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Fix a Mac keyboard that will not work

We'll rule out Bluetooth, accessibility settings, and physical issues, then isolate the cause—pairing, Slow Keys, or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB or Bluetooth keyboard (to test whether the built-in keyboard is the issue)
  • Compressed air (optional, for cleaning under keys)
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Steps

Goal: Rule out external vs built-in keyboard, then isolate software or hardware cause.

  • Connect an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard. If it works, the built-in keyboard is the issue.
  • Good: External works. Proceed to Built-in checks.
  • Bad: External does not work. Proceed to Software checks.

Check external

Goal: Isolate built-in vs system-wide issue.

  • Connect a USB keyboard or pair a Bluetooth keyboard. Test typing.
  • If the external works, the built-in keyboard or its connection has failed. Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys, restart.
  • Good: External works—focus on built-in keyboard fixes.
  • Bad: External does not work—check Bluetooth and accessibility settings.

Built-in checks

Goal: Fix built-in keyboard when external works.

  • Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys in Accessibility. Restart. Reset NVRAM on Intel Macs.
  • If the built-in still does not work, physical damage or connection failure may need a technician.
  • Good: Built-in works after settings and restart.
  • Bad: Call Apple or a technician.

Software checks

Goal: Fix keyboard when no keyboard works.

  • Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys. Re-pair Bluetooth keyboard if external. Restart.
  • If a USB keyboard works but Bluetooth does not, the Bluetooth pairing or keyboard battery may be the issue.
  • Good: Keyboard works after settings and re-pair.
  • Bad: Try USB keyboard or call a pro.

When to get help

Call Apple or a technician if:

  • An external keyboard works but the built-in one does not after settings and restart.
  • Physical damage or liquid spill.
  • Keys register wrong characters.

Verification

  • Keys register correctly when typing.
  • No delay or missed keystrokes.
  • Slow Keys and Sticky Keys are off if you do not use them.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. External keyboard test Connect USB or Bluetooth keyboard; if it works, built-in keyboard is the issue.
  2. Accessibility settings Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys.
  3. Bluetooth and restart Re-pair Bluetooth keyboard; restart the Mac.
  4. Physical check Inspect for stuck keys, debris; blow compressed air under keys.
  5. Call a pro External works but built-in does not; physical damage or liquid spill.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Mac model and keyboard type (built-in or external)
  • Whether an external keyboard works
  • Slow Keys and Sticky Keys status
  • Steps already tried

Does an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard work?

If external works, the built-in keyboard or its connection is the issue.

Connect a USB keyboard or pair a Bluetooth keyboard. Good: External works—built-in keyboard or connection failed. Try accessibility settings, restart. Bad: External does not work—check Bluetooth, Slow Keys, Sticky Keys.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys; restart

Accessibility settings can block input.

System Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard. Disable Slow Keys and Sticky Keys. Restart. If built-in still does not work, call Apple or a technician.

Done

Turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys; re-pair Bluetooth

Software or pairing may be the issue.

Disable Slow Keys and Sticky Keys. If Bluetooth keyboard: remove from Bluetooth list, re-pair. Restart. If still does not work, try USB keyboard or call a pro.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Mac keyboard not work?
Bluetooth not paired, Slow Keys or Sticky Keys enabled, faulty connection, or hardware failure. Check Bluetooth and accessibility settings first.
Can I fix a Mac keyboard that will not work myself?
Yes. Re-pair Bluetooth, turn off Slow Keys and Sticky Keys, restart, reset NVRAM. If an external USB keyboard works, the built-in keyboard or its connection may have failed.
When should I call a technician for a Mac keyboard?
If an external keyboard works but the built-in one does not, and settings and restart do not help. Physical damage or liquid spill may need repair or replacement.

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