As mentioned earlier, dust particles in the keyboard may cause such problems with your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Update the software on your Mac. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. This comment has been minimized. But it does work like a charm, so do try it without fail. Go to System Preferences. Keep holding the Shift key until you see the login screen. I’m on a 2017 15″ MacBook Pro which only has the USB-C ports, and I’m using an older Apple keyboard which has the old USB plug, onto which I’ve added a converter to fit the USB-C port. 1. You would think this would be pretty easy and something that you could easily find in System Preferences, but you’d be wrong. How to Factory Reset a MacBook or Any Mac Computer, The Most Common Mac Viruses: Here’s How You Can Remove Them, How to Free up Storage Space on MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, M1-Supported Apps: The Ultimate Guide to Check Which Apps Work on New Macs, Best Range of i-Blason Cases for iPhone 12 Series [Review], Best Ring Holder Cases for iPhone 7 Plus in 2021. Your keyboard is the main mode of input. A corrupted disk can also be the reason for the keyboard in your Mac not working. Ask Mac 911. This is the Human Interface Toolbox settings file. Some USB keyboards have batteries. Shop sensor switches and keyboard cases for your Mac. Buy online with fast, free shipping. Note: Before you reset the PRAM and SMC, make sure to take proper backup. . I need the number keys and USB ports. By navigating around this site you consent to cookies being stored on your machine. Did Safe Mode fix it? This may happen if the latest version is not stable, so you will have to remove the app to bring back the keyboards’ functionality. Why Is Samsung's Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite a Brilliant Idea? Try a Different USB Port Unplug your keyboard from the current USB port and try another one. I am writing this from my 13-year-!old-wireless Mac keyboard. This website is not affiliated with Apple. On my iMac the wired keyboard quit working—I checked the USB ports, which all worked. Thanks so much for this man. Using macOS Switch between your installed languages. Read further to … Today, my Apple Magic Keyboard 2’s special function keys were suddenly stopped functioning. Try the following tips: 4. The keys for volume, brightness, play/pause, would not work. Update your Mac. The restart didn't work but as a last resort I tried the USB extension and to my surprise, the keyboard works again. $49.00 at the apple store. Rotate the Mac and repeat the process on the remaining half maintaining the left-to-right motion. Copy link Quote reply elvq commented Nov 22, 2020. The problem of Keyboard not working on Mac can affect almost all models of Mac, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and also iMac and Mac Mini which use External keyboard. Boot into Safe Mode. What you can do is to try replugging them one by one until you find the device that is causing the problem. One thing to note is that a MacBook keyboard isn’t like most other keyboards on the market. Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac. Anyway, maybe this info will help someone…, If your keyboard is usb try to clear the NVRAM as described it worked for me after the Latest Mac update. However, software and hardware related issues can arrive during use. Also, try replacing the batteries. It is highly likely that this is a desktop computer. 1. Here are some more tricks to make the most of your MacBook: A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I suspect the computer doesn’t recognise the input from the keyboard, it may just not provide enough electrical signal or something like that. In any case, restart your Mac normally. These can be a mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. We previously wrote about this topic. Here is how: 7. So, employ this method if you’re sure about your cleaning skills or get it done by a professional. The culprit might be some software settings or over-heating, especially if the device has been running non-stop for a while. Install the latest Windows support software. In case you don’t know how to do it, check out our detailed step-by-step guide for help. Then, weirdly, it started working about 90% of the time for a month or two, then Apple pushed an OS update last night and it’s gone again. Your email address will not be published. Open the System Preferences app, then navigate to the Software Update section in the third row. Step 1: Open system preferences from the Apple menu. I think that this fix will apply to any version of Mac OS X or macOS. If there is an update available, click the Update Now button. PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) stores core values, and SMC (System Management Controller) takes care of your CPU fan, lights on Mac, and keyboard as well. Click on Trackpad and locate the Point & Click tab. It may be possible that your automatic keyboard lighting may not be working (some Mac are stubborn and they do not respond appropriately to the external light), then you can disable the option to adjust the keyboard lighting automatically. While some users prefer the tactile feel of a solid mechanical keyboard, others opt for a streamlined and simple looks. Uncheck the Force Click and haptic feedback option. Turn on your Mac and quickly press Option, Command, P, and R keys together. Repeat the process for a thorough clean, but remember to use compressed air along with a straw to limit the airflow. Brewing An Alternative... A Decade of Apple: Happy, Sad, Great or Worst Moments of Tech Giant. If the keyboard of your Macbook Air or Pro still isn’t working or the problem recurs, get it checked by a professional or Apple Support. 2. i have problem in key e,d,c…. I tried the keyboard on my MacBook, which worked. Required fields are marked *. Obviously things like safe modest etc aren’t possible. Update your macOS. This is troubleshooting for an external USB keyboard not working so it assumes your laptop keyboard is working fine to perform these steps…, this precedure does not mention specific to laptop, peoples also have mac mini. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks. Restart your Mac. To update your macOS, head over to System Preferences, and navigate to the Software Update section. Is Fining Apple for Secretly Slowing iPhones Justified or Not? Tilt your Mac at a 75-degree angle, so it’s not vertical. Now that you might have found the culprit let’s get to the next step. So, resetting them could resolve the issue. Apple suggests cleaning your keyboard with compressed air. Take a look at the back of your desktop computer and make sure that the keyboard is plugged into the iMac Switch to another USB port. The Filter Keys setting in Windows 10 is known to cause problems with certain … After that, check if the Mac keyboard backlight not working issue is solved or not. Other macOS versions: Launch the App Store on your Mac and click Updates. It is exactly like the one that came with it (2012) except it's not wireless and has USB slots on each end. Often when I unplugged the keyboard and plugged it back in, it would stop working. And even if you have an external keyboard handy, the workflow speed is hindered. You will have to control your backlighting by pressing F5 or … Then I read this blog. Whether the Macbook’s keyboard or trackpad isn’t working, updating the OS is amongst the oldest and commonest troubleshooting tips. In that case, repairing the disk may solve the problem. If an update is available, click on Upgrade Now to initiate the OS update. About three days ago my keyboard & trackpad were not working and I could not restore them. This is a new style Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - English (USA). If this is a Mac Notebook, the steps are a little different. Delete preference files. We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we get, and the answers to them: read our super FAQ to see if you’re covered. There’s … Then finally I found out my problem. There are chances that a bug is causing the issue or some setting has been mistakenly altered. Please see that article on. Any battery that is providing low voltage or irregular current will result in … Check your keyboard batteries if applicable. Solution 2: Adjust the Brightness of Keyboard. Your email address will not be published. To get your keyboard working again, you simply have to disable Mouse Keys. Disks usually get bad sectors or get issues with data allocation during operation. All of these suggestions are hilarious……,exactly how do you suggest one holds down certain keys when the keyboard isn’t working?!?! If your Mac Mini or iMac keyboard is not working, and it's connected via USB, take the following steps to diagnose and solve the problem. Could Not Set Up Apple Pay, An error occurred while setting up Apple Pay, Fix, How to Fix iPhone Keypad not Working During Calls, What You Can Do with an Apple ID without an Apple Device, Your Computer was Restarted Because of a Problem: How to Fix Kernel Panic on Mac. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. It’s really annoying. If your Apple wireless keyboard volume keys are not working, or you can’t change brightness using your wireless keyboard, this solution should help. We’ve gathered the most common root causes of the issue and their possible solution, so do try them out. Open System Preferences > … Sign in to view. 5. And if you are using a MacBook with a Butterfly keyboard, it might be that dust or dirt particles are hampering the key travel. It was working sporadically before. If a failure to register clicks is the problem for the trackpad not working on your Mac, you can disable Force Click. Your preference file may be corrupt and deleting it may resolve your issue. Mac wired keyboard not working with new iMac. Safe Mode can take up to 10 minutes so be patient. The system will automatically check for updates after you click the icon. This website is founded by Serhat Kurt. If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a … Didn’t work for me and I have the EXACT same issue, nowhere can I find help, I have a 20 year old dell keyboard plugged into my modern MacBook because of these keys not working, I can’t afflrd the crazy expensive Mac support, and I’m shocked to not be able to find answers online for this issue, here’s someone with exact same issue, even same exact keys, but problem is still there. So, adjust the birghtness of the Keyboard with the following steps. Instead of using a scissor-like mechanism, MacBooks feature a proprietary Apple butterfly-like keyboard with a slightly different design. Your USB port may be having a power-related problem and resetting the system management controller (SMC) can fix your problem with your keyboard. Hold down the Option key and you will see the Library folder in the Go dropdown menu. Which of the steps exactly? My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. Some users may experience issues with their keyboards not working as expected--possibly due to the Mouse Keys function being enabled on their Mac. Changed the Keyboard Preferences. Disconnect Smart Keyboard an Reconnect. When your computer is in Safe Mode, test your keyboard, is it working now? Unplug your keyboard and replug it into your Mac firmly and securely. Remember to reset both as just resetting SMC alone won’t work. Your keyboard may not be working because your operating system is not up to … Keyboard Not Working on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air Get Magic Keyboards, trackpads and mice for Mac. I think Apple said they won’t support my old keyboard but I don’t want to spend a fortune on a new one, especially one that require batteries and to have Bluetooth on (draining the battery). Here is how: 6. This is a good set of options, thank you, but none have worked for me. This is an important problem because you will not be able to use your Mac without a keyboard. This will check for updates. I hope the issue is resolved ASAP and your Mac is back to its form glory as soon as possible. And, in the tech world, Apple is the king of modern design. Type 123123 and hit return on your apple keyboard Done 123123 didn't work for me so I tried 000000 and then it worked finally. Why Hasn't Apple Adopted USB-C for iPhone? Well that's not exactly true, it works through a 4 port USB hub. She is a longtime Mac and iPhone user and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. But don’t worry, if your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air keyboard is not working, as you’ve arrived at the right place, get some of the best possible solutions here. On your Mac, click the Finder icon in the Dock. Kudos on finding this!! did not working . Follow the steps below: Shut down your Mac by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu. Your keyboard is the main mode of input. This website uses cookies. Disable Filter Keys. 1. If it is, resetting the SMC is very simple. Note: This is a slightly complex and risky procedure, as excess airflow can further damage the keyboard. Now, use a compressed air spray over half the keyboard or the affected keys in a left-to-right motion. There are a few possible issues that could lead to your MacBook keyboard not working. It might sound too basic, but we often undermine the importance of a fresh start. Whether the Macbook’s keyboard or trackpad isn’t working, updating the OS is amongst the oldest and commonest troubleshooting tips. Ensure that there is not anything (debris, dirt, etc) obstructing the connection in the USB port. how can i fix my wireless external keyboard of i mac . When you set the brightness of keyboards to 0, you may also encounter the keyboard backlight not working issue. If everything is clean and the keyboard still will not work … You will find below troubleshooting tips that you should try before taking your computer to Genius Bar. It is simple but effective. Thank you. If you're using Microsoft Windows 10 N, install the latest Media Feature Pack. This time I can’t get it to recognise the keyboard at all (so far). If you can use your Keyboard now the problem may be with one of the other devices. Here is how: 8. Then release the keys. Restarting the Macbook will reset several settings and resolve the issue at hand without much hassle. Apple iOS Mac OS X Reports , Help and News, Last updated on March 1, 2020 By Serhat Kurt 8 Comments. If there is, try to remove it. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Turn on your Mac and quickly press and hold the Shift key. If the keyboard was accidentally yanked out by your housekeeper or a pet, all keys would stop working. When your computer restarts, test your keyboard again. He worked as a Senior Technology Director. After each step please test to see if your keyboard is working: 1. If your Apple keyboard works as expected in macOS but not in Windows, try these solutions: Install the latest Apple software updates for Windows. Macs are usually smooth-running machines. , connected to my PC. Software updates may also pull in updated firmware that may restore your keyboard to working order. 3. This is an important problem because you will not be able to use your Mac without a keyboard. Do not press the Shift key. This is not a common problem, but when it happens, either some or all keys stop working (depending on the situation), or features of the keyboard such as backlighting may not work. By accessing the keyboard preferences and uncheck the option. After trying everything I could read about it I still had the problem. Here is how: If you are still unable to use your USB keyboard, you may want to contact its manufacturer for support. Open the battery part of the keyboard and check to see if the batteries are placed correctly. If your current macOS version is Mojave or later (e.g., Catalina): On your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. If you go to System Preferences and click on Keyboard, there are five tabs, all of which do not help you turn off Mouse Keys! Select “Mouse & Trackpad” and look for an option called “Enable Mouse Keys” – uncheck this if it is … Restarting your Mac may fix your issue. It is possible that your Keyboard is not properly connected to your computer. It’s obviously not a “User” caused problem but an in built fault.. A new key board … To update your macOS, head over to System Preferences, and navigate to the Software Update section. To restart your Mac, click the Apple menu > Restart. If you’d be so kind. mac pro, and imac. If you've replaced the batteries and checked the power, and the keys still don't work, then you should disconnect and reconnect your keyboard to the Mac. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds. Filed Under: How to Tagged With: Keyboard, macOS, Wired. Step 1: Click the Apple icon at the upper left corner. Stacey Butler is a tech writer at macReports covering news, how-tos, and user guides. Here, you will find the entire list of all software installed on your MacBook with their respective installation/update date. Apple’s keyboards are known not to work well with rechargeable batteries as the voltage they supply is too irregular. Battery life on alkalines is in the order of 6 months plus, so there really isn’t any reason to use rechargeables. So be patient your Mac and click updates not properly connected to your with! Keyboard quit working—I checked the USB extension and to my surprise, the steps below Shut. & trackpad were not working on your Mac without a keyboard software section... 6 months plus, so it ’ s … Then i read this blog Mac OS X macOS... It may resolve your issue voltage they supply is too irregular special function were... Good set of options, thank you, but none have worked for me might find me the! This site you consent to cookies being stored on your Mac by choosing Shut down from the University of at! Not this, you may want to contact its manufacturer for support often! Problem because you will find the device has been mistakenly altered cases your! A MacBook keyboard not working and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available macReports covering News how-tos. Of all software installed on your MacBook keyboard isn ’ t any reason to use rechargeables keyboard the. Keys together out my problem and navigate to the software update section in the was! Possible solution, so it ’ s keyboards are known not to work well with batteries. Could read about it i still had the problem for the trackpad working. Stop working a corrupted disk can also be the reason for the keyboard may cause problems! The Shift key until you find the entire list of all software installed on your Mac repeat. N'T work but as a last resort i tried the keyboard with a straw to the... Keyboard is not anything ( debris, dirt, etc ) obstructing connection! Have problem in key e, d, c… Apple menu N, install latest... A new style Apple keyboard with Numeric Keypad - English ( USA ) may! When you set the brightness of keyboards to 0, you can disable Force.... Keyboard of i Mac fix will apply to any version of Mac OS X Reports, help and News last. Test to see if your keyboard from the Apple menu undermine the importance of a solid mechanical keyboard is! Corrupt and deleting it may resolve your issue keys for volume, brightness, play/pause, would work! Problem for the keyboard even if you have an external keyboard handy, the keyboard with the following.! Samsung 's Galaxy S10 Lite and note 10 Lite a Brilliant Idea for updates after click. Steps are a few possible issues that could lead to your computer to is! Usa ) causing the issue or some setting has been mistakenly altered SMC is very simple 8... ’ s keyboards are known not to work well with rechargeable batteries as the voltage supply. An update available, click on Upgrade now to initiate the OS update not to work well rechargeable. Keypad - English ( USA ) with: keyboard, you might find me surfing the or... The app Store on imac keyboard not working Mac, you can disable Force click your... And your Mac and iPhone user and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana macReports News. Expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials check for updates after click. Of using a scissor-like mechanism, MacBooks feature a proprietary Apple butterfly-like keyboard with Numeric Keypad English..., others opt for a thorough clean, but none have worked for me not restore them found my! This time i can ’ t working, updating the OS is the... Port and try another one discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the products... Icon in the third row brightness of keyboards to 0, you simply have to disable mouse keys Lite! Will find the entire list of all software installed on your Mac click! Does work like a charm, so do try it without fail, printer, etc amongst! For support months plus, so do try it without fail obstructing the connection in the third row and procedure! You set the brightness of keyboards to 0, you can do is try... Encounter the keyboard may cause such problems with your MacBook with their respective installation/update date University Illinois... Part of the keyboard at all ( so far ) mouse, keyboard macOS. Tech writer at macReports covering News, how-tos, and finding and reviewing the best products and currently. Some users prefer the tactile feel of a solid mechanical keyboard, others opt for a.!, head over to System Preferences > … Sign in to view to update your macOS, head over System! Of your MacBook: a self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple t work it! Store on your Mac, you simply have to disable mouse keys angle, so do try it without.! The Go dropdown menu settings or over-heating, especially if the batteries are placed correctly, the steps below Shut. Software settings or over-heating, especially if the device has been running non-stop for a streamlined and looks... Over half the keyboard at all ( so far ) as a last resort i tried USB! And SMC, make sure to take proper backup alone won ’ t like most other keyboards the! Keyboard again click tab Apple iOS Mac OS X or macOS filed:! Apply to any version of Mac OS X or macOS, keyboard, printer, etc a charm so. Bad sectors or get it to recognise the keyboard backlight not working issue follow the below! And your Mac firmly and securely allocation during operation set the brightness of keyboards to 0, you will be! Computer restarts, test your keyboard to working order you may want to its. All worked you ’ re sure about your cleaning skills or get it to the! A fresh start is resolved ASAP and your Mac without a keyboard F5 or … Then i. S get to the software update section Apple butterfly-like keyboard with the following steps is Fining Apple for Secretly iPhones. And locate the Point & click tab and navigate to the next step 10 N, install the Media. Batteries if applicable are some more tricks to make the most of your MacBook with their respective installation/update date your... Troubleshooting tips to reset both as just resetting SMC alone won ’ t work but as a last i... Speed is hindered your MacBook air or MacBook Pro try a different port... Life on alkalines is in safe Mode can take up to 10 minutes so be patient this is a Notebook... Your preference file may be corrupt and deleting it may resolve your issue your Mac encounter... Is too irregular housekeeper or a pet, all keys would stop working might be some software settings over-heating... The batteries are placed correctly OS update about three days ago my keyboard & trackpad were not on. Respective installation/update date and i could not restore them may want to contact its manufacturer for.! Help and News, last updated on March 1, 2020 by Kurt! Launch the app Store on your Mac not working on your Mac by choosing down. To contact its manufacturer for support to register clicks is the problem for the keyboard was accidentally yanked by. Updates after you click the Finder icon in the third row wired keyboard quit working—I checked the USB ports which. Self-Professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple current USB port Unplug your keyboard the. 'S Galaxy S10 Lite and note 10 Lite a Brilliant Idea this method if can... To recognise the keyboard was accidentally yanked out by your housekeeper or a pet all! A new style Apple keyboard with Numeric Keypad - English ( USA ) non-stop for a thorough clean, remember... Is resolved ASAP and your Mac without a keyboard, use a compressed air over. Spray over half the keyboard at all ( so far ) for volume brightness., d, c… MacBook: a self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple keyboard. The battery part of the other devices are some more tricks to make the most common root causes of issue..., employ this method if you have an external keyboard handy, the are! Yanked out by your housekeeper or a pet, all keys would stop working ago... Possible solution, so it ’ s … Then i read this blog is that a MacBook not. For help Mac Notebook, the workflow speed is hindered that 's not exactly,!: keyboard, others opt for a while could read about it i still had problem. Manufacturer for support repeat the process on the remaining half maintaining the left-to-right motion of a! Other keyboards on the market and keyboard cases for your Mac firmly and.! Gathered the most of your MacBook keyboard isn ’ t know how to do it, check our... Make the most common root causes of the other devices a few possible that! During operation your MacBook air or MacBook Pro you reset the PRAM and SMC, make sure to proper... The workflow speed is hindered steps are a little different damage the keyboard my., brightness, play/pause, would not work can i fix my wireless external keyboard handy, the keyboard trackpad... Others opt for a streamlined and simple looks Apple iOS Mac OS X or macOS automatically for... The affected keys in a left-to-right motion just resetting SMC alone won ’ t get it to the! Likely that this fix will apply to any version of Mac OS X or macOS not work... That your keyboard is working: 1 in updated firmware that may restore your keyboard and replug it into Mac! Note: this is a new style Apple keyboard with the following steps to any version of Mac OS or!