Mac keyboard not working? Here's how to fix it

⚡Fast fix

• Restart your Mac: Temporary glitches can interfere with keyboard connectivity.
• Check Slow Keys settings: Open System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Slow Keys. 
• Clean the keyboard: Use a can of compressed air to remove debris from your keyboard.

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You're typing away on your Mac® when you notice something strange: None of your words appear on the screen. Your Mac keyboard's not working, and you're not sure what to do.

Asurion Experts fix these issues all the time. Whether you need to find a lost or stolen laptop or want to transfer contacts to your new iPhone, we can help. Try these solutions for a regular or a Mac laptop keyboard that's not working.

Check your connections and power settings

Not sure why your Mac keyboard isn't working? Connection drops or a drained battery may be the problem if you have a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard. 

To fix a connection drop, take these steps:

1. Open Apple Menu.
2. Click System Settings (or System Preferences) > Bluetooth.
3. Disable Bluetooth and re-enable it.
4. Connect your keyboard to your Mac using the appropriate cable. Wait for one minute to pair the device before disconnecting the cable. 

External keyboards run on a battery. If it's drained, recharge your keyboard:

1. Check the keyboard's battery level. Navigate to Control Center > Bluetooth to view its current status.
2. Plug the keyboard into your Mac or a power source using its charging cable.
3. Keep the keyboard turned on for quick charging.

Clean your MacBook keyboard

From grimy fingerprints to dust, spills, and pet hair, your keyboard can get downright filthy. A simple cleanup may solve your keyboard issues—follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your MacBook. You don't want to risk moisture getting into your computer and causing it to short out, and you'll also avoid sending an errant email while you're wiping down the keys.
2. Flip your MacBook upside down and gently shake it. This should dislodge any large crumbs or dust on your keyboard. To make cleanup easier, it's smart to do this over a towel or a garbage can.
3. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean out loose debris. Use a soft paintbrush to wipe the dust from the tops and edges of each key. It's best to do this while the keyboard is still upside down to avoid pushing dirt further into any crevices. If you have a compressed air can, you can also use that to blow out anything stuck in the keys. Spray the air in a zigzag pattern across the keyboard, then rotate it and repeat the process until you've done all four sides of the keys. Warning: don't spray the air directly under the keys, as that could cause damage.

A thorough deep-cleaning of your laptop can also help it to work as it should—reach out to an experienced MacBook cleaning pro for help.

Reset the SMC

Intel-based Mac computers use the System Management Controller (SMC) to manage power. Resetting the SMC may resolve hardware interference problems. Take these steps:

1. Determine which Mac chip you have: Apple Silicon, Apple T2 Security Chip, a Mac laptop without the Apple Silicon or T2 Chip, or a desktop Mac. If you're unsure, go to Apple menu > About This Mac.
2. Reset the SMC.
   • Apple Silicon: Open Apple Menu > Restart. The SMC will automatically reset.
   • Apple T2 Security Chip: Shut down your Mac. Press and hold Control, Option (Alt), and the right Shift button simultaneously. Wait seven seconds, then press and hold the Power button. Continue holding all four keys for another seven seconds. Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
   • Mac laptop without Apple Silicon or T2 Chip: Shut down your Mac. Press and hold Control, Option (Alt), and the left Shift buttons. Continue holding the keys and press and hold the Power button. Wait 10 seconds before releasing the keys. Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
   • Desktop Mac: Shut down your Mac and unplug it from its power source. Wait 15 seconds before plugging it back in. After five more seconds, press the Power button to restart your device. [https://support.apple.com/en-us/102605]

Reset the NVRAM or PRAM

The NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac manages several system settings using a small subset of device memory. Resetting it can fix minor issues on Intel-based devices (but not Macs with Apple Silicon). Take these steps:

1. Power off your Mac.
2. Turn the Mac back on, and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys.
3. Continue holding the keys for 20 seconds. You may see the Apple logo on your screen or hear a startup sound.
4. Wait until the Mac finishes starting up and try to use your keyboard again. 

Troubleshoot Mac software and accessibility settings

If your MacBook keys aren't working after earlier fixes, there are other troubleshooting steps you can try. 

Correct accessibility issues

Accessibility settings such as Slow Keys and Mouse Keys interrupt normal keyboard performance. 

To disable Slow Keys, take these steps:

1. Open Apple Menu.
2. Click System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Turn off Slow Keys. 

To turn off Mouse Keys, take these steps:

1. Open Apple Menu.
2. Click System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control.
3. Turn off Mouse Keys. 

Verify keyboard settings

If your Mac function keys aren't working but other keys are, adjust your settings:

1. Open Apple Menu.
2. Click System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
3. Click Function Keys > Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.

Use the keyboard in safe mode

Safe mode isolates software conflicts that may cause a keyboard on a Mac not to work. To enter safe mode, take these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Determine if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon or an Intel-based Mac.
   • Apple Silicon: Press and hold the Power button. When Loading startup options displays, select a volume. Press and hold the Shift button and click Continue.
   • Intel-based Mac: Turn on your Mac. Press and hold the Shift key immediately until the login window displays, then log in.
3. Try using your keyboard.

If your keyboard works in safe mode, the Mac may have self-resolved the issue. But if you continue to have problems, it's time to connect with a MacBook cleaning pro for further troubleshooting.