Resetting the SMC is a common technique every Mac user needs to know. Whether it’s your battery not charging, or your Mac not recognizing external devices, this technique can help you to fix various issues. Resetting the SMC on new devices like iMac, iMac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac Pro with T2 chip is a little bit different than on earlier models. So, this tutorial will show you how to reset the SMC on iMac Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro.
Note that this approach only works for iMac (2020 model), all iMac Pro, Mac Pro 2019, Mac mini 2018 (or later). With older models, you will need to use a different method.
What is SMC?
SMC or System Management Controller controls a variety of functions on your Mac, including battery power, fan operation, and ports.
Issues Resetting SMC Can Fix
Before applying this technique, make sure you now have problems related to:
- Power button.
- Battery and charging.
- Fans and other thermal-management features.
- Indicators or sensors, such as status indicator lights (sleep or battery charging status), sudden motion sensor, ambient light sensor, and keyboard backlighting.
Note: Resetting the SMC doesn’t affect the contents of NVRAM or PRAM.
Step-by-Step to Reset SMC on iMac Pro, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini
Resetting SMC on the new T2 security chip Macs is actually quite simple. Just follow these steps:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Next, unplug the power cord.
- After waiting for 15 seconds, plug the power cord back in.
- Wait for another 5 seconds.
- Finally, press the Power button to turn on your Mac like normal.
Whether it was blasting fans, power issues, or your Mac not recognizing monitors, your problem will disappear when the Mac is back on again in most cases.
However, if you still continue to experience hardware issues on your Mac after resetting SMC. Starting to reset the PRAM / NVRAM is the next option. Plus, you can run the Apple Hardware Test on Macs to check if there are other issues.
Unfortunately, if none of that works, contacting Apple might be the last option. Also, some users recommend reinstalling macOS system software, after performing a thorough backup of data.
What hardware issues do you have? And, did resetting the SMC resolve your problems? Let us know in the comments!
