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Free Image Format ConversionMac devices are renowned for their productivity and professional performance. However, they can also encounter a few frustrating issues, such as when your Mac keyboard suddenly stops functioning. This is a common problem faced by numerous Mac users worldwide.
However, where there is a problem, there is also a solution. So, if your Mac keyboard isn't functioning, you can readily fix it by employing a few techniques. Today, we'll explore some of these methods. Let's dive right in.
Mac devices typically come equipped with a TKL (TenKeyLess) keyboard, which lacks an integrated numeric pad. Although this keyboard is designed for enhanced productivity, it occasionally encounters issues where Mac users find themselves unable to utilize it properly.
Therefore, it's crucial to comprehend the reasons behind a non-functional Mac keyboard. As we delve into the solutions, we'll also examine the potential causes behind this irritating and frustrating problem. If you have an interest in this subject, we recommend you事先阅读以下三篇相关的文章:
Why Isn't My Mac Keyboard Working?
There are numerous reasons why a Mac keyboard might not function correctly. The issue can vary depending on the model and year of your Mac, but a significant cause, particularly for newer models, is the butterfly keyboard mechanism. This design is what enables Mac keyboards to be exceptionally slim and lightweight.
Apple keyboards utilize a distinct design compared to conventional keyboards with latching keys. As a result, even tiny dust particles can potentially interfere with the switch and connection, preventing the key(s) from functioning properly. To summarize, here are a few reasons why it might not be working:
- Dust: A dusty keyboard can lead to a buildup of carbon, which in turn prevents the keys from being registered.
- Software Issue: Applications or software that interfere with the keyboard's functionality. Certain apps may require extra permissions, and allowing these permissions could enable them to disrupt the keyboard or cause problems with it.
- Malicious Programs: A virus or malware infection that causes issues with an application or driver.
- Older Keyboard: An older, fragile butterfly keyboard that fails to register keystrokes.
These are some of the most common reasons your Mac keyboard might not be working. So, how do you fix it? Let's continue.
How to Solve the Issue of Mac Keyboard Not Working?
There are instances when a straightforward restart might resolve the problem. On other occasions, you might need to clean your keyboard using an air duster or a can of compressed air. Nevertheless, there's a solution for every issue, and here are four potential fixes for your non-functional Mac keyboard:
Method 1: Clean Your Butterfly Keyboard
Cleaning the butterfly keyboard can be quite a hassle. This is because you have to remove every single key and then blast them with compressed air. Therefore, you'll need a tool like a guitar pick to gently prise the keys off, something like this:
Once you have it, gently pry the key up until it pops off, like this:
When the key pops off, it'll look like this:
Once the keys are removed, here's what you'll do:
Step 1. Tilt the Mac device at a 75-degree angle.
Step 2. Use a microfiber cloth or canned air to remove the dust from the keys.
Step 3. Set the Mac back down on the table/desk.
Step 4. Use Isopropyl wipes or alcohol with cotton buds to clean the connecting area.
This will remove any dust or carbon residue on the keyboard. After that, put each key cap back in its original position. Next, turn on your Mac device and inspect its performance.
Method 2: Check for macOS Update
Sometimes, resolving such issues simply requires updating macOS. This is because updates often include driver improvements and bug fixes. To check for macOS updates, follow these steps:
Step 1. Click on the "Apple menu" in the top left corner of your screen.
Step 2. Go to System Settings/System Preferences.
Step 3. Under the Overview tab, click on "Software Update."
Step 4. If updates are available, click on "Upgrade Now."
Step 5. Wait for the update to complete.
Step 6. Restart your Mac.
This will cause any driver or software-related issues to be resolved automatically. Therefore, ensure that your MacOS is up to date.
Method 3: Reboot Your MacBook
Sometimes, all you need is a simple Reboot, as the issues could be due to a cache accumulation or a misbehaving program. However, in this scenario, a straightforward restart might not suffice, and you might require a hard reset. Here's how to proceed:
Step 1. Press and hold the power button until your Mac shuts down.
Step 2. Wait for 10 seconds.
Step 3. Turn your Mac device back on.
This will restart your PC by shutting down all the hardware, including the keyboard and touchpad. So, if the issue was due to a cache buildup or a software problem, this should likely resolve the issue.
Method 4: Delete Recent Apps
A recently installed application is most likely to blame. Sometimes, the MacOS keyboard functions perfectly, but after installing a particular app, the keyboard driver might encounter problems. To address this issue, you can uninstall any recently installed apps using the following method:
Step 1. Tap and hold on the app that you recently installed.
Step 2. Click on the "X" mark when it appears.
Step 3. Press the Delete button when prompted.
Step 4. Repeat until the recently installed apps are no longer present.
Step 5. Restart your Mac.
Performing this will ensure that anything causing the Mac keyboard to malfunction is halted. Consequently, when you restart your Mac device, it is highly probable that the issue will be resolved.
Final Words
Here are some methods to address your Mac keyboard issues. Whether the problem is due to dust or software, these approaches should assist in resolving it. However, in severe instances where the hardware or keyboard is irreparably damaged, you might need to consider an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) for your Mac device or opt for an external keyboard.