Mac OS - Reset the SMC on Mac

Mac OS - Reset the SMC on Mac

Problem

A user with an Intel based Mac wishes to try the SMC reseet to fix technical issues with their unit.  


Applies to

  1. Mac

Resolution

Please use one of the methods below as appropriate to the model of Mac used.

Reset Apple Silicon Macs

Apple Silicon Macs were released November 2020 and later.  These do not have an SMC chip.  One can use the steps below to attempt a similar reset using the steps below.

  1. With your Mac on click Apple symboil and choose Shut down.
  2. After the Mac has shut down wait 30 seconds, the press power button to restart.

Reset SMC on Intel Macbooks with T2 chip

If your Mac is summer 2020 or earlier it most likely hasn an SMC chip.  Use the steps below to reset the SMC.


  1. Shut down your Mac.
  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.

If the issue persists, follow these steps to 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.
    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.