The System Management Controller, or SMC, is a controller in your Mac that is responsible for handling a number of power- and controls-related features of your computer. In general, the lights, buttons, charging, fans, and optional display modes are all examples of items that rely on the SMC for proper behavior.
While some of the problems encountered by a faulty SMC can be simply frustrating, others can sometimes be damaging. For instance, the SMC is responsible for handling the sudden motion sensor in laptops that triggers mechanical hard drives to park their reading heads so as not to damage the system. However, if this feedback is not working correctly, then the heads may continue to read and potentially damage the drive if a strong enough shock is experienced.
The specific symptoms you might encounter from a faulty SMC include the following:
- System does not show signs of starting up after the power button is pressed
- System gets very hot without fans responding
- The battery does not seem to be charging fully
- Fans blaring without notable change in system temperature or CPU usage in Activity Monitor
- Keyboard backlights do not turn on
- Automatic screen and keyboard dimming do not work, or seem to behave erratically
- Your Mac unexpectedly powers off or goes into sleep mode
- The system will not wake from sleep mode, even if the lid on a portable system is closed and re-opened
- iMacs that support Target Display mode will not enter or exit this mode
- Battery charge level lights, or other status indicator lights do not accurately reflect the status of the system
If your Mac is experiencing any of these behaviors, then an SMC reset might be the required routine to fix your system. This can be done on any Mac, but the steps needed depend on the type of Mac you have:
Newer Macs with built-in batteries
- Shut down the system and plug in the power adapter
- Hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left-side of your keyboard
- Press the power button while these keys are held, and then release all keys at once
- Start up the system normally
- Shut down the system and disconnect the power adapter
- Remove the battery
- Press the power button and hold it down for 5 seconds
- Release the button, connect the power, and start up the system.
Desktop and Server Mac systems
- Shut down the system and unplug the power cord
- Wait 15 seconds, and then attach the power cord
- Wait another 5 seconds, and then start up the system
When you perform these steps, you may see the MagSafe power light turn off and back on, or see the status light on your Mac’s chassis blink. This is normal behavior, and indicates the SMC has been properly reset.
IS there any way to tell if the SMC has worked on a laptop with removable battery? I have random shutdowns when not plugged in and have tried SMC reset without effect. Is there supposed to be audible feedback like there is with a PRAM reset?
No there is no audible or visual feedback for an SMC reset. If you have performed these steps, then the SMC should have been properly.
Have you checked your battery’s health in the system information tool? Open this in the Applications > Utilities folder, and see if the battery health (shown under Hardware > Power) is normal, or if there is an error. Additionally, see if the battery’s cycle count is high (over 300 for MacBook Airs, or over 1000 for MacBook Pro systems).
I did replace the battery. The shut downs are less frequent but not gone. Also, on battery power, the computer shuts down with about 5% charge left (instead of hibernating). MacbookPro2008 , OS 10.9.2. There was a coffee spill near the screen about 3 years ago. I suspect some connection. Nothing I can’t live with. It’s great to see you back in a site that you control.
When doing a reset for a MacBook Pro, aren’t you supposed to see the LED charger light change colors, (orange to green to orange) or (green to orange to green) ?
I am trying to use an iMac mid 2011 as a target display for my other iMac late 2013. It works vice versa but not the way i require – when i hit common F2 on the mid 2011 it flickers and then tries to go into TDM but doesn’t? Any ideas?
Hi. So I clearly have an SMC issue with my late 2012 iMac. I understand the reset, but that does not seem like a workable or reasonable solution for the long term. Sometimes the iMac shuts down 5 times in one sitting. Frustrating. Question is, does Apple have an actual solution/fix for this? It seems like something is faulty and they should be responsible. Any feedback is welcome.
Thanks.
That sounds frustrating! I would definitely take it to the Apple store and have them do diagnostics on it.
well my mac OS X screensaver not activating and i have no idea how to find the problem need help on this