Reset SMC On Macbook Pro 2017: A Quick Guide

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Having trouble with your Macbook Pro 2017? Don't worry, we've all been there. Sometimes, your Mac might act up, and one of the most effective solutions is to reset the System Management Controller, or SMC. The SMC handles a ton of low-level functions, like battery management, thermal control, keyboard backlighting, and more. So, if you're experiencing issues with any of these, resetting the SMC might just be the magic trick you need. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it super easy to follow, even if you're not a tech wizard. Let's dive in and get your Macbook running smoothly again!

Why Reset the SMC?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly chat about why you might need to reset the SMC. The SMC, or System Management Controller, is like the conductor of your Macbook's hardware orchestra. It's responsible for managing various crucial functions, including:

  • Battery Management: Issues like your battery not charging, not holding a charge, or displaying incorrect battery percentages can often be resolved with an SMC reset. If your Macbook is acting like it’s always plugged in or always running on fumes, this is a good place to start.
  • Thermal Management: Is your Macbook overheating like a furnace, even when you’re just browsing the web? The SMC controls the fans, so resetting it can help regulate the temperature and prevent your Mac from turning into a hotplate. Keeping your Macbook cool is crucial for its long-term health and performance.
  • Power Issues: Problems with the power button, the Macbook not turning on, or unexpectedly shutting down can often be traced back to the SMC. If your Macbook is being stubborn and refusing to power up, an SMC reset might be the kickstart it needs.
  • Keyboard Backlighting: If your keyboard backlight isn't working correctly or isn't adjusting automatically based on the ambient light, the SMC could be the culprit. A dim or non-responsive keyboard can be frustrating, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Display Issues: Flickering screens, incorrect display brightness, or external display connectivity problems can sometimes be resolved by resetting the SMC. If your screen is acting up, give this a try before exploring more complicated solutions.
  • Sleep/Wake Issues: Sometimes, your Macbook might refuse to go to sleep or wake up properly. This can be incredibly annoying, especially when you’re trying to quickly close your laptop and move on. Resetting the SMC can help iron out these sleep/wake kinks.

In short, if your Macbook Pro 2017 is behaving strangely in any of these areas, resetting the SMC is a safe and relatively easy troubleshooting step that could save you a trip to the Apple Store. It’s always a good idea to try the simpler solutions before diving into more complex fixes. Plus, it's free and takes just a few minutes – what have you got to lose?

Checking Your Macbook Pro 2017 Model

Before we get started, it's a good idea to confirm that you have the correct Macbook Pro model. This is important because the SMC reset process can vary slightly depending on whether your Macbook has a removable battery or a non-removable battery, and also depending on the presence of a T2 chip. The Macbook Pro 2017 comes in a few different flavors, so let's make sure we're on the same page.

Here’s how you can quickly identify your Macbook Pro 2017 model:

  1. Click the Apple Menu: In the top-left corner of your screen, click the Apple logo. It’s the same Apple logo you see on your Macbook’s lid.
  2. Select "About This Mac": From the dropdown menu, choose "About This Mac." This will open a window with information about your Macbook.
  3. Check the Model Name and Year: In the "About This Mac" window, you’ll see the model name (e.g., "MacBook Pro") and the year it was released (e.g., "2017"). Make sure it says "MacBook Pro (13-inch or 15-inch, 2017)."

Why is this important? The Macbook Pro 2017 models do not have a T2 chip. This is crucial because the SMC reset process differs significantly for Macs with the T2 chip. Knowing this will ensure you follow the correct steps and avoid any potential issues. If you accidentally follow the T2 chip reset procedure on a non-T2 chip Macbook, it won’t harm your device, but it also won’t reset the SMC.

Additionally, the Macbook Pro 2017 models have a non-removable battery. This means you’ll be using a specific key combination to reset the SMC. Older Macbooks with removable batteries had a different method involving physically removing the battery.

By verifying your Macbook Pro 2017 model, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and successful SMC reset. It’s a small step that can save you time and prevent confusion down the road. So, take a quick peek, confirm your model, and let’s get started!

How to Reset SMC on Macbook Pro 2017

Alright, now for the main event! Here’s how to reset the SMC on your Macbook Pro 2017. Since these models have a non-removable battery, the process involves a specific key combination.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Shut Down Your Macbook: The first and most crucial step is to completely shut down your Macbook Pro. Don't just put it to sleep; make sure it's fully powered off. You can do this by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "Shut Down.” Wait for your Macbook to completely power down before proceeding to the next step. A complete shutdown ensures that the SMC reset process can properly take effect. If you skip this step, the reset might not work as expected.
  2. Press and Hold Keys: Once your Macbook is completely shut down, press and hold the following keys simultaneously on the left side of your keyboard: Control (Ctrl), Option (Alt), and Shift. Make sure you're pressing these keys on the left side of the keyboard, as the right-side keys might not work for this purpose. Holding these keys prepares your Macbook for the SMC reset sequence. This combination is specifically designed for Macbooks with non-removable batteries.
  3. Add the Power Button: While still holding the Control (Ctrl), Option (Alt), and Shift keys, press and hold the power button. So, you'll be holding four buttons in total: Ctrl, Option, Shift, and the power button. Continue holding all these keys for about 10 seconds. Holding the power button initiates the actual SMC reset process. The 10-second duration ensures that the reset is properly triggered. If you release the keys too early, the SMC might not reset correctly.
  4. Release All Keys: After holding the keys for 10 seconds, release all of them simultaneously. This includes the Control, Option, Shift keys, and the power button. Releasing the keys signals the end of the SMC reset sequence. Your Macbook will now begin the process of restarting.
  5. Power On Your Macbook: Press the power button again to turn on your Macbook Pro. Your Macbook should now start up as usual. The SMC has been reset, and hopefully, any issues you were experiencing have been resolved.

Important Notes:

  • Timing is Key: Make sure you hold the keys for the specified duration (10 seconds). Releasing them too early or too late might prevent the SMC from resetting properly.
  • Power Adapter: You can perform this process whether your Macbook is plugged into the power adapter or running on battery. However, it’s generally recommended to have it plugged in to ensure it doesn’t run out of power during the reset.
  • No Visual Confirmation: Unlike some other troubleshooting steps, you won't see any visual confirmation that the SMC has been reset. The only way to know for sure is to check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved.

By following these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully reset the SMC on your Macbook Pro 2017. If you're still experiencing issues after the reset, it might be time to explore other troubleshooting options or contact Apple Support.

What to Do After Resetting the SMC

Okay, you've reset the SMC. Great! But what happens next? Here's a quick rundown of what you should do after performing an SMC reset on your Macbook Pro 2017:

  1. Observe Your Macbook's Behavior: The first and most important step is to carefully observe how your Macbook is behaving. Keep an eye out for the issues you were originally trying to resolve. Did the battery charging problem go away? Is the overheating under control? Is the keyboard backlight working properly now? Monitoring your Macbook's behavior will help you determine if the SMC reset was successful.
  2. Test Specific Functions: Don't just rely on general impressions. Actively test the specific functions that were causing problems. For example:
    • Battery: Check if the battery is charging correctly and if the battery percentage is accurate.
    • Thermal Management: Run some CPU-intensive tasks (like video editing or gaming) to see if the fans are behaving normally and if the Macbook is staying cool.
    • Keyboard Backlight: Check if the keyboard backlight is adjusting automatically based on the ambient light.
    • Display: Test external display connectivity and see if the screen brightness is working correctly.
  3. Monitor for a Few Days: Sometimes, the effects of an SMC reset aren't immediately apparent. Monitor your Macbook for a few days to see if any new issues arise or if the old problems reappear. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of whether the reset was truly effective.
  4. If the Problem Persists: If you're still experiencing the same issues after resetting the SMC and monitoring your Macbook, it's likely that the problem lies elsewhere. In this case, you might want to consider the following:
    • NVRAM/PRAM Reset: Resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) is another troubleshooting step that can resolve various Mac issues. The process is different from an SMC reset but relatively simple.
    • Software Updates: Make sure your Macbook is running the latest version of macOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve hardware-related issues.
    • Check for Malware: Run a malware scan to rule out the possibility of a virus or other malicious software interfering with your Macbook's performance.
    • Contact Apple Support: If you've tried everything else and the problem persists, it's time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and repair hardware issues.

By following these steps after resetting the SMC, you'll be able to accurately assess whether the reset was successful and take appropriate action if the problem persists. Remember, troubleshooting can be a process of elimination, so be patient and methodical in your approach.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a detailed guide, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are some common issues you might encounter when resetting the SMC on your Macbook Pro 2017, along with some troubleshooting tips:

  • Problem: The Macbook doesn't seem to be responding to the key combination.
    • Troubleshooting Tip: Make sure you're pressing the correct keys (Control, Option, Shift, and the power button) on the left side of the keyboard. Also, ensure that you're holding all the keys simultaneously and for the full 10 seconds.
  • Problem: The Macbook turns on immediately when pressing the power button during the key combination.
    • Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure that your Macbook is completely shut down before starting the SMC reset process. If it's only in sleep mode, the key combination won't work as expected.
  • Problem: The issues persist even after resetting the SMC.
    • Troubleshooting Tip: As mentioned earlier, the problem might not be related to the SMC. Try resetting the NVRAM/PRAM, updating macOS, checking for malware, or contacting Apple Support.
  • Problem: Not sure if the SMC reset was successful.
    • Troubleshooting Tip: As there’s no visual confirmation, the best way to check is to test the specific functions that were causing problems. Monitor your Macbook's behavior over a few days to see if the issues reappear.
  • Problem: The Macbook is behaving strangely after the SMC reset.
    • Troubleshooting Tip: Sometimes, an SMC reset can cause temporary glitches. Restart your Macbook and see if the issues resolve themselves. If not, try resetting the SMC again.

Additional Tips:

  • Double-Check the Model: Before you start, make absolutely sure that you have a Macbook Pro 2017 model. The SMC reset process can vary for different models.
  • Read the Instructions Carefully: It might seem obvious, but reading the instructions carefully can prevent common mistakes. Pay attention to the details, such as which keys to press and how long to hold them.
  • Take Your Time: Don't rush through the process. Take your time and follow the steps methodically. This will increase your chances of a successful SMC reset.

By keeping these troubleshooting tips in mind, you'll be better equipped to handle any issues that might arise during the SMC reset process. Remember, patience is key, and don't be afraid to seek help if you're stuck.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide on how to reset the SMC on your Macbook Pro 2017. Hopefully, this has helped you resolve any pesky issues you were experiencing. Remember, resetting the SMC is a safe and relatively simple troubleshooting step that can often work wonders. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to get your Macbook running smoothly again.

If you're still facing problems after resetting the SMC, don't despair! There are plenty of other troubleshooting options to explore. And, of course, you can always reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They're the experts, after all.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your Macbook troubleshooting! We hope this guide has been helpful. Now go forth and conquer those tech gremlins!