Here's how to fix this problem if a MacBook Pro keyboard isn't working (2024)

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Clean the keys, check for updates or reset the SMC

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Jeremy Laukkonen

Here's how to fix this problem if a MacBook Pro keyboard isn't working (1)

Jeremy Laukkonen

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Jeremy Laukkonen is an automotive and technology writer for several major trade publications. When he's not researching and testing computers, gaming consoles or smartphones, he stays informed about the myriad of complex systems that power battery-powered electric vehicles.

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Updated April 2, 2024

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When the keyboard of a MacBook Pro stops working, none of the keys may work or some keys may work. IfTouch bardoes not work, then a software problem is probably the cause.

You will have to try solutions such as cleaning, checking for updates, and uninstalling possible problem apps to get your keyboard working again. Most of these solutions also work for MacBook Air keyboards.

Apple's butterfly keyboards were one such problem; Apple had to release oneKeyboard service program for MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

How to fix a MacBook Pro keyboard that isn't working

If your keyboard stops working, the first step is to clean it. If that doesn't work, connect an additional keyboard and try some other solutions. In the worst case, contact Apple for professional help. Do not attempt to do an advanced repair or disassembly yourself as Apple will fix some of these issues for free.

Some of these solutions require a working keyboard. If you don't have a spare keyboard, borrow one. If you plug in another keyboard and it doesn't work either, your Mac probably needs a professional repair.

To fix a MacBook Pro keyboard that has stopped working:

  1. Clean the keyboard. Dust and other debris are the most common cause of MacBook keyboard failure, so start by cleaning your keyboard as best you can. Here is Apple's recommended procedure:

    1. Hold the MacBook so that the base is at a 75-degree angle with the floor or table.
    2. To control the compressed air, use compressed air with a straw and blow between the keys in a left-to-right, top-to-bottom pattern.
    3. Turn the MacBook so that the right side is facing down, still at about a 75-degree angle.
    4. Repeat the same left-to-right, top-to-bottom blowing pattern you used before.
    5. Rotate the MacBook again so that the left side is facing down and still at a 75-degree angle.
    6. Repeat the same blowing pattern you used before.

    If you see visible dirt on the keyboard at this point, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to complete the cleaning.

  2. Connect the MacBook. If the battery is low, the keyboard may not work and you may not see a low battery warning. Wait for the MacBook to charge and then check if the keyboard works.

  3. check for updates. Connect a USB or wireless keyboard and follow the standard procedure to check for updates. If your MacBook needs driver or operating system updates, update it and see if the keyboard works.

  4. Uninstall recent apps. If you installed one or more apps just before this problem started, it could be causing a conflict. Uninstall any apps you recently installed, restart your MacBook and check if the keyboard works.

  5. Restart the TouchBar. If the Touch Bar is the part of your MacBook Pro's keyboard that isn't working, you can usually use Terminal to get it working again. That is how it works:

    1. Typeterminalin Spotlight, or open it viaWinner>Application>Utilities.
    2. With the terminal open, typesudo pkill TouchBarServer;and busyenter.
    3. Typesudo killall "ControlStrip";and busyenter.
    4. Enter your password and pressenter.
    5. Touch Bar will turn off and restart.
  6. Disable slow keys. When this feature is enabled, you must hold down each key longer than normal before it is detected. It may seem as if the keyboard is not working at all if you only press each key for a short time. How to disable it:

    1. openApple menu.
    2. Navigate toSystem preferences>Availability>Keyboard>Hardware.
    3. Make sure thatSlow keysis not enabled.
  7. Disable mouse keys. This setting can cause problems if accidentally enabled. Disable mouse keys:

    1. openApple menu.
    2. Navigate toSystem preferences>Availability>Pointer control>Alternative control methods.
    3. Make sure thatMemorial certificateis not enabled.
  8. Check the keyboard layout setting. If you have set the wrong keyboard layout, the keys will not work as expected. How to check:

    1. openApple menu.
    2. Navigate toSystem preferences>Keyboard>Input frog.
    3. to electShow the input menu in the menu bar.
    4. openInput menuand choose the appropriate keyboard layout for your region and language.
  9. Zero Quiet System Management Controller (SMC). If there is a problem with your MacBook's SMC, it may cause the keyboard to malfunction. Resetting the SMC usually resolves the problem.

  10. If your keyboard still doesn't work after trying all these solutions, or if certain keys just don't work,seek professional help from Apple.

    Apple will fix some keyboard issues free of charge due to defects in the butterfly switch mechanisms, but customer support can tell you if your MacBook is covered.

Make sure you check this before taking your MacBook in for servicebackup the data on your Mac.

What causes a MacBook Pro keyboard to stop working?

The most common reasons why a MacBook keyboard stops working are dust and other contaminants. If you have a MacBook with keys that use Apple's butterfly keyboard mechanism, even the smallest amount of dust contamination can cause problems. Other contaminants, such as food and various liquids, can also cause a Mac keyboard to malfunction.

The most common reasons why a MacBook keyboard stops working are:

  • Dust and other pollutants
  • Incorrect software settings
  • Problematic apps
  • Mistakes and errors
  • Broken hardware
How to Unlock a MacBook Pro

FAQ

  • How do you reset an external keyboard on a MacBook Pro?

    Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard using the USB cable, making sure it is properly plugged into the USB port when reconnecting it. You can also try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port.

  • How do you turn on the backlight of a MacBook Pro keyboard?

    One way to turn on the backlight is to pressincrease brightnesskey ordecrease the brightnesskey. You can also go to the control center and selectKeyboard brightnessand move the slider back and forth. Or expand in the Touch BarControlestripsand busyincrease brightnessofdecrease the brightness.

  • How do you lock the keyboard on a MacBook Pro?

    Nastylock the keyboard of your MacBook Pro, put the computer to sleep, or lock the screen. Use the hotkey to lock the screenTo steer+Movement+Current. To put the computer to sleep, you have three options: close the lid and use the hotkeyCommando+Possibility+Currentor selectSleepfrom the Apple menu.

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Here's how to fix this problem if a MacBook Pro keyboard isn't working (2024)
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