
Before resetting the SMC on your Mac, it is essential to identify when it is necessary. Here are some common issues that may require resetting the SMC:
- Mac won’t turn on or start up properly.
- The battery isn’t charging correctly or indicating accurate levels.
- The Mac fan is running at a high speed and won’t slow down.
- The Mac is behaving abnormally, such as keyboard backlight not working, power button not responding, and more.
If you’re facing any of these problems, resetting the SMC is worth trying. But, before resetting, ensure that you have backed up your data as this process will shut down your Mac.
How to Reset the SMC on Your Mac
There are two methods to reset the SMC on your Mac, depending on the model and whether or not it has a removable battery.
Resetting the SMC on Macs With Non-Removable Batteries
- Shut down your Mac by selecting the “Shut Down” option from the Apple menu or holding down the power button until it powers off.
- Once your Mac is shut down, connect it to a power source.
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button.
- Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
Resetting the SMC on Macs With Removable Batteries
- Shut down your Mac by selecting the “Shut Down” option from the Apple menu or holding down the power button until it powers off.
- Unplug your Mac from the power source and remove the battery.
- Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
- Reinsert the battery and connect your Mac to a power source.
- Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
After performing the SMC reset, your Mac may take longer than usual to start up. This is normal, and you should give it some time to start up entirely.
Resetting the SMC on your Mac can help resolve several hardware issues. If you’re facing any problems with your Mac’s power, temperature, or fan control, give the SMC reset a try. Ensure that you have backed up your data before resetting the SMC. We hope this tutorial has helped you understand how and when to reset the SMC on your Mac.