Mac · Repair guide

How to fix a MacBook keyboard that's not working

9 fixes, easiest first3 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Plug the MacBook into power to clear any hidden low-battery alert, then open System Settings > Accessibility and turn off Slow Keys (under Keyboard) and Mouse Keys (under Pointer Control).

What it means

A MacBook keyboard that stops working is often caused by a setting, not a broken part. A hidden low-battery alert, accessibility features like Slow Keys or Mouse Keys, the wrong keyboard layout, or a wireless keyboard that has lost its connection are the usual suspects. Dirt under the keys and hardware faults are less common.

Common causes

  • A low-battery alert on screen that is blocking key presses
  • Slow Keys or Mouse Keys turned on in Accessibility settings
  • The wrong keyboard layout or input source selected
  • A wireless keyboard that is off, flat or no longer paired
  • A loose cable or faulty USB port on a wired keyboard
  • Dust or crumbs under the keys
  • A hardware fault that needs repair

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01If no keys work on your MacBook, connect it to powerEasy

  1. Plug the MacBook into its power adapter.
  2. Look for a low-battery alert on screen and close it with the trackpad.
  3. If you have an external keyboard, plug it in to see and dismiss any alert.
  4. Try typing again.

Why it helps: A low-battery alert you can't see can stop the built-in keyboard from responding.

02If you use Caps Lock or the Eject key, hold it a little longerEasy

  1. Press and hold Caps Lock for a moment instead of tapping it, until its light comes on.
  2. For the Media Eject key, hold it until the eject symbol appears on screen.

Why it helps: Both keys have a short built-in delay, so a quick tap can seem to do nothing.

03If you use a wireless keyboard, reconnect itEasy

  1. Slide the power switch on the keyboard's back edge off (no green showing), then on (green showing).
  2. Using the trackpad or a mouse, open System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
  3. For a Magic Keyboard, connect it to the Mac with its charging cable, wait 1 minute, then unplug it. This pairs it and charges it.
  4. Check its battery level by clicking Control Center in the menu bar, then Bluetooth.
  5. If Bluetooth won't turn on, restart the Mac and try again.

Why it helps: A wireless keyboard that is off, flat or unpaired can't send key presses to the Mac.

04If you use a wired keyboard, check the cable and portEasy

  1. Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in firmly.
  2. Try a different port on the Mac.
  3. Try the keyboard on another Mac. If it works there, this Mac may need repair.
  4. Try a different keyboard on this Mac. If that one works, your keyboard may need service.

Why it helps: Swapping ports and keyboards shows whether the keyboard or the Mac is at fault.

05Turn off Slow KeysEasy

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click Accessibility in the sidebar, then click Keyboard (scroll down if needed).
  3. Turn off Slow Keys.

Why it helps: Slow Keys makes you hold each key down before it registers, so quick taps seem to do nothing.

06Turn off Mouse KeysEasy

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click Accessibility, then Pointer Control (scroll down if needed).
  3. Turn off Mouse Keys.
  4. Or press Option-Command-F5 and deselect Mouse Keys in the panel that appears.

Why it helps: With Mouse Keys on, some letter and number keys move the pointer instead of typing.

07If keys type the wrong characters, check the keyboard layoutEasy

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar.
  2. Under Text Input, click Edit and turn on Show Input menu in menu bar.
  3. Click the Input menu in the menu bar and make sure the right layout for your keyboard is selected, such as U.S..

Why it helps: If a different layout is selected, keys type different letters or symbols than the ones printed on them.

08Clean the keyboard with compressed airMedium

  1. Apple gives these steps for MacBook (2015 and later) and MacBook Pro (2016 and later). Turn the Mac off and unplug it first.
  2. Hold the MacBook at about a 75-degree angle, so it's tilted back but not quite upright.
  3. Spray compressed air across the keyboard, or just the problem keys, moving from left to right. Keep the straw about half an inch from the keys and never turn the can upside down.
  4. Turn the MacBook onto its right side and spray left to right again.
  5. Turn it onto its left side and repeat.

Why it helps: Dust or crumbs under a key can stop it from pressing down or registering.

09Run Apple DiagnosticsMedium

  1. If the built-in keyboard isn't working, connect a USB keyboard so you can press the startup keys.
  2. Shut down and unplug other accessories except the keyboard, mouse and power.
  3. Apple silicon Mac: press and hold the power button until startup options appear. Let go when you see Options, then press and hold Command-D.
  4. Intel Mac: turn it on and right away press and hold the D key until you see a progress bar or a language choice.
  5. On macOS Tahoe 26 or later you can pick a specific test, such as the keyboard. Write down any reference codes for Apple or a repair shop.

Why it helps: Apple Diagnostics checks whether the keyboard hardware has a fault.

Check it's fixed

  • Every key types the character printed on it in a document or the Notes app.
  • Caps Lock turns its light on and off.
  • A wireless keyboard stays connected after the Mac sleeps and wakes.

When to get help

If keys still don't respond after cleaning and checking these settings, or a different keyboard works but the built-in one doesn't, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repair.

Questions

How can I type while my keyboard isn't working?

Use Keyboard Viewer, an on-screen keyboard you click with the trackpad or mouse. Click the Input menu in the menu bar and choose Show Keyboard Viewer; if the Input menu isn't there, turn it on in System Settings > Keyboard > Text Input > Edit.

Why do only some keys on my MacBook work?

Mouse Keys can take over some letter and number keys, and Slow Keys can make quick taps not register. If those settings are off, dust under the keys or a hardware fault is the likely cause.

Why is my Mac typing the wrong letters or symbols?

A different keyboard layout or input source is probably selected. Turn on the Input menu in Keyboard settings and choose the layout that matches your keyboard.

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