Macbook Air M1 - Kernel Error code 86

These are messages appearing constantly in MacBook Air M1 console app under errors and faults

error 18:52:01.227560-0500 kernel Failed to write key 1950826800 to SMC with error code 86

error 18:52:01.227729-0500 kernel Failed to write key 1950826829 to SMC with error code 86

error 18:52:01.227960-0500 kernel Failed to write key 1950826801 to SMC with error code 86

error 18:52:01.228117-0500 kernel Failed to write key 1950829892 to SMC with error code 86

As an update I took the MBP to the Apple store and the genius ran a full diagnostic test and saw no hardware errors. I haven't seen any way to reset the SMC if there is one. Performance seems ok. The fact that so many here have seen the error seems to point to a software issue. The percentage of users opening the console is probably pretty low (maybe a little higher in the early adopter crowd) so possibly this is happening across the board for M1 machines in Big Sur? Otherwise it's a bad run of some hardware component

Same issue. Same constant error.

• First issue was jumpy mouse (bluetooth). Changed to universal receiver and jumpy mouse fixed.
• Random beachballing
• Intermittent freezing
• Bluetooth headphones disconnecting (Airpods, Airpods Pro, Bose AE2)
• Bluetooth headphones unable to connect at all. Sometimes will show connected but no audio/confirmation of connection from headphones
• Bluetooth keyboard connection lost
• Cant do anything

FWIW, I was surprised and confused to see this thread as “solved” because it is anything but “solved”. The problem still very much exists (in Big Sur 11.1 too) and there is no confirmation from Apple on the cause. There is significant weight behind the consensus this isn’t faulty hardware, but nothing is confirmed or solved!

Indeed I am having this trouble too. What started my search today was that I was browsing the web and all of a sudden my keyboard and mouse stopped working. I figured it was just Bluetooth malfunctioning like it had done a few times prior but it was not that. After a minute or two, the system reset itself. It got me looking in the console for errors. I saw the SMC error and started looking. I also noticed that before on previous days the GPU would rarely show much usage (I am using iStat menu) and it shows 6-10% CPU and bouncing around 25-30% GPU usage. I wonder if it just updated for me to the new version. I will have to find out, but previously, I would not see much data there. Now there is consistent usage showing.

I’m not sure that nobody checked it. It probably happens in certain situations that we are all common to but those situations might not have arisen during testing.

though, it should be acknowledged and investigated properly.

I think the error message itself is not too much of a problem on MacBooks with the M1 processor. Everything works normally. Therefore, I can imagine that the error has not been noticed or the fix has been postponed to a later update.

I have this also. I did try a bluetooth Logitech mouse and scrolling stuttered so badly that I returned it. I also get errors that Facebook pages are using significant memory that are affecting performance, or something to that effect. I already had to send my MacBook Air M1 in to AppleCare because it ended up stuck in a sign in loop. Problem was identified as onboard SSD read/write problem. They replaced the Touch ID board and the Logic Board. I don't know much about Macs and hope this isn't something else wrong with it. Didn't buy this to have it wear out in a year or two. I have an original mini iPad and iPad Air 2 that still run great. I mention that because I debated between this and an iPad Pro before buying this. My battery life I great though. But I close apps when I'm not using them. That's just habit from using iPads which can slow down with too much running at once.

I am having the same issue on my M1 Mac mini, but I have one difference compared to others. I received a warning from Console on my navigation bar. After further review, I can say that I am in the same boat as everyone else. Apple Chat Support didn't really help either.

I'm getting the same on my M1 Mac mini, along with a very unstable Bluetooth connection (unsure if the two are connected).

Hey dtmunir, kernel_task is a system function to prevent over-heating; it's not using any significant battery. :)

Edit: misread users post, deleted my comment.