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There are several reasons that can cause the MacBook keyboard not to function, not typing. Readers can refer to the article below by Mytour to understand the causes of the issue as well as how to fix MacBook keyboard not typing issue.
Fix MacBook Keyboard Not Typing Issue
The System Preferences panel displays a list of connected devices along with notifications about their battery status or any errors. If the Bluetooth icon shows a jagged line as depicted below, it means Bluetooth is offline. Try restarting your Macbook to check for any remaining issues, whether the Macbook keyboard is functioning or not. If not, disconnect all USB devices and reboot your device.
Method 2: Ensure your keyboard is turned on
Sometimes the subjective reason for MacBook keyboard not typing could be that you forgot to turn on the keyboard. Press the keyboard power button as shown below and observe the indicator lights. If the light turns on briefly and then off, it means the keyboard is connected to the MacBook. If the light is flashing continuously, it means the keyboard is in search mode trying to pair with your device. If the light doesn't turn on, check the keyboard batteries.
Once turned on, return to the Bluetooth Preferences panel and check if the keyboard is connected. If the keyboard is searching for your computer but not connecting, on the list of devices found, right-click on your keyboard and select Connect.
Step 3: Check keyboard battery status
If your wireless keyboard battery is running low, you may encounter performance issues. Access System Preferences => Keyboard and navigate to the Keyboard tab. Here you will find information about the keyboard battery status displayed at the bottom left corner.
Additionally, to check the battery status of any device connected to your Macbook, simply click on the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar and hover over the device you're interested in.
Step 4: Disable Mouse keys and Slow keys features
Navigate to System Preferences => Accessibility and select Mouse & Trackpad from the menu on the left corner. Ensure you have unchecked the option Enable Mouse Keys. This option allows you to control the mouse through the keyboard, which may cause some keys not to function properly.
Next, click on Keyboard on the left sidebar and uncheck the option Enable Slow Keys. This option requires you to press and hold certain keys for a longer duration.
Step 5: Re-pair the wireless keyboard with Macbook
In the Bluetooth Preferences panel, make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Hover over your wireless keyboard in the list of devices, then click on the X icon on the right side. A notification will appear on the screen stating that you'll need to re-pair the device on the next use. Click Remove.
The next step is to turn off your wireless keyboard and then turn it back on. At this point, the indicator light will start flashing. Open System Preferences, then go to the Keyboard tab, click on Set up Bluetooth keyboard, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the wireless keyboard with Macbook. Finally, check if the issue of MacBook keyboard not typing persists.
Part 2: Fixing wired keyboard issues on Macbook
If you're using a wired keyboard on Macbook and encountering the issue of MacBook keyboard not typing, follow the steps below to fix the issue.
Method 1: Try plugging into a different USB port
The reason for the MacBook keyboard not typing issue could be a faulty USB port on the MacBook. Try plugging into a different USB port and check if the keyboard is working, if it's typing correctly. If the keyboard is functioning properly, it could be due to a faulty USB port, try resetting the SMC and PRAM to fix the USB port issue.
Method 2: Check System Report
From the Apple menu (located in the top left corner of the screen), click on About This Mac, then click on the System Report button. This will open the System Report window, click on USB under the Hardware section in the left pane. Here you'll see the content that the MacBook is reading from the USB ports.
If the MacBook detects the keyboard, you'll see Apple Keyboard listed under one of the USB ports. If not, try restarting your MacBook and resetting the SMC and PRAM.
Step 3: Disable Bluetooth
Access System Preferences => Bluetooth, turn off Bluetooth, and check if the MacBook keyboard is working, if it's typing. If the MacBook keyboard not typing issue is resolved, it may be because the MacBook recognizes and prioritizes the Bluetooth keyboard over the wired one.
If you must keep Bluetooth enabled, it's best to remove the wireless keyboard from the list by clicking on the X icon in the top right corner of the System Preferences => Bluetooth panel to remove the device from the list.
Step 4: Disable Mouse keys and Slow keys features
Access System Preferences => Accessibility, select Mouse & Trackpad from the menu on the left corner and uncheck the option Enable Mouse Keys.
Click on Keyboard in the left pane and uncheck the option Enable Slow Keys.
Method 5: Connect keyboard to Macbook via USB hub
The Apple USB keyboard comes with a USB extension cable to extend the USB cable range. Try plugging your keyboard into a USB hub and connect the other end to your Macbook and see if the keyboard is working.
Additionally, you can try using a USB splitter to fix the MacBook keyboard not typing issue.
The Apple USB keyboard comes with a USB extension cable to extend the range of the included USB cable. Try plugging your keyboard into one end of this cable and the other end into your computer. If you don't have a USB extension cable, you can also use a USB splitter.
This article by Mytour just showed you how to fix the MacBook keyboard not typing issue. Additionally, readers can refer to some other articles on Mytour to learn how to fix macbook stuck on the apple logo.
