When your MacBook keyboard suddenly decides to stop working, it can feel like a major roadblock, especially if you rely on your Mac for daily tasks.
You’re typing away, and suddenly, some keys not working, or perhaps the entire keyboard and trackpad stopped working.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this frustrating experience.
Many MacBook users encounter keyboard issues with their built-in keyboard, whether it’s a MacBook Pro keyboard and trackpad acting up or a MacBook Air with an unresponsive internal keyboard.
This article will walk you through various ways to fix your Mac keyboard not working problems, helping you diagnose the issue and get your Mac back in top typing shape.
We’ll cover everything from simple cleaning tricks to more technical reset procedures, ensuring you have all the tools to fix your keyboard and resume working on MacBook seamlessly.
01
of 09Is Your MacBook Keyboard Not Typing? Let’s Diagnose the Problem First
So, your MacBook keyboard not typing? It’s a common scenario, and frankly, it can be quite a nuisance when your keyboard isn’t working.
Sometimes it’s a simple software glitch, other times it could be a hardware hiccup, or even just some sneaky dust causing keys to become unresponsive.
My experience tells me that rushing to conclusions often leads to more headaches.
Before you consider getting a different keyboard or contacting Apple Support, we need to understand why your Mac keyboard not working.
This initial diagnosis is crucial to finding the right fix.
We’ll look at the simplest possibilities first, because often, the solution is much easier than you think.
Is it a few keys not working, or is the entire keyboard and trackpad not working?
Identifying the scope of the problem will guide our troubleshooting efforts.
02
of 09Clean Your MacBook Keyboard: A Simple Yet Effective Fix
Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons a MacBook keyboard becomes unresponsive is simply debris.
Dust, crumbs, or even tiny pet hairs can get trapped under the keys, causing them to malfunction or even stop working entirely.
If your keyboard isn’t working, a thorough cleaning might just be the magical fix.
When I first encountered a sticky key on my MacBook Pro, I thought the worst, but a can of compressed air became my best friend.
Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle, position the nozzle a few centimeters away, and spray the compressed air in short bursts around the affected keys.
Make sure to cover all angles.
This simple act of cleaning can often fix the issue and get your keyboard working like new again.
03
of 09Check Your Keyboard Layout Settings: A Quick Software Solution
Sometimes, your keyboard inputs do not match the outputs, leading you to think your keyboard is not working.
This can happen if your keyboard layout settings are incorrect.
It’s a surprisingly common oversight, and thankfully, a very easy fix.
If you’ve been experimenting with different languages or keyboard layout options, this might be the culprit.
To check and adjust your correct keyboard layout, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources.
Here, you can add or remove keyboard layout options, ensuring your Mac understands which keyboard you’re using.
Making sure your keyboard settings are accurate can quickly resolve instances where your keyboard isn’t behaving as expected, helping you avoid the panic of an unresponsive macbook.
04
of 09Reset Your Mac: NVRAM, SMC, and Restarting Your MacBook
When your macbook keyboard continues to be unresponsive macbook, it’s time to consider deeper system resets.
These methods can often clear up software glitches that cause the keyboard to stop working.
Resetting your Mac’s NVRAM or SMC can often resolve peculiar hardware-related issues, including those affecting the keyboard and trackpad.
To reset your System Management Controller (SMC), shut down your MacBook, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option + the power button for 10 seconds.
If your keyboard is not working, this can often clear up communication issues between the keyboard hardware and the software.
For NVRAM, restart your Mac, then press and hold Command + Option + P + R immediately after the startup sound until it restarts again.
These steps are crucial ways to fix persistent keyboard issues that a simple restart your Mac doesn’t solve.
05
of 09When All Else Fails: Considering External Solutions and Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps—cleaning, checking settings, and various resets—and your MacBook keyboard is still not working, it’s time to consider other options.
An external keyboard can be a temporary lifeline, especially if your internal keyboard is completely unresponsive.
It ensures you can continue working on MacBook while you seek a more permanent fix.
Connecting an external keyboard and mouse is a practical solution.
If an external keyboard works, it strongly suggests the problem lies with your built-in keyboard, rather than the system itself.
At this point, it might be time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Especially if you have a 2015 MacBook Pro or later, or an older MacBook Air, your device might be eligible for a free keyboard replacement program if it has the infamous Butterfly keyboard.
Don’t forget, your power button as well might be the only key on your Mac that still works, so use it wisely!
06
of 09Why My MacBook Pro Keyboard and Trackpad Stopped Working?
It’s a common complaint, particularly for owners of MacBook Pro models from 2016-2019: the keyboard and trackpad stopped working.
The “Butterfly” keyboard design used in these models was notorious for being highly susceptible to small particles, which could easily cause the keyboard to stop working.
Even a tiny speck of dust could render keys not working or make the entire keyboard and trackpad behave erratically.
While newer MacBook models have improved keyboard designs, physical damage or even software glitches can still lead to the keyboard and trackpad not working.
If your MacBook Pro keyboard and trackpad are experiencing issues, it’s not always a hardware defect; sometimes, a software conflict with recently installed apps can be the culprit.
Fixing this might involve temporarily uninstalling new applications to see if the keyboard starts working fine again.
It’s all about systematically eliminating possibilities until you find that your keyboard is start working as it should.
07
of 09Advanced Troubleshooting: Safe Mode and Software Conflicts
Sometimes, the culprit behind a keyboard not working issue isn’t hardware but rather software.
Third-party applications or system extensions can interfere with your Mac’s normal operations, causing your keyboard to stop working.
To diagnose this, booting your Mac in safe mode can be incredibly helpful.
When you start your MacBook in safe mode, your Mac performs a basic system check and prevents certain software from loading.
If your keyboard turns out to be working in safe mode, then the issue is likely due to a software conflict or a recently installed application.
You can then go through your recently added applications and consider temporarily uninstalling them to fix the issue.
This method helps pinpoint if a particular program is causing your keyboard to become unresponsive.
After all, we want to use the keyboard without any hiccups!
08
of 09When Your MacBook Keyboard Won’t Unlock: Accessibility Settings and Third-Party Apps
Have you ever found yourself asking, “How do I unlock my keyboard on my Mac?”
It’s a good question, especially if you’ve unknowingly activated a lock feature.
While Apple’s Mac keyboard doesn’t have a built-in lock function, certain third-party apps or accessibility settings can temporarily disable your keyboard.
This can make you think your keyboard isn’t working when it’s simply locked.
If your keyboard isn’t working, check your Accessibility settings under Keyboard.
Features like Sticky Keys or Slow Keys, if accidentally enabled, can make your keyboard seem like it’s malfunctioning.
Additionally, if you use apps like One Switch, they often have a toggle for keyboard locking that could be inadvertently turned on.
Before concluding that your MacBook keyboard is truly broken, ensure you’ve checked these often-overlooked settings and apps.
09
of 09Final Thoughts: Getting Your MacBook Keyboard Back in Action
Dealing with a MacBook keyboard not working can be incredibly frustrating, I know.
I’ve been there, staring at an unresponsive keyboard when deadlines loom.
But as we’ve explored, there are numerous ways to fix these common keyboard issues, from simple cleaning with compressed air to more involved software resets like SMC and NVRAM.
Remember, often the simplest solution is the one that works.
Your MacBook is an essential tool, and a malfunctioning keyboard shouldn’t keep you from being productive.
If your keyboard and trackpad are giving you trouble, systematically go through these steps.
And if you find that your keyboard isn’t responding after all these attempts, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional help.
They can provide a definitive diagnosis and, if necessary, arrange for repairs.
Don’t let a keyboard that won’t type hold you back—get your MacBook back to working fine!
FAQ
What should I do if my MacBook keyboard suddenly stopped working?
If your MacBook keyboard suddenly stopped working, try restarting your device by pressing and holding the power button. If that doesn’t help, use a mouse to navigate to the Apple menu and select Restart. If the keyboard still doesn’t respond, consider checking for software updates or resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).
How can I fix keyboard problems on my MacBook?
To fix keyboard problems on your MacBook, begin by cleaning the keyboard to remove any debris that might be interfering with key functionality. If that doesn’t work, try resetting the SMC or using keyboard shortcuts to troubleshoot. If the issue persists, it may be time to visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.
What should I do if the keyboard on my MacBook is not responding?
If the keyboard on your MacBook is not responding, first ensure that it is not a software issue by restarting your Mac. If the problem continues, try connecting a wireless keyboard or another keyboard to determine if the issue lies with the MacBook itself. If the external keyboard works, the built-in keyboard might need to be fixed.
Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard if my MacBook keyboard is not working?
Yes, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard if your MacBook keyboard is not working. Simply turn on the Bluetooth keyboard and make sure it is connected to your Mac. This can serve as a temporary solution while you troubleshoot the built-in keyboard issues.
What are the common signs that my MacBook keyboard might not be working?
Common signs that your MacBook keyboard might not be working include keys not responding when pressed, certain keys not functioning while others do, or the keyboard lighting not turning on. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, further troubleshooting is necessary to identify the cause.
How can I clean the keyboard on my MacBook?
To clean the keyboard on your MacBook, turn off your device and use compressed air to blow out any debris between the keys. You can also use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the keys. Make sure no liquid seeps into the keyboard.
What should I do if nothing works and my MacBook keyboard is still not functioning?
If nothing seems to work and your MacBook keyboard is still not functioning, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Then, turn on your MacBook again. If the keyboard is still unresponsive, it may be best to consult with an Apple Store or an authorized repair center for professional assistance.
