10 Simple Ways to Fix an Unresponsive Keyboard on Mac

Fix your Mac laptop keyboard

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Is your keyboard not working on your Mac device? Whether it's your laptop's built-in keyboard or external keyboard, there are plenty of fixes you can try. Here's what to do if your keyboard is not working on your Mac, MacBook, or MacBook Air.

1

Connect an external keyboard.

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This can help determine if it's a software or hardware issue. This will also help you perform other fixes, so borrow a keyboard if you don't have a spare to use.

2

Let the Mac charge.

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Plug in your MacBook and let it sit for thirty minutes to charge. Then, try your keyboard again.

3

Check for updates.

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Update your system or drivers. If you have an outdated driver or operating system, this can affect your keyboard.
- You can check for software updates or driver updates using the App Store.

4

Uninstall new apps.

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If your keyboard is suddenly not working, it could be due to the new app you downloaded. Uninstall it, restart your computer, and see if your keyboard works again.

5

Use Terminal to restart your Touch Bar.

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Restart the Touch Bar using Terminal. This may get the rest of the keyboard to work properly. Do the following:
- Open the Terminal.
- Type sudo pkill TouchBarServer; and press Enter.
- Type sudo killall "ControlStrip"; and press Enter.
- Enter your device's password and press Enter.

6

Disable Slow Keys.

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Turn off Slow Keys. This feature makes you press and hold a key for longer until it's registered.^{[1]
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Research source} To turn it off, do the following:
- Select the Apple menu.
- Click System Settings.
- Click Accessibility.
- Click Keyboard.
- Toggle off Slow Keys.

7

Disable Mouse Keys.

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Turn off Mouse Keys. This feature lets you move the mouse using the keyboard. To turn it off, do the following:
- Select the Apple menu.
- Click System Settings.
- Click Accessibility.
- Click Pointer Control.
- Toggle off Mouse Keys.

8

Check the keyboard layout.

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Make sure the correct keyboard layout is selected. This can be adjusted in your keyboard settings. Do the following:
- Select the Apple menu.
- Click System Settings.
- Click Keyboard.
- Click Edit next to Input Sources.
- Toggle on Show Input menu in menu bar.
- Click the input menu in the top toolbar.
- Make sure the correct keyboard layout is selected (Ex: U.S.).

9

Clean the keyboard.

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If you have any spills or excess debris stuck in your keyboard, this can prevent it from working properly. Just be sure to completely power off and unplug your device before you start cleaning your keyboard.

10

Contact Apple.

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Contact Apple for help. If these fixes don't work, it's possible you have a hardware issue, and you may still be under warranty.
- You can contact Apple on their website at https://getsupport.apple.com/.