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Published on: 17.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
The MacBook series is amongst some of the most powerful laptops on the market today. Their sheer power, features, battery life, and premium finish make it a top choice for people who want a workhorse yet a device they can use for day-to-day activities such as multimedia and browsing.
However, despite being a popular choice between students, professionals, and basically anyone looking for a premium device, some users complain about MacBook’s keyboard malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss why the keyboard on the MacBook is not working, what you can do to fix it, and everything else you need to know about this issue.
MacBooks are engineered to last a long time if you take care of them properly. However, if mishandled, you can damage its components, such as a keyboard. If your MacBook keyboard has stopped functioning, or if particular keys are not responding to commands, then there might be something wrong, which can be as simple as dust stuck around the keyboard keys or more serious issues such as hardware damage. These issues are easy to fix by restarting, cleaning the keyboard, updating the macOS, or resetting the settings. In rare cases, a keyboard replacement would be needed.
Here are the reasons why your MacBook keyboard might not be working:
Incorrect configurations, accessibility settings, or app conflicts can interfere with keyboard functionality.
Dust, debris, or damage to the keyboard buttons can prevent it from functioning properly.
A software glitch or bug can also affect your keyboard.
Broken keys or moisture around them due to water exposure can also damage them.
This is how you can identify if the non-working keyboard issue is software-related or a hardware malfunction:
Software-related issues:
Boot your MacBook in Safe Mode by holding down the shift key during the startup procedure. If the keyboard is working in Safe Mode, it means that the problem is due to app conflict and is software-related. You can uninstall the apps that you might suspect to be causing this issue.
Check for the latest macOS and update your device. If the keyboard issue is resolved, this is another indication that it was due to a software issue.
Hardware Malfunction:
Visible damage to the keyboard can indicate a hardware issue.
If only certain keys are not working, or you have noticed dust or moisture among them, then it’s a hardware-related problem.
Yes. There are some immediate steps you can take to troubleshoot a non-working MacBook keyboard:
Restart your MacBook. Restarting can resolve temporary software glitches affecting the keyboard and prevent it from functioning.
Check accessibility settings by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard. Disable Mouse Keys and Slow Keys, as these features can sometimes affect how your keyboard responds to the commands.
Remove dust or debris with compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean around the keys.
Update the macOS to the latest version to fix any bugs that may be affecting the keyboard functionality.
Below are some of the common ways to fix your MacBook keyboard that is not working:
Check the keyboard layout setting by opening the Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. Then tap on ‘Show Input Menu in Menu Bar’ and then open the ‘Input Menu.’ From the Input Menu, choose the correct keyboard layout.
Connect an external keyboard to your MacBook. If the external keyboard works fine, it indicates a potential hardware issue with the MacBook's keyboard.
Disconnect the keyboard and then reconnect it. This often resolves the issue.
Clean your keyboard by using compressed air to remove the dust or debris that might be obstructing the key functionality.
Ensure your macOS is up to date, as updates can resolve many issues, including the keyboard not working.
Reset the PRAM and SMC. Resetting these can often resolve the keyboard issue.
If none of these solutions help, there might be a hardware issue that will only be fixed by keyboard replacement.
Here are some common reasons why your MacBook Pro keyboard may not be working;
There are crumbs, dust, or other debris stuck under a MacBook Pro's keys, preventing the keys from pressing down properly.
A software glitch or a bug is causing the keyboard not to work correctly.
There is physical or liquid damage to the keyboard, such as broken keys or internal components, can lead to keys not working.
Incorrectly configured keyboard settings, such as Mouse Keys or Slow Keys, can also cause issues.
Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle and spray the compressed air, or use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean around the keys gently.
Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update. Install any available updates, as they may contain fixes for keyboard issues.
Think about any applications or software you've installed recently before the keyboard issues began, and remove them by Finder > Applications.
Make sure the option for Slow Keys is turned off. To turn it off, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard > Hardware.
Turn off the mouse keys by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad and turn off the mouse keys.
Reset SMC by pressing Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time. Hold these keys for 10 seconds and then release them.
If none of the above steps work, visit a repair service provider for a professional diagnosis and repair.
Here are some reasons why your MacBook Air keyboard has stopped working. We also mentioned some quick steps to resolve this issue:
Your MacBook Air keyboard may malfunction if there is debris or dust stuck in the keyboard.
You might have configured improper keyboard settings like slow keys or mouse keys.
There might be a bug or a software glitch.
There may be physical or liquid damage to the keyboard.
Clean your MacBook Air using compressed air or a lint-free cloth.
Restart your device to troubleshoot any minor bugs or glitches.
Check for a software update from the settings and install if there are any pending updates.
Turn off Slow Keys by Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard > Hardware.
Turn off the mouse keys through System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad.
Reset SMC by following the method mentioned above.
If the issue persists, get your device checked by a skilled technician.
Many users experience their MacBook keyboard malfunctioning during login. Here is why it may be happening and what you can do about it:
There may be physical or liquid damage to the keyboard, causing it to malfunction.
There might be a software glitch causing your MacBook Air keyboard to not register a press.
Reset NVRAM to resolve any glitches or bugs.
Reset SMC, which can help fix any hardware-related bugs.
Connect a wireless keyboard and see if the device functions normally. In that case, the in-built keyboard is likely damaged or broken. Schedule an appointment with an Apple technician to get it fixed immediately if it’s still under warranty. Otherwise, visit a reliable repair store in your area for a quick fix.
The Backlight feature is an excellent option for users who regularly use their devices in low-light surroundings. Here is why your MacBook Pro keyboard backlight may not be working and what you can do to fix it;
You may have lowered the keyboard brightness, causing the backlight not to glow.
MacBook Pros have an ambient light sensor that adjusts the keyboard backlight based on the surrounding light conditions. The backlight might turn off automatically if you're in a well-lit area.
Low Power Mode may be turned on, which disables some features to prolong the device's battery timing.
There might be hardware damage resulting in a failed keyboard backlight.
Increase keyboard brightness from the Apple menu > System Preferences/Settings > Keyboard.
Disable “Adjust keyboard brightness in Low Light” to turn off automatic adjustment of the backlight according to the environment.
Turn off low power mode from System Preferences > Battery > Low Power Mode.
In case of a software bug, try restarting your device and look for any updates.
If the issue persists, get your device checked by a skilled technician.
Here is why your MacBook keyboard and trackpad are not working and what you can do to fix it;
Dirt or debris is causing the keyboard or the trackpad not to function normally.
There may be physical damage or liquid damage to the keyboard or the trackpad.
A software bug may be causing the issue.
The keyboard or the trackpad may not work if there is physical or liquid damage.
There is a possibility of a software glitch.
Dirt or moisture may be causing the keyboard or the trackpad to malfunction.
There might be a software bug that is causing your MacBook Pro to malfunction.
In case of physical or liquid damage, the keyboard or the trackpad will not work.
Check for any dirt or debris causing the keyboard or the trackpad not to function correctly.
First, clean the keyboard and the trackpad and check if they work now.
Next, boot up your device in safe mode by first shutting it down. Then, press the power button to turn on the device and immediately hold the shift key until the login window appears. Now, sign into the device, and you will enter the safe boot. Check if the keyboard and the trackpad are now functioning.
If no, then reset SMC and NVRAM/PRAM.
If the issue remains, simply take your device to an Apple repair service provider.
MacBook keyword light can stop working due to these reasons:
The keyboard's backlight might not illuminate because the brightness has been reduced.
MacBook Pros are equipped with an ambient light sensor that modifies the keyboard's backlight according to the ambient lighting. The backlight could automatically switch off if you are in a brightly lit environment.
When the low-power mode is activated, it may turn off certain functionalities to extend the device's battery life.
The keyboard light may not function in case of physical or liquid damage.
The keyboard brightness has been reduced.
You are in a brightly lit environment, which is why the backlight is automatically switched off.
Low Power Mode is activated.
There may be hardware or liquid damage.
You might have lowered the keyboard brightness from the settings.
The ambient sensor detects whether you are in a well-lit area, hence not turning on the backlight.
You have enabled low-power mode.
There may be hardware or liquid damage.
Click on Apple menu > System Preferences/Settings > Keyboard and turn up the brightness.
Turn off “Adjust keyboard brightness in Low Light.”
Go to System Preferences > Battery > Low Power Mode and turn it off.
Restart your device and look for any software updates in case of a software bug.
If the problem continues, get your device checked by an Apple technician.
You can do very little with your MacBook if only the power button is functioning on the keyboard. Here is what you need to know and what you can do about it;
The ribbon cable connecting the keyboard to the logic board might need to be seated correctly or could be damaged.
If there was a liquid spill or other physical damage, it might have affected the keyboard connections.
A temporary software malfunction could be causing the keyboard not to respond.
Restart your MacBook or reset the SMC. Click on the Apple menu and select "Shut Down." Hold down the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of the built-in keyboard, then press and hold the power button simultaneously. Hold these keys and the power button for 10 seconds. Now, release all keys and press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
Reset the NVRAM/PRAM. To reset, click the Apple menu and select "Shut Down." Turn on your MacBook and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds. During this time, your MacBook might appear to restart. Now, release the keys after approximately 20 seconds.
If the issue persists, take your MacBook to an Apple technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Has your MacBook Pro keyboard stopped working except for its trackpad? This is why it could happen and how you can fix it:
There may be an issue with the connector cables causing the keyboard to not function, but the trackpad works perfectly fine.
There might be physical damage or damage to the internal components causing this problem to occur.
There may be a software glitch causing your trackpad to function, but not the keyboard.
Reset SMC by pressing the Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard and pressing the power button at the same time. Hold both these keys for 10 seconds and then release them.
Reset NVRAM by first completely shutting down the computer by selecting "Shut Down" from the Apple menu. Once your MacBook is off, turn it back on, and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously. Keep holding these keys for about 20 seconds. During this process, your MacBook might appear to restart. After having the keys for 20 seconds, release them and allow your MacBook to continue booting normally.
If the issue still remains, you should schedule an appointment with an Apple service technician for a closer inspection.
If your Mac keyboard is not typing letters upon pressing the keys, here is what you can do to fix it;
Your Mac may be displaying a low battery alert that is not visible.
You might have accidentally changed the keyboard settings.
Mouse keys are activated.
There may be physical or internal damage causing the Mac keyboard not to work correctly.
There might be a software glitch.
Restart your device to resolve any software bugs that may be causing the keyboard not to work.
Click on the Apple menu and go to system settings. Click on accessibility and then Pointer Control, located on the right, and ensure that the mouse keys are tuned off.
Ensure you have selected the correct keyboard layout by clicking on Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources (click edit) > Turn on “Show Input menu in menu bar” > Open the input menu and select the correct keyboard.
Look for any software updates and install them.
If the issue persists, get your device inspected by an Apple technician.
Yes, updating macOS can resolve many issues, including a keyboard that stops working.
If restarting doesn’t work, try other methods mentioned in this guide. If the issue still persists, then there might be a serious hardware issue that requires a visit to a repair store.
Yes, spills or debris can interfere with keyboard functionality and may prevent the affected keys or the whole keyboard from functioning.
Use compressed air to clean around gently and under the keys. You can also use a soft brush or a cloth if compressed air is not available.
NVRAM/PRAM stores your MacBook settings; resetting it can restore the settings to default and remove any bugs that might be causing the keyboard issues.
Yes, an external keyboard can be helpful if the MacBook's keyboard is not working. However, it’s better to get your Mac keyboard fixed for better functionality and performance.
By following these steps, you can prevent the keyboard from working on a MacBook issue in the future:
Regularly clean the keyboard with compressed air or a soft brush.
Update the macOS to the latest version when available to remove any bugs.
Keep your MacBook away from liquid bodies, as it can affect the keyboard.
Only install apps from trusted stores to avoid any malware.
If, after following the measures mentioned in this guide, your MacBook keyboard issue still remains, you should consider seeking professional help.
MacBooks are reliable devices but are delicate and can run into issues occasionally if the device is mishandled. Many MacBook users experienced keyboard issues in their devices, such as the backlight not displaying, keys not working, and other issues. Most of the time, these issues can be solved by resetting SMC/NVRAM and rebooting the device. Still, in case of apparent physical or liquid damage, the only solution is to take your device to a reliable repair store via Simply Fixable and get it properly diagnosed and fixed.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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