TL;DR
Take these steps to fix the keyboard backlight not working on Mac issue:
- Restart your Mac to fix software issues causing the keyboard backlight problem.
- Adjust your MacBook’s position or brightness settings to resolve backlight issues.
- Clean your keyboard to remove dust that may be blocking the backlight.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Working late and your Mac’s keyboard backlight suddenly stops working? I’ve been there—it’s no fun typing in the dark. In this post, I’ll share the steps that helped me get my backlight working again, so you can keep working comfortably.
💡Did You Know? Your Mac’s keyboard backlight is automatically adjusted based on ambient lighting conditions. This feature helps save battery life by reducing unnecessary backlight use in well-lit environments.
7 Methods to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Mac Issue
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I’m sharing seven practical methods to get your keyboard backlight working again:
1. Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac can resolve software issues causing the keyboard backlight to malfunction. To restart a Mac, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select Restart from the dropdown menu.
- A confirmation window will appear. Click Restart again.
- Wait for your Mac to shut down and restart. It may take a few minutes.
- Once your Mac has restarted, check if the keyboard backlight issue has been resolved.
2. Adjust Light Sensor and Keyboard Brightness
If the backlight is still not functioning, you can manually adjust the keyboard brightness:
- Open the System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- In the System Settings window, click the Keyboard icon.
- In the Keyboard preferences, you will see a slider labeled Keyboard brightness. Move the slider to the right to increase the brightness or to the left to decrease it. As you adjust the slider, the keyboard backlight will change accordingly.
If your Mac model does not have the option to adjust the keyboard brightness in Keyboard preferences, it means your particular Mac model does not support this feature.
3. Cleaning the Keyboard
Dust and debris can interfere with the backlight’s functionality. Cleaning the keyboard can help remove any such buildup and fix the issue. To clean your keyboard:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth or compressed air to gently remove any dirt.
- For dirt in crevices, use a small brush or toothbrush.
Avoid using cleaning solutions or moisture, as these can damage the keyboard. After cleaning, restart your Mac and check the backlight. If the issue persists, it might indicate a deeper hardware problem.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Resetting NVRAM/PRAM can fix keyboard backlight issues by clearing incorrect system settings. To reset the NVRAM/PRAM on your Mac, follow these steps:
Troubleshooting steps like resetting the SMC or NVRAM may cause certain system settings to revert to default. Make sure to note any custom settings before proceeding.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Immediately press and hold the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + P + R keys.
- Hold down the keys until you hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo twice. Release the keys and let your Mac continue to start up.
- This should fix the keyboard backing not working on Mac issue.
5. Reset the SMC
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve hardware-related keyboard backlight issues. To reset the SMC on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select Shut Down.
- Unplug your Mac from the power source if it is connected to a power adapter.
- Hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ⌃ + Option⌥ keys and the Power button simultaneously on your Mac’s built-in keyboard for about 10 seconds.
- After 10 seconds, release all the keys and the Power button.
- If your Mac was connected to a power adapter, reconnect it to the power source. Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
6. Update Software
Updating macOS can resolve backlight problems caused by outdated or incompatible software. Here are the steps to update macOS:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
- Click General and select Software Update.
- If any updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions.
- If the updates require you to restart your Mac, save your work and click Restart.
7. Check the Keyboard Backlight Hardware
Sometimes, the issue with the keyboard backlight not working can be due to a loose connection or faulty hardware component. Checking the keyboard and backlight hardware can identify and fix such issues.
Opening your Mac to check the keyboard backlight hardware involves technical expertise and may void your warranty. If you are not experienced in handling computer hardware, I strongly recommend seeking professional assistance or contacting Apple support.
Final Thoughts
A non-functioning keyboard backlight on a Mac can be frustrating, but several solutions can help fix the issue. Here are three tips for preventing and resolving keyboard backlight problems on a Mac:
- Keep your macOS updated, as outdated software can lead to keyboard backlight problems.
- Always back up your Mac’s data before troubleshooting, as some fixes might risk data loss.
- Regularly run Apple Diagnostics to detect and address potential hardware issues on your Mac.
