Reset the SMC of your MacBook

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

If you’re experiencing power related issues or your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro won’t turn on, a SMC reset may help. If it doesn’t, you can always bring it in-store to us.

Do You Need To Reset The SMC?

You don’t need to reset the SMC, but resetting the SMC is sometimes suggested for Intel-based Mac computers as a step to resolve issues that could be power related such as battery not charging, Mac not powering on, Fans running at high speeds or your built-in camera isn’t working.

If your Mac is also getting too hot while you use it resetting the SMC may also fix it or you can bring it in-store for a quick checkup to see if there’s any debris stopping your fans from working as expected.

List Of Related Issued

Here’s a list of issues you may experience with a SMC malfunction:

• Unexpected or slow shutdowns,
• Unresponsiveness when opening or closing your Mac,
• The power button doesn’t work normally,
• Fans running at high speed or are loud, even under low load,
• The MagSafe power adapter doesn’t indicate what it’s doing,
• Problems connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth,
• Your Mac is overheating,
• Nonfunctioning USB ports or Bluetooth connections,
• Erratic light or backlight behaviour,
• Slow performance, even with low CPU usage.

 If you need to reset your SMC, learn how to below.

If You Have A MacBook With Apple Silicon

Make sure your Mac is plugged into a power source. 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 MacBook 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.
3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Every Mac has a power button. On notebook computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.

Reset The SMC

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 may turn on.
   1. Control: on the left-hand side of your keyboard
   2. Option (Alt): on the left-hand side of your keyboard
   3. Shift: on the right-hand 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 turned on, it will turn off while you’re holding these 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, you can contact us or bring it in-store. 

If You Don’t Have A MacBook With Apple Silicon Or The T2 Chip

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of these keys:
   1. Shift: on the left-hand side of your keyboard
   2. Control: on the left-hand side of your keyboard
   3. Option (Alt): on the left-hand 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.

If you need help, you can contact us or bring it in-store.

If You Have A Mac

If you have a Mac, such as an iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio or Mac Pro here’s how you can reset the SMC:

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cable.
2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cable back in.
3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If issues still persist with your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you can contact us or bring your device in-store for our team to examine what the issue is.