What to Know
- If you experience your MacBook keyboard not working at all, try restarting your device, updating to the latest macOS, and checking your keyboard settings.
- If some laptop keys are not working, clean your keyboard carefully.
- If your wireless keyboard won't type, check the connections and battery.
Is your MacBook’s laptop keyboard not working? We can help! Whether your built-in, wireless, or wired Mac keyboard is acting up, we will help you get it fixed fast. Learn how to fix keyboard keys or your entire Apple keyboard not working.
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Why Is My Keyboard Not Working?
If your keyboard does not work, there can be several reasons why. Some reasons for a computer keyboard not working could be software-related. There could be a glitch due to using an older version of macOS or a recently downloaded app. It is also possible that your keyboard settings are causing the problem. Sometimes, a simple restart of your Mac may fix the problem.
Hardware issues can also result in your Mac keyboard not working. Your keyboard or the connections between it and your Mac could be broken. If you have a wired keyboard, try plugging it in using a different cable. If your built-in keyboard seems to have broken hardware once you’ve ruled out software issues, you may have to reach out to Apple Support.
If you are having issues with your wireless Mac keyboard, make sure it is charged. Try using a different cable or adapter if you notice charging problems - although the charging port could also be the culprit. Finally, if only certain keys on your keyboard don’t work on your Mac keyboard, try cleaning your keyboard using compressed air. For more Apple tips, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.
How to Fix Mac Keyboard Not Working
The steps you should take to fix your Mac keyboard, depend on the type of keyboard you are trying to fix. Below, we’ll cover how to troubleshoot your built-in keyboard not working on laptop:
- If your Mac is on, charged, and has a functioning trackpad, restart your Mac by selecting the Apple icon in your top left Menu bar, selecting Restart, and clicking on Restart again.
![If your Mac is on, charged, and has a functioning trackpad, restart your Mac by selecting the Apple icon in your top left Menu bar, selecting Restart, and clicking on Restart again.]()
- Next, see if there’s an update available for your Mac. If software problems are causing your keyboard not working on Mac, a software update might fix known issues.
![Next, see if there’s an update available for your Mac.]()
- If you've recently installed any new software and noticed your keyboard not working immediately afterward, the app may be to blame. Uninstall the app by opening your Finder, navigating to Applications, and dragging the app to your trashcan. You may need to enter your passcode or use Touch ID to confirm that you wish to get rid of the app.
![If you've recently installed any new software and noticed your keyboard not working immediately afterward, the app may be to blame.]()
- Open System Settings and click on Keyboard. See if everything looks as it should be, for example, under Key repeat rate, you don’t have Off selected - this means that if you press and hold a key such as space, delete, or return, it will only work once until you click it again. Not realizing you selected this setting may make it seem like your keyboard isn’t working as it should.
![Open System Settings and click on Keyboard.]()
- If you’re experiencing your Mac’s keyboard keys not working, turn your Mac off and unplug it from its power source, then hold your keyboard at different angles and use a can of compressed air to remove whatever debris is causing your key to stick.
![If you’re experiencing your Mac’s keyboard keys not working, turn your Mac off and unplug it from its power source then hold your keyboard at different angles and use a can of compressed air to remove whatever debris is causing your key to stick.]()
- If your wireless keyboard is not working, make sure it is properly connected to your Mac via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or a wireless keyboard dongle. Also, make sure it is charged and double-check that your charging cable, adapter, and power source are working as they should.
![make sure it is properly connected to your Mac via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or a wireless keyboard dongle.]()
- If your wired keyboard is not working, try a different cable to connect it to your Mac.
- If none of these tips help, you’ll have to reach out to Apple Support. If you purchased AppleCare Plus or still have your Mac keyboard under Apple Care warranty, you may be able to get it fixed for free or for a small fee. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay in full for any repairs.
![If none of these tips help, you’ll have to reach out to Apple Support.]()
Now you know what to do if you experience your keyboard not typing at all or skipping certain keys. Next, learn more about connecting a mouse to your Mac and getting it to work as it should.
FAQ
- How do you unlock your Mac keyboard? Unless your keyboard has a switch like the Magic Keyboard, you may not be able to manually lock or unlock it without turning your device off or disconnecting your keyboard. Learn more about how to unlock keyboards on Mac.
- What to do if my MacBook won’t turn on? Your MacBook not turning on can be caused by a variety of different reasons. Make sure you disconnect all accessories, then try to turn your Mac on. Next, check for a faulty screen making it appear that your Mac isn't turning on. Then, perform a Power Cycle. The last thing to try before contacting Apple Support is resetting the SMC or T2 chip.
- How do you restart your Mac using keyboard shortcuts? It is easy to learn how to restart Mac with keyboard shortcuts, simply press these keys simultaneously: Control, Command, and Power/Eject.
