There are many reasons that could contribute to your mac keyboard not working and these can vary depending on the type of keyboard you use, the settings on your mac or just potentially an error within the system.
Apple in recent years have had trouble with the keyboards on certain models, so much so that they released the Apple MacBook Keyboard Service Program which offers repairs to certain mac keyboards. You can find out if your Mac is eligible here.
If your mac issue is not related to any of the issues in the Service Program you can find a few tips and tricks below that may help resolve your issue!
Accidentally changed keyboard settings
Check slow keys are turned off.
- Slow keys mean that you must press and hold a key longer than usual to be recognised.
- Choose Apple menu, System Preferences, click Accessibility, click Keyboard, then click Hardware. Make sure Slow Keys is turned off.
Check mouse keys are turned off.
- Mouse keys enable you to use the numeric keypad on your keyboard instead of your mouse to move the cursor.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Accessibility, click Pointer Control, then click Alternative Control Methods. Make sure Mouse Keys is off.
Using an external keyboard
- Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. If using a wire, ensure the wire is properly connected or try a different port.
- Connect the keyboard to a different mac. This will help to find out if the error is with the mac or the keyboard.
Sometimes by simply restarting your Macbook it can resolve the issue.
- You can do this without using the keyboard by moving the mouse to the Apple menu and selecting restart.