How to Fix a MacBook Keyboard That Has Stopped Responding
When an Apple MacBook keyboard stops working, the cause is often fixable at home through a restart, settings checks or cleaning. Tech outlet Engadget has outlined the steps to try before seeking a repair.
A MacBook keyboard that stops working can derail a workday quickly, but the cause is not always faulty hardware. Technology outlet Engadget explains that software glitches or tiny particles of dirt under the keys can also be to blame, so several fixes are worth trying before arranging a repair.
The simplest steps
The first recommendation is to restart the Mac by choosing Restart from the Apple menu. A wired keyboard should be unplugged and reconnected, while a wireless one should be switched off and on. If that fails, the keyboard can be unpaired and paired again under System Settings > Bluetooth. On wireless models, a low battery can also make keys unresponsive, so the keyboard should be charged or its batteries replaced.
macOS settings are the next thing to check. Under Accessibility > Keyboard, make sure Sticky Keys and Slow Keys have not been enabled by accident, since both change how the Mac registers keystrokes. If you need to type while troubleshooting, the Accessibility Keyboard in the same menu brings up an on-screen keyboard that can be used with the mouse.
Cleaning and diagnostics
If these steps do not help, connect an external keyboard to confirm that the problem lies with the built-in keyboard rather than macOS. Starting the Mac in safe mode can show whether a third-party app is interfering. To do this, shut the Mac down from the Apple menu, hold the power button until Loading startup options appears, select the startup disk, hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode. Apple Diagnostics can also be run.
When only one or two keys fail, debris in the key mechanism is the most likely cause. The MacBook can be held at a 75-degree angle and cleaned with compressed air, then rotated and the process repeated. Another option is to turn it upside down and gently tap the back cover. Keycaps should not be removed by hand, as the small, delicate parts can be permanently damaged.
The last resort is an appointment with Apple Support, where a specialist will decide whether the keyboard needs replacing. MacBooks released between 2015 and 2019 became known for problems with the "butterfly" keyboard, which was more prone to sticking because of dirt particles. Even the latest models can develop keyboard faults over time, so a replacement may sometimes be necessary.
