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You generally buy a MacBook because you want a quality laptop that’s easy-to-use and doesn’t suffer from bugs or hardware failures. So it’s truly disheartening to discover that there have been a slew of MacBook keyboard issues plaguing recent models.

Is your MacBook Pro keyboard not working? You’re not alone. Lots of users have been experiencing issues with their Apple butterfly keyboards as well.

Speaking of keyboards, we have some articles that help with various keyboard related questions such as Where is the Option key on a Mac, as well as how to right-click on a Mac and How to find End.

Naturally, Apple is working to fix the problem in upcoming models of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, but if you’ve bought one in the last few years, unfortunately, those fixes aren’t going to help you.

Let’s find out the steps you need to take to fix your MacBook keyboard quickly.

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Another common cause of keyboard issues is an outdated or corrupted driver, which is the software that tells the computer how to communicate with the keyboard. Check the computer's drivers to ensure they are up-to-date through the driver-management program or by downloading the latest version from the manufacturer's website.

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Why Is Mac Keyboard Not Working?

Before you can fix the problem, first you have to determine exactly what the problem is. There are a few possible issues that could lead to your MacBook keyboard not working.

One thing to note is that a MacBook keyboard isn’t like most other keyboards on the market. Instead of using a scissor-like mechanism, MacBooks feature a proprietary Apple butterfly-like keyboard with a slightly different design.

Ever wondered how Apple laptops are so slim? Part of that is the butterfly keyboard mechanism. Whereas most keyboards’ scissor mechanism provides tension on keys so that they click back into place once you finish typing, Apple designed a minimal switch as slim and elegant as a butterfly — hence the name.

Unfortunately, the butterfly keyboard is also just as fragile as a butterfly too. If even one spec of dust gets under a key and into the mechanism, it can lead to problems like a key repeating, sticking, or not registering hits at all.

It’s one thing if your Z key sticks occasionally. It’s another if your spacebar won’t work. Thus, fixing your MacBook keyboard can’t be put off for very long once it’s stopped working.

How do I fix a MacBook keyboard or MacBook Pro keyboard?

The short answer is: not you. The longer answer is an authorized Apple dealer will fix your MacBook Pro keyboard for free.

In some rare cases a blast of compressed air could clear the dust from the keyboard. Even though it won’t do the job for most, it’s worth trying since a can of air only costs a few dollars. But don’t expect salvation.

Apple has admitted that there’s a flaw with their design and as long as your MacBook is recognized as one of the afflicted models (if your keyboard isn’t working, it probably is) then all you have to do is take your laptop to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple Retail Store, or Apple Repair Center, and they’ll handle your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard replacement.

It’s worth noting, however, that Apple created this service program after three class-action lawsuits. There were a lot of users with a Mac keyboard not working, and if they hadn’t taken action this fix would cost hundreds of dollars.

Part of the problem is that it isn’t simply a matter of replacing a single key on the butterfly keyboard — the entire MacBook keyboard has to be replaced, making it a fairly significant repair job. It can take up to five days before the shop is able to get the right parts and make the replacement.

Remember: Before taking your computer into the shop, always back up its most important data — even if you have to use a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to get it done.

MacBook or MacBook Pro trackpad not working?

The MacBook trackpad is one of the best on the market. Responsive and precise, it’s a dream to work with… at least, when it’s working correctly.

If you find your MacBook trackpad not working, there are a few steps you can take.

1. Turn it off and on again

It’s true that restarting something is an ongoing joke most of the time, but it’s also great advice. Try rebooting your MacBook and see if that clears up the issue.

While you’re at it, close the lid when you shut your laptop down as well. For some reason many Mac users have reported this solves their MacBook trackpad not working issue.

2. Disable the Force Click option

In some cases, if your MacBook Pro trackpad isn’t working, you can try to disable Force Click to fix the issue:

Open System Preferences in your Applications folder
Click Trackpad
Navigate to the Point & Click tab
Uncheck the Force Click option

Note: This fix will only work for MacBooks with 3D Touch, but it’s relatively easy to do and worth a shot.

3. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

A lot of bugs and performance issues can be solved by resetting your Mac’s System Management Controller. There are two ways of doing so. For Macs with a non-removable battery:

Shut down your MacBook
Plug in your MagSafe adapter
Press and hold down: Shift, Control, Option, and the power button
If your MagSage adapter changes color, you’ve reset the SMC

If your MacBook has a removable battery:

Shut down the laptop
Remove your battery and MagSage adapter
Hold the power button for 10 seconds

This simple reboot can take care of many of your Mac’s problems. It’ll reset some options like the time it takes for your MacBook to go to sleep when left idle, but it won’t change any truly important settings.

MacBook Pro keyboard and trackpad not working?

If both your MacBook keyboard and trackpad aren’t working, then there are a few possible problems that might be causing the issue: hardware and software. Here are a few more tips to test before taking your MacBook into an Authorized Apple Service Provider.

1. Delete .plist files

It’s possible that somewhere along the line your software settings have changed and contributed to keyboard and trackpad malfunction. Try setting them back to their factory defaults by deleting your .plist (or “property list”) files.

Back up your computer with the Time Machine fist
Open Finder
Press ⌘ + Shift + G
Enter ~/Library/Preferences/ into the new bar and hit Go
Find and highlight these files:

com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist

com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist

com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist

Logitech Keyboard Software Mac

com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist

com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist

Microsoft Keyboard Software Mac

Delete them and reboot your Mac

2. Reset PRAM

Getting your Parameter RAM back to zero is a useful way of removing prescient glitches from your system:

Shut down your MacBook
Reboot, but while the computer is booting press and hold ⌘ + Option + P + R until the gray scr

Keyboard Software Problems For Mac