How to Hard Reset a Mac Mini Computer

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Image of a woman working on a small computer.
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Apple's Mac Mini is a desktop computer that differs from most of the company's other consumer models in that it lacks an integrated monitor. As with any computer, you may encounter the occasional software glitch that will render your Mac Mini unresponsive to input -- requiring a restart. A basic hard reset is enough to correct most problems, but if you encounter issues with your computer not powering up properly or failing to recover from sleep, a Power Management Unit or System Management Controller reset may prove necessary.

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Basic Hard Reset

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Step 1

Locate the power button, installed on the left side of the rear panel.

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Step 2

Depress the power button until the computer powers down.

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Step 3

Press the power button again to restart the computer.

PMU Reset (PowerPC)

Step 1

Disconnect the Mac Mini's power cord, as well as any other cables that may be connected to the computer. Wait 10 seconds before proceeding.

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Step 2

Hold down the computer's power button, then reconnect the power cord. Release the power button.

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Step 3

Press the power button to turn on the computer.

SMC Reset (Intel)

Step 1

Disconnect the Mac Mini's power cord. Hold down the power button for 5 seconds.

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Step 2

Release the power button. Reconnect the power cord.

Step 3

Press the power button to turn on the computer.

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