TL;DR
To fix the Mac keyboard not working issue:
- Clean your keyboard, check for physical damage, and restart your Mac.
- Recharge your keyboard’s battery or replace the batteries.
- Reset your keyboard settings.
- Reset the SMC or PRAM.
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.
If your Mac keyboard isn’t working, it can disrupt your productivity. Don’t worry—this guide covers tried-and-tested methods to fix it and get you back on track!
Why Is Your Mac Keyboard Not Working?
Before I dive into the solutions, let’s first identify some of the common causes of a non-responsive Mac keyboard:
- 👉 Dirty or Sticky Keys: One of the most common causes of keyboard issues is dirty or sticky keys.
- 🔋 Drained or Dead Batteries: If your wireless keyboard’s batteries are low on charge or completely drained, your keyboard will stop working.
- 🐛 Software Glitches or Bugs: Software glitches or bugs can cause keyboard issues.
- 🔄 Outdated Software or Drivers: Outdated software or drivers can cause keyboard issues.
- 🔌 Loose Connection or Unplugged Keyboard: If you’re using a wired keyboard, make sure the keyboard is properly plugged in.
- 💥 Physical Damage to the Keyboard or Cable: Physical damage to the keyboard or cable can also cause keyboard issues.
8 Methods to Fix Mac Keyboard Not Working
Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal 
We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.
Here is the detailed step-by-step guide for 10 different fixes for Mac keyboard issues:
1. Clean Your Keyboard
Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate under your keyboard keys, causing them to stick or malfunction. Here’s how to clean up your Mac keyboard:
- Before cleaning your keyboard, turn off your Mac to prevent any accidental keystrokes.
- Turn your keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose crumbs.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow away any residue between the keys.
- Sweep any remaining debris from the keyboard gently with a soft-bristled brush.
- Use a gentle cleaning solution if your keyboard is dirty or sticky.
- After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe down the keys and keyboard surface.
- Let your keyboard air dry completely before turning your Mac back on.
⚠️ Always use a cleaning solution that’s safe for electronics and won’t damage your keyboard. Avoid getting any liquid into the keyboard.
2. Check for Physical Damage
Inspect the keyboard and cable for any signs of physical damage. To check for physical damage on your keyboard, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Mac and unplug the keyboard from the computer.
- Check the keyboard for visible physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose keys.
- If you find any damage like a loose key, you can fix it yourself but get professional assistance if a crack or dent requires repair.
- Plug the keyboard back into your Mac and turn it on to see if it works.
3. Change the Keyboard Batteries
If you’re using a wireless keyboard with your Mac, you may occasionally have issues with its battery life. Here are the steps to change your keyboard’s battery and get it working again:
- Check the light indicator. If the battery indicator light is on, it’s time to replace the batteries.
- Turn off the keyboard.
- Find the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the keyboard.
- Use a coin or a flathead screwdriver to turn the cover counterclockwise until it pops off.
- Remove the old batteries and dispose of them properly.
- Insert fresh batteries according to the polarity indicated inside the battery compartment.
- Replace the battery compartment cover and turn it clockwise to secure it in place.
- Turn on the keyboard and it should be working properly.
4. Restart Your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software issues that may be causing the keyboard to malfunction. You can restart your Mac in just a few seconds by following these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select Restart from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to restart your Mac.
- Click the Restart button in the pop-up window.
- Your Mac will restart which may take a few seconds.
- Once the restart is complete, test your keyboard to see if its working.
5. Reset Keyboard Settings
Resetting the keyboard settings on your Mac can potentially fix keyboard-related issues.
Here’s how to reset the keyboard settings on your Mac:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click Keyboard and tap the Keyboard Shortcuts button.
- Click the Modifier Keys button in the bottom-right corner.
- In the new window, click Restore Defaults to reset the keyboard settings to their default values.
- Close the window and try using your keyboard again.
6. Update Your macOS
Updating your software is an essential step in maintaining the health and performance of your Mac. It ensures that you have the latest drivers for hardware and bug fixes.
Here’s how to update macOS on your Mac:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Click General and select Software Update.
- Your Mac will now check for available updates. If any updates are found, click the Update Now button to download and install them.
- If prompted, enter your administrator username and password.
- Wait for the updates to download and install. Depending on the update size and your internet connection speed, it may take some time.
- Once the updates are installed, restart your Mac if necessary.
7. Reset the SMC
The SMC controls several important functions of your Mac, such as power management, thermal management, and keyboard response. Resetting the SMC on Mac can sometimes help fix various hardware-related issues, including problems with the keyboard.
Here’s how to reset the SMC on Mac:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Connect your Mac to a power source.
- Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys and the Power button simultaneously.
- Release all the keys and the Power button at the same time.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
8. Reset the PRAM
The PRAM stores various settings related to your Mac’s hardware and system configurations. Resetting the PRAM can clear any corrupt or conflicting settings causing the keyboard not to work properly.
Here’s how to reset the PRAM on your Mac:
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Press the Power button to turn it back on.
- Immediately press and hold the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + P + R keys on your keyboard.
- Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice.
- Release the keys and let your Mac continue to start up normally.
Type Without Interruptions With Mac Keyboard
Once you have resolved your keyboard issues, it’s time to optimize your Mac’s overall performance. The following tips will help you avoid any problems in the future:
- Use Mac keyboard shortcuts to work more efficiently.
- You must clear the cache on your Mac regularly to prevent slowdowns and unresponsive keyboards.
- Run a virus scan with tools like MacKeeper to remove malware affecting the keyboard.
- If your keyboard backlight isn’t working on Mac, you must check the light sensor.
