When your MacBook keyboard isn’t working, all your plans can be disrupted, especially if it’s your primary device for work and play. You may also find yourself stuck in weird situations where some of your keys are working fine, while others aren’t. Before you connect an external keyboard, there are a few ways to fix an unresponsive MacBook keyboard. No matter what model of MacBook you’re using, these methods will surely help you get things back on track. Without further ado, let’s jump into the list!
Method 1: Clean the keyboard
Dirt and debris are one of the most common reasons why your MacBook keyboard isn’t working. If the keyboard appears dirty, a simple cleaning can help fix keyboard issues on your Mac. Here’s what you need to do:
- Unplug the charger and turn off your MacBook.
- Turn your MacBook over and shake it gently to remove any debris or other unwanted particles.
- You can also spray compressed air in a left-to-right motion to remove debris lodged between the keys. Be sure to spray the compressed air from all angles and release short bursts around the keys.
- To remove smaller particles, you can use a soft, dry cleaning brush.
Method 2: Check keyboard layout settings
Sometimes your MacBook keyboard isn’t working due to a simple configuration issue. If you’ve selected the wrong keyboard layout, the Mac’s keys may not work as expected. You can also try this method if the keyboard inputs don’t match the outputs. Here’s how to check your keyboard layout settings:
- Open the System Settings application from the Dock.
- Now scroll down and select Keyboard from the left sidebar.
- Below Input sources, Click on To modify.
- Here, make sure you have selected the appropriate keyboard layout according to your region and language.
- You can click on the plus and minus buttons from the bottom of the left sidebar to add or remove a keyboard layout.
Method 3: Disable Slow Keys and Mouse Keys
If your MacBook keys aren’t working properly or are working too slowly, you should check the Slow Keys and Mouse Keys on your machine. If you have Slow Keys enabled, your Mac will ask you to hold down each key for longer than usual before it registers. As a result, your Mac’s keyboard won’t work if you press each key for a short duration. Here’s how to check your Slow Keys settings:
- Open System Settings and click on Accessibility.
- Scroll down and click on Keyboard in the Engine section.
- Make sure you have turned off the Slow key toggle.
There is another setting called “Mouse Keys”, which when enabled can trigger Mac keyboard issues. If this feature is enabled and you press the numeric keypad keys, it will move the mouse. Mac Pointer instead of entering numbers. To avoid typing issues on your MacBook keyboard, you should turn off Mouse Keys. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to System Settings -> Accessibility.
- Click on Mouse and touchpad and make sure that the Mouse keys the toggle is off.
Method 4: Remap modifier keys
If you’re having trouble inserting special symbols or using certain Mac keyboard shortcuts, you should check your modifier keys. When you insert a special symbol or use a shortcut, you need to use a modifier key like the Command, Shift, Control, or Option key on your Mac. You can check and reconfigure modifier keys to perform specific tasks. Here’s how:
- Go to System settings.
- Scroll down and choose Keyboard from the left sidebar.
- Here, click on the Keyboard shortcuts button under the Keyboard Navigation section.
- Click on Modifier keys from the left sidebar.
- You can now use the drop-down menus to reconfigure each modifier key and choose what action you want that key to perform.
- Click on Do to save the changes.
Method 5: Remove faulty applications
If you remember that you started experiencing MacBook key repeat issues after installing a particular app, that app may be interfering with the normal operation of your Mac. To check if an app is causing you problems, you should check your recently installed apps. To do this, go to Search -> Applications and sort the applications by Date added. This will show you recently updated or downloaded apps. You can check for an update, delete and reinstall the app, or uninstall it completely from your Mac.
Method 6. Update macOS
When was the last time you updated macOS on your computer? If you don’t remember doing it or it’s been a while, your MacBook may be in dire need of an update. Running an older or outdated software version can cause issues like software incompatibility and slow performance. Additionally, it can cause unexpected errors with your Mac’s display or keyboard. To get the best performance, it’s important to keep your computer up to date with the latest version of macOS.
Follow the steps below to check for software updates on a Mac:
- Open System Preferences and click on General.
- Now click on Software Update and give your Mac a few minutes to check for available updates.
- If a newer version of macOS is available, you should download and install it.
Method 7: Reset SMC (Intel Mac only)
If you are using an older Mac with Intel processor, you can try resetting the NVRAM and SMC to fix an unresponsive MacBook keyboard. For reference, a Mac uses a memory area called NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) to store and access different types of data like startup disk selection, display resolution, etc. Similarly, the SMC (System Management Controller) is an important chip that manages the sleep and wake process of your MacBook and also manages your Mac’s hardware like the keyboard and trackpad. Your Mac may not work properly if there are issues in the NVRAM or SMC. You need to reset them to fix a faulty MacBook keyboard.
How to Reset NVRAM on Intel Macs
- Close your Mac.
- When you turn on your Mac, hold down the button Option, Command, P and R keys for about 20 seconds.
- Your Mac will restart your Mac with an NVRAM/PRAM reset.
How to Reset SMC on Intel Macs
- Turn off your Mac.
- Now press and hold the button Ctrl + Option (Alt) + ShiftYour Mac might turn on.
- Continue holding the keys for 7 seconds. SO, also press and hold the power buttonIf your Mac is on, it will shut down now.
- Hold it four keys for another 7 seconds and then Free them.
- After a few seconds, press the key Power button to turn on your Mac.
For more details, you can refer to this Apple support document.
In the case of Apple Silicon Macs, the SMC is reset when you restart your machine. Additionally, the NVRAM is automatically reset at startup (if necessary). You don’t need to do anything manually.
If your MacBook’s built-in keyboard still isn’t working or specific keys aren’t responding, there’s a problem with one or more internal components. If you’re working on a tight deadline, you can connect an external keyboard for now. Be sure to take your MacBook to your nearest Apple Store or authorized service center to have it diagnosed.
It’s helpful to know that Apple offers a Keyboard Service Program for select MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models with Butterfly keyboards. If you’re eligible, Apple can repair your faulty MacBook keyboard for free. You can Check the eligibility criteria here.
Why is my MacBook keyboard not working?
Here are some of the most common reasons why your MacBook keyboard isn’t working: 1. A dirty or damaged keyboard 2. Running an outdated version of macOS 3. Incompatible or poorly designed apps 4. Incorrect keyboard layout or settings 5. Software issues 6. Hardware issues
