Reset the SMC of your Mac

The SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

Do you need to reset the SMC?

You almost certainly don't need to reset the SMC, but resetting the SMC is sometimes suggested for Intel-based Mac computers as a final step to resolve issues that could be power related:

 

If you have a Mac with Apple silicon

Find out if you have a Mac with Apple silicon

Make sure that your Mac is plugged into power. Then either restart it or shut it down and turn it on again. No other steps are necessary for Mac computers with Apple silicon.

 

If you have a Mac with the T2 chip

Laptop computer with the T2 chip

Before resetting the SMC, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac, if possible.
  2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release the button.
    Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If the issue persists, reset the SMC:

  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.

If you need help, contact Apple Support. 

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.

If you need help, contact Apple Support. 

 

If you don't have a Mac with Apple silicon or the T2 chip

Follow these steps on older computers that have neither Apple silicon nor the Apple T2 Security Chip.

Laptop computer

  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.
    Notebook keyboard with all 4 keys pressed
  4. Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.
  5. Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If you need help, contact Apple Support. 

Desktop computer

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.

If you need help, contact Apple Support. 

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