Reset SMC
Symptoms
Performing a reset of the SMC (System Management Controller) of your Mac may be necessary if you are experiencing the following:
- Your Mac is unexpectedly restarting or looping
- The fan in your Mac is running too loud
- The battery drains at an abnormally fast rate
- Your Macs performance is unusually slow/poor.
- Trackpad won't function properly
- Unable to connect to any wireless networks
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Issues with ports
Step-by-Step Guide
Reset SMC on Macs with M1 Chip:
If you have a Mac from late 2020 or later, you may have a M1 chip in your Mac. If this is the case, there is no SMC reset. Simply shut down your Mac for 30 seconds and turn back on.
To check if your Mac has a M1 chip, click the Apple logo > About this Mac > Processor
Reset SMC on Macs with T2 Security Chip:
If you have an iMac Pro, Mac Pro (2019), Mac mini (2018), MacBook Air (2018-Late 2020) or MacBook Pro (2018-Late 2020), follow these steps:
- Shut down your Mac
- On your built-in keyboard, press and hold Control
on the left side of your keyboard, Option (Alt) 
on the left side of your keyboard and Shift 
on the right side of your keyboard.
- 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.
- Keep holding all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
iMacs or Mac Minis with the T2 chip
- Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cable.
- Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cable back in.
- Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Macbooks, Macbook Pros and Airs
This applies to all Macbook Air models, as well as Macbook and Macbook Pro models introduced in mid 2009 or later, excluding the MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009).
- Shut down your Mac
-
On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of these keys:
- Shift
on the left side of your keyboard
- Control
on the left side of your keyboard
- Option (Alt)
on the left side of your keyboard
- While holding all three keys, press and hold the power button as well.
- Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
iMac or Mac Minis
- Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cable.
- Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cable back in.
- Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.