MacBook Keyboard Is Not Working? These 7 Fixes Can Help

When your MacBook keyboard isn’t working, all your plans can come to a halt, especially if it’s your primary device for work and play. You might also stuck in weird situations when some of your keys are working fine, whereas some keys just won’t. Before you connect an external keyboard, there are a few ways to fix an unresponsive MacBook keyboard. No matter which MacBook model you’re using, these methods will surely help you get your things back on track. Without any ado, let’s jump to the list!

Method 1: Clean the Keyboard

Dirt and debris are one of the most common reasons why your MacBook keyboard isn’t typing. If the keyboard appears to be dirty, a simple clean-up may help fix keyboard problems on your Mac. Here’s what you need to do:

Method 2: Check Keyboard Layout Settings

Sometimes, your MacBook keyboard might not be working due to a simple configuration issue. If you’ve selected the wrong keyboard layout, the Mac keys might not work as expected. You can also try this method if the keyboard inputs do not match the outputs. Here’s how to check keyboard layout settings:

Method 3: Turn Off Slow and Mouse Keys

If your MacBook keys aren’t typing properly or are working too slowly, you must check the Slow Keys and Mouse keys on your machine. If you’ve enabled the Slow keys function, your Mac will require you to hold down each key longer than usual before it registers. Therefore, your Mac keyboard won’t work if you press each key for a short amount of time. Here’s how to check your Slow keys settings:

There’s another setting “Mouse Keys”, which when enabled can trigger Mac keyboard problems. If this feature is turned on and you press keys in the numeric keypad, it will move theMac pointerinstead of entering numbers. To avoid typing issues on your MacBook keyboard, you must disable the Mouse keys option. Here’s how to do it:

Method 4: Reconfigure Modifier Keys

If you’re having trouble inserting special symbols or using certainMac keyboard shortcuts,you must check your Modifier keys. When you insert a special symbol or use a shortcut, you have to use a Modifier key like Command, Shift, Control, orOption key on your Mac.You can check and reconfigure modifier keys to perform specific tasks. Here’s how to do it:

Method 5: Remove Faulty Apps

If you can recall that you’ve started facing MacBook keys repeating problems after installing a particular app, that app might be interfering with the normal functioning of your Mac. To verify if an app is giving you trouble, you must check your recently installed apps. For this, go toFinder -> Applicationsand sort the apps byDate Added. This will show you the recently updated or downloaded apps. You can check for an update, delete & re-install the app, or uninstall it altogether from your Mac.

Method 6. Update macOS

When was the last time you updated macOS on your machine? If you don’t remember doing it or it’s been a long time, your MacBook might be in some serious need of an update. Running an older or outdated software version can trigger issues like software incompatibility and slow performance. Also, it may throw someunexpected errors with the Mac displayor the keyboard. To enjoy optimal performance, it’s important to keep your machine updated with the latestmacOS version.

Follow the below steps to check for software updates on a Mac:

Method 7: Reset SMC (Intel Macs only)

If you’re using an older, Intel-powered Mac, you can try resetting NVRAM and SMC to fix an unresponsive MacBook keyboard. For reference, a Mac uses a memory area ‘NVRAM’ (Non-volatile Random Access Memory) to store and access different kinds of data like startup disk selection, display resolution, and more. Similarly, SMC (System Management Controller) is an important chip that handles the process of putting your MacBook to sleep and waking it up and also manages your Mac’s hardware like the keyboard and trackpad. Your Mac may not work well if there are any glitches in the NVRAM or SMC. You have to reset them to fix a faulty MacBook keyboard.

How to Reset NVRAM on Intel Macs

How to Reset SMC on Intel Macs

For more details, you can refer tothis Apple Support document.

In the case of Apple Silicon Macs, the SMC is reset when you restart your machine. Also, the NVRAM is automatically reset on startup (if needed). You don’t have to do anything manually.

If your built-in MacBook keyboard is still not working or some specific keys aren’t responding, there’s something wrong with one or more internal components. If you’re working on an urgent deadline, you can connect an external keyboard for the time being. Make sure to take your MacBook to the nearest Apple Store or an authorized service center and get it diagnosed.

It’s worth knowing that Apple has a Keyboard Service Program for certain MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models with Butterfly keyboards. If you’re eligible, Apple can repair your faulty MacBook keyboard for free. You cancheck the eligibility criteria here.

Some of the most common reasons why your MacBook keyboard isn’t typing include:1. A dirty or damaged keyboard2. Running an outdated macOS version3. Incompatible or poorly designed apps4. Incorrect keyboard layout or settings5. Software glitches6. Hardware problems

Kanika Gogia

Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.

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