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Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
In some situations, you may need to reset your computer's SMC. Learn how to identify these conditions and reset the SMC.
Note: It is possible that the SMC could encounter an issue that may cause unusual system behavior typically related to the symptoms described below. In some cases, resetting the SMC may be the only correct method to resolve the issue, however, an SMC reset should only be attempted after all other standard troubleshooting has been performed.
Before Resetting the SMCTry each of the following steps in this order before you reset the SMC. Test the issue after completing each troubleshooting step to determine if the issue still occurs.
For Mac portables experiencing issues related to the MagSafe power adapter and/or battery, try:
After performing normal troubleshooting, these symptoms may indicate that an SMC reset may be necessary:
Fans
The computer's fans run at high speed although the computer is not experiencing heavy usage and is properly ventilated.
Lights
The keyboard backlight appears to behave incorrectly (on Mac computers that have this feature).
The Status Indicator Light (SIL) appears to behave incorrectly (on Mac computers that have an SIL).
Battery indicator lights, if present, appear to behave incorrectly (on portables that use non-removable batteries).
The display backlight doesn't respond correctly to ambient light changes on Mac computers that have this feature.
Power
The computer doesn't respond to the power button when pressed.
A portable Mac doesn't appear to respond properly when you close or open the lid.
The computer sleeps or shuts down unexpectedly.
The battery does not appear to be charging properly.
The MagSafe power adaptor LED doesn't appear to indicate the correct activity.
System Performance
The computer is running unusually slowly although it is not experiencing abnormally high CPU utilization.
Application icons may "bounce" in the Dock for an extended amount of time when launched.
Applications may not function correctly or may stop responding after being opened.
Follow these steps to reset the SMC:
Note: It is possible that the SMC could encounter an issue that may cause unusual system behavior typically related to the symptoms described below. In some cases, resetting the SMC may be the only correct method to resolve the issue, however, an SMC reset should only be attempted after all other standard troubleshooting has been performed.
Before Resetting the SMCTry each of the following steps in this order before you reset the SMC. Test the issue after completing each troubleshooting step to determine if the issue still occurs.
- Press Command + Option + Escape to force quit any application that is not responding.
- Put your Mac to sleep by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosingSleep. Wake the computer after it has gone to sleep.
- Restart your Mac by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosing Restart.
- Shut down your Mac by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosing Shut Down.
For Mac portables experiencing issues related to the MagSafe power adapter and/or battery, try:
- Unplug the MagSafe power adapter from the Mac and the wall power socket for several seconds.
- Shutdown the Mac. Physically remove and re-insert the battery (if it's removable) and startup the Mac.
After performing normal troubleshooting, these symptoms may indicate that an SMC reset may be necessary:
Fans
The computer's fans run at high speed although the computer is not experiencing heavy usage and is properly ventilated.
Lights
The keyboard backlight appears to behave incorrectly (on Mac computers that have this feature).
The Status Indicator Light (SIL) appears to behave incorrectly (on Mac computers that have an SIL).
Battery indicator lights, if present, appear to behave incorrectly (on portables that use non-removable batteries).
The display backlight doesn't respond correctly to ambient light changes on Mac computers that have this feature.
Power
The computer doesn't respond to the power button when pressed.
A portable Mac doesn't appear to respond properly when you close or open the lid.
The computer sleeps or shuts down unexpectedly.
The battery does not appear to be charging properly.
The MagSafe power adaptor LED doesn't appear to indicate the correct activity.
System Performance
The computer is running unusually slowly although it is not experiencing abnormally high CPU utilization.
Application icons may "bounce" in the Dock for an extended amount of time when launched.
Applications may not function correctly or may stop responding after being opened.
Follow these steps to reset the SMC:
- Shut down the computer.
- Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
- On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
- Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
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