How to fix MacBook keys that aren't working

⚡Fast fix

• Blast the dust: Tilt your Mac sideways and hit the keys with compressed air. Most "broken" keys are just hiding a crumb.
• Check your settings: Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and make sure Slow Keys is toggled off.
• Hard restart: If the keyboard’s "brain" is frozen, hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot.

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If the keys on your MacBook®, MacBook Air®, or MacBook Pro® are sticking, repeating, or not working at all, it can slow you down or even bring you to a full stop. The good news: There's usually a simple solution.

Here at Asurion, we help you get the most out of your tech—whether you want to transfer contacts to your new iPhone or find a lost or stolen laptop. Here's our guide to why your MacBook keys may not be working and how to fix them.

Why won't your MacBook keys work?

There are several common reasons some—or all—of your MacBook keys may be on the fritz. They include:

• The keys are dirty or damaged.
• You need to update your software.
• There's an app issue.
• The Slow Keys setting is turned on.
• The keyboard is faulty or damaged.

Here are a few easy ways to troubleshoot which issue is behind your faulty keyboard and solve the problem.

Clean your MacBook keyboard

From grimy fingerprints to dust, spills, and pet hair, your keyboard can get downright filthy. A simple cleanup may solve your keyboard issues—follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your MacBook. You don't want to risk moisture getting into your computer and causing it to short out, and you'll also avoid sending an errant email while you're wiping down the keys.
2. Flip your MacBook upside down and gently shake it. This should dislodge any large crumbs or dust on your keyboard. To make cleanup easier, it's smart to do this over a towel or a garbage can.
3. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean out loose debris. Use a soft paintbrush to wipe the dust from the tops and edges of each key. It's best to do this while the keyboard is still upside down to avoid pushing dirt further into any crevices. If you have a compressed air can, you can also use that to blow out anything stuck in the keys. Spray the air in a zigzag pattern across the keyboard, then rotate it and repeat the process until you've done all four sides of the keys. Warning: don't spray the air directly under the keys, as that could cause damage.

A thorough deep-cleaning of your laptop can also help it to work as it should—reach out to an experienced MacBook cleaning pro for help.

Check for missed software updates

Regular software updates may be the answer to why your MacBook keys aren't working. A quick system refresh can often kick those stubborn keys back into gear. Here’s how to check for updates on the latest macOS:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
2. Click General in the sidebar, then select Software Update on the right.
3. If an update is waiting, hit Update Now or Upgrade Now to get current.

To make sure your computer automatically stays updated, check the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date at the bottom of the menu.

Remove faulty applications

If your keys started acting up right after you downloaded a new app, that's your prime suspect. Here is how to scrub it from your Mac:

1. Click the happy face icon on your dock and select Applications in the sidebar.
2. Find the app you just installed and drag it straight to the Trash (or right-click and hit Move to Trash).
3. Empty your Trash and give your Mac a quick restart to clear out any leftover "ghost" settings.

Make sure Slow Keys is turned off

The keys on your MacBook keyboard will be sluggish—meaning you'll need to press and hold them longer than usual before they show up on the screen—if the Slow Keys feature is turned on. Here's how to make sure Slow Keys is turned off:

1. Click the Apple icon (top left) and choose System Settings.
2. Scroll down the sidebar to Accessibility and click Keyboard.
3. Look for Slow Keys and make sure the switch is flipped off.