The System Management Controller (SMC) is an important part of all Macs as it manages various hardware functions such as battery management and fan control. At times, the SMC may experience problems which can lead to performance issues. In such cases, resetting the SMC can help. Here’s how you can know if an SMC reset has worked.
Before we get to that, let’s understand when an SMC reset is necessary. Some of the common reasons to reset the SMC include unexpected crashes, incorrect sleep or power issues, display-related issues, and loud fan noise when the computer is idle. You should also reset the SMC after every logic board or battery replacement and if you experience any other unexpected behavior.
On a MacBook, start by plugging in the charger. The indicator light will turn from green to amber to indicate that the battery is charging normally. Now, press down the shift, control, and option keys and hold them down. Press the power button while still holding the three keys and hold all four keys down for 5 seconds. When you let go of the keys, the light should turn green and then back to amber or red after about three seconds. This indicates that you have successfully reset the SMC.
On an iMac or any other Mac with a power button, unplug the power cord and press the power button down for five seconds. Release the button and plug the power cord back in. The next time you turn on the Mac, the SMC will be reset.
Now, how do you know if the SMC reset has worked? On a MacBook, the charger indicator light should behave normally, i.e., turn from green to amber when the battery is charging and back to green when the battery is full or not present. On an iMac or any other Mac, you can check if the issues you were facing before the reset have been resolved.
Resetting the SMC can be a simple solution to various issues faced by Mac users. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that the reset has been successful.