Several users are reported with the Mac Keyboard key won’t work like Command, Shift, Options, and Other apple modifier keys. Here I try to get the solution and few tips this will help to fix mac keyboard not working & Mac computer functionality with those Modifier keys.
Mainly the Keyboard Key Functionality depends on Software and Hardware problem. so you should check and Fix it this way,
Command key not working on Mac Keyboard, Not Responding
1. Restart Mac
The primary fix for this random issue can be fixed after restarting your Mac. if the problem no longer persists.
- Go to the Apple Logo from the top Mac menu > Restart.
Also, keep your Mac updated with the Latest macOS > Apple Logo > System Preferences (in macOS Ventura, System Settings > General) > Software Update > Download and install. or App Update from the Mac app store.
2. Disconnect and Re-Connect Keyboard
if your Keyboard is stuck somewhere due to an Internal software issue or Bug. then Disconnect or Reconnect your Mac to make a new setup with Mac. Without Restart or Shutdown, we can do this.
But for Apple M1 mac, T2 Silicon Chip or Intel Macbook Air/Pro users have to Restart System.
Still, your Mac Command Key is not working then, check The Modifier key settings under the Keyboard Preferences.
3. Restore Default modifier key
MacOS allows changing the Keyboard functionality to Another key, Which means we can assign Our Command Key to another Modifier key to Work next time. This kind of wrong customization makes your Command Key Unresponding or Dead.
On macOS Ventura & Earlier modifier key Settings:-
1→ Go to the Apple Logo from the top left menu> System Settings.
2→ Next, Select Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts…
3→ Choose Modifier Keys > and See the below details,
- Caps Lock Key
- Control Key
- Option Key
- Command Key
- Globe Key
Now change it or Set the Default value to correct it. See the below screen. [To check Default Modifier Keys Settings].
5→ Click on Done to save the settings.
On macOS Monterey & Earlier modifier key Settings:-
1→ Go to the Apple Logo from the Top mac menu > System Preferences > Keyboard.
2→ Modifier Keys… > Click on Restore Defaults Option > And Ok to Save the changes.
You have set default settings for the modifier key on Mac then Put your Mac in safe mode and Determine the problem is caused by the installed or running software.
4. Command Shift 4 Not Working on Mac
Command + Shift + 4, Keyboard Shortcut use to Save picture of selected area as a file on Mac. But if it’s changed and set to custom Shortcut then it will not work. In that case, you should ser to Restore Default. Follow the below steps to verify and reset to the default keyboard Shortcut that uses the Modifier key.
1→ Go to the Apple Logo from the top menu > System Settings.
2→ From the Left panel, Choose the Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts Option and Select the Screenshots Option.
3→ See the Restore defaults Option to Reset the Shortcut for Screen capture or Screen recording. Click on Done. Hope this now works.
Still Not Working?
Note: Force quit the other Screen Capture tools on Mac that are running in the background (Apple Logo > Force Quit > Select all apps – command + A > Force Quit). This Programmed generally Open to Mac startups, Learn how to Turn off Startup Program on Mac at all times.
5. left shift key not working MacBook, Mac
We all tech people are accustomed to Left Modifier keys on the Keyboard. So, Some mac users are experiencing the left shift key not working mac on Built-in MacBook Keyboard or External magic keyboard. Know the Primary fix and Diagnose yourself,
Hopefully, you tested the solutions like Set default Modifier keys, restarting Mac, Connecting Keyboard, and Safe boot on Mac. But not succeed.
Now, Try After enabling Stickey Key, Might be the Shift Key is Not Pressing correctly [Generally, this happen on an old Keyboard due to low-quality checks].
Follow the steps given to Turn off Sticky Keys and Slow Keys under the Mac Keyboard Accessibility settings,
- On macOS Ventura: Apple Logo > System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > Turn off “Sticky Keys” and Turn off “Slow Keys”.
- On macOS Monterey & Earlier: Apple Logo > System Preferences > Keyboard > Turn off “Sticky Keys” and Turn off “Slow Keys”.
If the “Slow Keys” are enabled on your Mac, then you feel like shift key stuck mac and Freeze. Turn off the option and check the Shift key is normal.
Alternate Ways to Turn off Sticky Keys, Slow Keys, Mouse Keys on Mac
Several Mac users reported some keys not working on Keyboard, or one of my macbook keys isn’t working.
MacBook t key not working
Macbook o key not working
On your Mac Keyboard, Press Option + Command + F5 from Keyboard at once. and Uncheck the Option for Sticky Keys, Slow Keys, and Mouse Keys to Make the Keyboard normal. and Choose Done to save the settings.
Or
Find out the option “Mouse Keys” under the Mac Accessibility settings,
1→ Go to the Apple logo > System Preferences/Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Turn off “Mouse Keys” and “Alternate pointer actions.”
That’s it.
Fix: MacBook pro escape key not working
Sill your Apple Keyboard is not working on Mac,
- Try on a Different Mac System or MacBook
5. Safe Mode
Safe mode on Mac determines the software issue on Mac startup. And fix the issue automatically during startup time. So, Safe mode will take a few times. Also, Make sure about your Mac model you have, Intel or Apple Silicon chip Mac – M1 Or T2. and Follow the below steps,
On M1 or T2 Mac,
1→ Shut down your Mac and Wait for 20 seconds.
2→ Now, Press and Hold the power button until your Mac see the Startup volumes and Option show on screen.
3→ Select the Startup Volume.
4→ And Press Shift Key from Keyboard, and click on Continue in Safe mode.
log in to your Mac and Check the issue is fixed or not.
On Intel Mac,
- Shut down your Mac and Wait for 20 seconds.
- Now, Start your Mac and press and hold on to the Command + R key from Keyboard. Now, Your mac will Start in Safe mode [Safe mode Red label appears at the top right corner of the screen].
- Log in to your Mac and check the issue is fixed or not.
Exit from Safe mode with restart your Mac.
6. Use Keyboard Viewer
If you are looking for a temporary fix, Follow this easy trick to Get your Work done during the Command key not working on Mac. Follow the below steps, Enable and Use Keyboard Viewer.
- Go to the apple logo from the top mac menu > System Preferences.
- Next, Click on Keyboard > Input Sources Tab.
- Enable Checkbox for “Show Input Menu in menu bar“. Click on A In top Mac menu > Show Keyboard Viewer.
- Use This Apple Virtual keyboard and Do your Work temporarily.
You know that the issue with the Software then I highly recommend fixing it with Reinstall Mac on Mac without touch/affect any data on Mac.
7. Reset PRAM
Apple Silicon chip Users have to skip this step, Becuase doesn’t store value in PRAM.
For Intel Mac: Restart your Mac and Quickly Press and Hold on Command + Option + P + R Key during startup.
Press and hold all the Keys until You hear the startup sound Three times. Now, log in to your Mac Normally and check the issue is fixed.
8. Reinstall MacOS
Reinstallation of MacOS doesn’t affect the data saved on Mac, Still, I highly recommend taking Mac Backup in Time Machine.
Put your Mac in Recovery mode, and Find the Option for Reinstall Mac. then follow the on-screen process to complete the installation.
9. Apple Support
That’s it. Still, Your Problem is not fixed then Diagnose with the apple Support team. and Book Appointment at apple genius bar, Also you have a chance to get a free repair if your Mac is under Warranty. Check Mac Warranty Online.
10. Hardware issue – Use External Wired or USB Keyboard
:-Buy a New Keyboard or Use Spare Keyboard
If you don’t know then, you can set up External Wired Apple Keyboard. or Bluetooth Keyboard. This will help to minimize the repairing cost in some cases. macOS also support Third-Party Cheap Bluetooth Keyboard or Windows Keyboards as a temporary solution. last time, I used Windows Keyboard with Mac Mini.
The above solution is also helpful for Command, Options, Shift, or other modifier keys not working.
Send me a comment in the below comment box for more guidance and help!
Jaysukh Patel is the founder of howtoisolve. Also self Professional Developer, Techno lover mainly for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and iOS, Jaysukh is one of responsible person in his family. Contact On: jaysukh.pharma@gmail.com [OR] admin@howtoisolve.com
