Mac Keyboard Not Working: Complete Guide to Troubleshooting
by Sophie Green Updated on 2024-01-04 / Update for Mac OS
It's widespread to face keyboard issues with the Mac. Sometimes, a few keys might not work, or the entire keyboard might become unresponsive. No matter what type of issue you’re facing with your Mac keyboard, this guide will help you fix the keyboard-related issues on your Mac devices using the effective troubleshooting methods known to work for many Mac users.
- Part 1: Why Keyboard Keys Suddenly Is Not Working
- Part 2: How to Fix Mac Keyboard Not Working
- Way 1: Restart the Computer
- Way 2: Cleaning the Keyboard
- Way 3: Change A New Cable or Adapter
- Way 4: Free and Technical Help [Tenorshare ReiBoot]
- Way 5: Make Sure Your Device Desiccated
- Way 6: Checking for Software Updates
- Way 7: Reset the Keyboard Settings on Mac
- Particular Tips: How to Log Into My Mac When the Keyboard Not Working
Part 1: Why Keyboard Keys Suddenly Is Not Working
Before we get into the troubleshooting methods, it’s important to know what can cause the malfunction with your keyboard on Mac. So you can apply the appropriate solutions by targeting the issue effectively.
Here are all the potential reasons for “Mac keyboard not working”:
1. Software Issue
One of the common reasons why “Mac keyboard not working” is software issues. Outdated and corrupt drivers, software bugs, or glitches can disrupt the normal functionality of the keyboard on Mac. However, these can be easily resolved by reinstalling the drivers or removing the bugs.
2. Physical Damage
Your Mac keyboard can stop working and become unresponsive due to physical damage to the internals or keys. Small wear and tear, spilled liquid on the keys, or accumulated debris can make keys unresponsive.
3. Loose or Damaged Connection
Another possible reason for “Mac keyboard not working” can be loose or damaged connections of ports and cables. Make sure all the ports and cables aren’t damaged and are properly connected. The best way is to unplug the keyboard connection and re-plug it.
4. Battery or Power Issues
If you’re using a wireless keyboard, power, and battery issues can contribute to the malfunctioning of the keyboard. It can happen when the battery is low or becomes faulty with time.
Part 2: How to Fix Mac Keyboard Not Working
Now we have discussed all the possible reasons for the “Mac keyboard not working” issue, it’ll become easier for you to resolve it by targeting it with the right solution. Let’s dive into the different troubleshooting one by one.
Way 1: Restart the Computer
The first thing you should try to do when you face the “Mac keyboard not working” issue is simply to restart your computer. Restarting your computer clears the cache files and configures the settings and features on the computer OS. Here’s the step by step guide to restarting Mac:
To restart your Mac, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner, and select the Restart option from the list.
Way 2: Cleaning the Keyboard
Over time, dust debris can accumulate inside the keyboard, which can cause malfunctioning problems. If you haven’t cleaned your keyboard for a while, it’s time to make it squeaky clean again. Here are some useful instructions to clean your keyboard effectively to avoid any further damage:
- Firstly, unplug the keyboard’s cable from the Mac or remove the battery pack if it’s the wireless keyboard.
- Move the upside keyboard and shake it slightly, so the dirt and debris stuck inside can fall off.
- Get a soft or makeup brush, and sweep it through the keys to remove the dust and dirt inside the keyboard.
- If a soft brush doesn’t work, try blowing the compressed air on the keyboard to get rid of the dirt stuck on it.
Way 3: Change A New Cable or Adapter
If you’re using the wired keyboard, ensure it’s not physically damaged. Disconnect it from the Mac, and inspect it thoroughly. Check if there are bending or fraying on the cable. Change the cable and see if the issue is resolved. If not, then try connecting it to a different port.
Way 4: Free and Technical Help [Tenorshare ReiBoot]
If the issue persists, we can anticipate it’s a temporary bug in your Mac causing the malfunctioning keyboard problem. The most effective way to deal with such bugs is through a - Tenorshare ReiBoot.
It’s known as the best tool to resolve iOS-related issues on iPhones and iPad. But now, with the newly added capability, it can diagnose and resolve macOS issues, such as stubborn bugs appearing after a fresh update or temporary glitches like “Mac keyboard not working” at the convenience of a one-click process. Here is how to fix Mac keyboard not working via ReiBoot.
Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your macOS device. Launch the software and connect both your macOS devices using a USB cable. Click "Repair macOS system issues".
Select 'Standard Repair' and read the note below to avoid repairing process failure. If you're ready, click 'Standard Repair'.
Choose the model of the mac computer you need to be repaired and follow the instructions on the screen.
Once your mac entering into DFU mode, click Download to download the latest firmware package. It will take some time.
After download completed, click "Start Standard Repair" and your mac keyboard not working issue will be repaired soon.
Way 5: Make Sure Your Device Desiccated
If you have recently accidentally spilled liquid on your Mac keyboard or it came into contact with moisture, ensure it’s completely dry before using it. Otherwise, using a wet keyboard with moisture inside can cause short circuits.
Here’s how you can dry your Mac keyboard at home to fix the issue:
- Firstly, remove the battery or your keyboard if you’re using a wireless keyboard, or if it’s a wired keyboard, disconnect it from the Mac.
- Turn the upside down of the keyboard, and shake it to let the excessive liquid come out.
- Use a soft cleaning cloth to dry the moisture from the keyboard's surface.
- One more effective way is to remove the keyboard keys with the right tool and place them in a ventilated place for 24 to 48 hours.
- Once it’s completely dry, connect it to the Mac and see if the issue is resolved successfully.
Way 6: Checking for Software Updates
If none of the above methods resolve the issue, a stubborn bug or a glitch is causing the issue that should be resolved by installing the latest software update. If you haven’t updated your Mac recently, it’s time to install the latest macOS version.
Here’s how you update software updates on macOS:
1. Navigate to the Apple Menu, select System Preferences, and click on Software Updates.
2. Check if the newer updates are available. Click on the Install button if the newer updates are available.
Way 7: Reset the Keyboard Settings on Mac
If your keyboard isn’t completely unresponsive but works slowly. It can be possible that someone or you have messed up with the settings accidentally or intentionally. In this situation, resetting the keyboard settings is the best way to get things sorted.
Here are the steps to reset keyboard settings on Mac:
Step 1: To reset the keyboard settings on Mac, go to the Apple Menu, and select System Preferences.
Step 2: Click on Accessibility, and go to Keyboard.
Step 3: On the bottom right corner, click on Modify keys and select Restore to default to reset the keyboard settings.
Particular Tips: How to Log Into My Mac When the Keyboard Not Working
For some Mac users, some keyboard keys might be working; while for some, the entire keyboard might become unresponsive. For the users, some keys are working. Press the F5 + Command key on the keyboard and select the Accessibility keyboard from the list. It’ll enable an on-screen keyboard to log into your Mac without typing anything on the physical keyboard.
If your Mac’s keyboard is completely unresponsive, connect a USB keyboard. Many people have the USB keyboard at home from a previous Mac machine or Windows machine, grab that one and try logging into your Mac using it.
Conclusion
Mac keyboard not working issues can be frustrating as you can’t even log into your Mac without you’ve sorted it out. The best way to resolve the issue is to know the root cause of the issue, then apply the appropriate solution from the above-outlined methods.
Moreover, if you’re facing a “Mac keyboard not working” issue because of a software problem, Tenorshare ReiBoot is the best tool to opt for, as it can resolve all the underlying issues on your Mac with a one-click process.
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