In this short tutorial, you learn how to re-connect your apple wireless mouse/keyboard! Sep 25, 2020 The Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have a slide switch on the back edge of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device (green colouring becomes visible). Earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard models have a power button on the right-hand side of the device.
For some it's the MacBook keyboard that's not working, for others, it's the trackpad that's acting up. For a worrying number of people, the issue is with both. Worse still, the problem doesn't seem to be affecting a particular type of MacBook but both Pro and Air models from 2011 onwards.
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Download FreeWhether it's one key or all of them, if the keyboard isn't working, your MacBook is all but useless. Here are a few things you can try to kick it back into life.
1. Clean the keyboard
That's right. Cleaning is actually Apple's recommended fix for unresponsive keyboards. To make this work you'll need a can of compressed air and a straw to control the airflow. If you have those things, here are Apple's suggested steps:
- Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle.
- Use the compressed air to spray the keyboard in a left-to-right motion.
- Rotate your MacBook onto to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left-to-right.
- Repeat with the MacBook rotated to its left side.
At the very least, using compressed air rules out any crumbs or bits of debris being the cause of the Apple keyboard not working. Hopefully, though, it provides the fix you've been searching for.
2. Check for updates
Is your system up-to-date? It seems obvious, but there's every chance that outdated firmware, drivers, or even the operating system, is affecting the keyboard.
To check for updates, open the App Store and click on the Updates icon. If updates are available, click on the Update or Update All button to install them.
It's worth having your MacBook check for updates automatically. You can do this by going to System Preferences > App Store and checking the 'Automatically check for updates' box.
3. Delete recent apps
Is the problem a recent one? Has it occurred only after downloading a new app? It's not unheard of for app to cause conflict and knock other things out of sync. Try deleting recent apps to see if the keyboard regains proper function. If it's doesn't work you can easily reinstall them.
You can delete applications manually in one of two ways: using the Launchpad and the Finder.
Deleting apps using the Launchpad
- Click on Launchpad icon.
- Position the pointer over the app you want to get rid of and press and hold until all the icons start to jiggle.
- Hit the Delete button.
Deleting apps using the Finder
- In the Finder, click on Applications.
- Find the app that you want to delete and drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Go to Finder > Empty Trash to permanently remove the app.
Deleting apps with CleanMyMac
Removing apps manually is quick and easy, but it's not comprehensive. Traces of the app can be left behind in files. To fully remove any trace of the app, CleanMyMac X's Uninstaller feature is the best solution.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac X (It's free to download).
- Click on the Uninstaller tab.
- Click View All Applications.
- Check the box for any app that you want to remove.
- Click Uninstall.
It really is as simple as it sounds.
What to do if your MacBook trackpad is not working
The trackpad on MacBook is one of the best around and it works brilliantly with macOS… When it actually is working, that is. Page software download. If you're having trackpad troubles, work your way through these possible fixes.
1. Reboot and close the lid
This one is a bit of a strange tip, but it's worked for a few people. It's basically the old 'switch it off and back on again' fix that works for anything and everything.
- Reboot your MacBook from the Apple menu.
- Once rebooted, close the lid to put your MacBook to sleep and leave it for 2-3 minutes.
- Open the lid and the trackpad should be working as normal.
This tip might also work for the keyboard so if your keys aren't working give it a try.
2. Disable Force Click
If a failure to register clicks is the problem for the trackpad not working on your Mac, you can disable Force Click.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Click on Trackpad and locate the Point & Click tab.
- Uncheck the Force Click and haptic feedback option.
Note: this fix will only work on MacBooks that include 3D Touch.
3. Reset the Mac SMC
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) is a proven fix for all manner of hardware and power-related issues. How you do this depends on whether or not your MacBook has a detachable battery.
Resetting the SMC in MacBooks with non-removable batteries
- Shutdown your MacBook.
- Connect the MagSafe adapter.
- Hold down Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
- Release the keys and look to see if the MagSafe adapter briefly changes color. If it does, the SMC reset has worked.
- Reboot your Mac and test the trackpad.
Possible fixes if both MacBook trackpad and keyboard aren't working
If both the keyboard and trackpad are not working, your MacBook is nothing more than a monitor, albeit a very pretty one. You can use a Bluetooth or wireless mouse or keyboard, but if you wanted to do that you could have just bought an iMac instead.
Here are some troubleshooting tips that have worked for dual keyboard and trackpad issues
1. Delete .plist files
Property List (plist) files are used to store user preference files related to software. Deleting them will reset your keyboard and trackpad back to factory settings. Before you go ahead and do this, you should backup your Mac using the Time Machine in case anything goes wrong.
1. Press Command+Shift+G in the Finder.
2. Enter ~/Library/Preferences/ and click Go.
3. Locate the following files:
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist - Magic Trackpad
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist - Magic Mouse
- com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist - wired USB mouse
- com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
- Com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist
Apple Wireless Keyboard Numbers Not Working Remotely
4. Delete the files.
5. Reboot your MacBook.
2. Reset PRAM
Resetting Parameter RAM (PRAM) is similar to resetting the SMC in that it's a good fix for a wide variety is issues.
- Fully shut down your MacBook.
- Reboot your MacBook and press and hold Command+Option+P+R before the gray screen appears.
- Wait until you hear the reboot sound and release the keys.
- Let the system reboot normally.
3. Restore system to an earlier point
If problems with the keyboard and trackpad have recently appeared you can restore your Mac to a previous date using the Time Machine. The issue could be due to a recent system change and a restore can repair it.
This method will require you to have Time Machine set up to backup data to a storage device. We've written an article on how to do that here.
- Restart your MacBook.
- When the system restarts, press Command+R to open the Recovery Tool.
- Select Restore From Time Machine Backup. This will restore your Mac back to 24 hours previous.
Each of these fixes have worked for one or more MacBook users, so it's worth trying each one until you find the solution. Once you've found a fix, use CleanMyMac regularly to maintain your system and prevent junk files affecting keyboard and trackpad performance.
Stay in control of your Mac's activity
If none of that works, your Mac will need a more comprehensive checkup. This is possible if you own a tool like MacPilot. Basically, it's an uncomplicated version of Terminal that allows you to dive under the hood of your macOS. Using the app on a regular basis is also a good way to prevent your keyboard and trackpad from misbehaving in the first place.
MacPilot covers 1,200+ features — all of them accessible from one handy window. Whether you use the app for macOS activity monitoring or to investigate keyboard and trackpad issues, you'll appreciate the help:
- See advanced data about each of your files, including the hidden ones;
- Reset DNS cache and clear the print queue;
- View and manage login settings;
- Monitor battery and network use.
In case you want a simpler version of a monitoring tool, use One Switch. It's a set of toggles available from the menu bar. Works perfectly for searching hidden files, enabling Sleep Time or Dark Mode, etc.
If the unthinkable happens and you're still experiencing issues, you might need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for repairs — but hopefully, that's not the case.
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Your device isn't recognised by your Mac
Follow these steps if your mouse, keyboard or trackpad isn't recognised by your Mac.
Make sure your wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad is turned on
The Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2 have a slide switch on the bottom of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device. On the Magic Mouse, the green LED lights up briefly. On the Magic Mouse 2, green colouring is visible beneath the switch.
The Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have a slide switch on the back edge of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device (green colouring becomes visible). Earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard models have a power button on the right-hand side of the device. Press the button and you can see a green LED on top of the device, near the button.
When you turn these devices on, they appear as connected in Bluetooth preferences and in the Bluetooth menu in your menu bar. If a device doesn't appear there, make sure it's charged or replace it batteries, and make sure it's been paired with your Mac.
Make sure your device has been set up to work with your Mac
Find out how to pair your Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Trackpad 2 and earlier models of Apple wireless devices with your Mac.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
Use your Mac notebook's built-in trackpad or a USB mouse to choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Refer to the table below for more information on determining the Bluetooth status. If the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear or if the menu bar status continues to indicate that Bluetooth is off, restart your computer and try turning Bluetooth on again.
Bluetooth menu icon | Bluetooth status |
---|---|
Bluetooth is on, but no wireless devices are connected to the Mac. See the Make sure your wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad is turned on section of this article. | |
Bluetooth is on and at least one wireless device is connected. | |
When this icon flashes, at least one wireless device has a low battery. Click the Bluetooth icon to identify the affected device, then recharge the device or replace its batteries. | |
Bluetooth is off. Click the Bluetooth icon using a USB mouse or built-in trackpad and select Turn Bluetooth On. | |
Bluetooth is offline or unavailable. Restart your Mac. If the Bluetooth status doesn't change, disconnect all USB devices and restart your Mac again. |
Make sure your devices are charged
Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and Magic Trackpad 2 have built-in rechargeable batteries. You can charge these devices by connecting them to a Mac or a USB power adapter using a Lightning to USB Cable. For the fastest battery charging performance, make sure your device is switched on when connected to the Lightning to USB Cable.
To check the battery level of these devices, click the Bluetooth icon in your Mac's menu bar, then select your device by name. If the battery level of any device is low, recharge the device. Wifi camera software for pc. If the device isn't showing, make sure the device is turned on using the steps outlined above.
Turn the device off and on
If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad isn't recognised by your Mac after following the tips above, try turning the wireless device off, waiting a few seconds, then turning it back on.
Your mouse or keyboard intermittently stops responding
- Click the mouse or trackpad or press a key on the keyboard to reconnect the device to the computer. It might take a moment for the device to respond.
- Check for wireless interference.
Your mouse doesn't scroll up or down or side to side
If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a web page or document, make sure you're using the correct Multi-Touch gestures and have set up your scrolling speed preferences correctly.
Your mouse or trackpad doesn't track as expected
Apple Wireless Mouse, Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2 can be used on most smooth surfaces. If tracking issues occur, try these options:
Apple Wireless Keyboard Not Working
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Mouse. Set the 'Tracking speed' slider to adjust how fast the pointer moves as you move the mouse.
- Try using a different surface to see if tracking improves.
- Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window. Use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window if dust or debris is present.
- If multiple Bluetooth wireless devices are in use nearby, try turning them off one at a time to see if the issue improves.
Find out more about what to do if your trackpad isn't tracking correctly.
Your keyboard has one or more keys that don't respond
Why the new macbook pro is bad. Use the Keyboard Viewer to test whether the keyboard keys are responding correctly when they are pressed.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Keyboard.
- Click the Input Sources tab.
- Make sure the keyboard language you use is listed on the left-hand side. If it's not, click the add button (+) and choose from the languages that appear.
- Select the 'Show Input menu in menu bar' tickbox.
- Click the Keyboard tab, then select the 'Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar' tickbox, if present.
- From the Input menu in the menu bar, choose Show Keyboard Viewer. The Keyboard Viewer showing the keyboard layout appears on your display.
- Type the key on the keyboard that doesn't respond and see if the corresponding key is highlighted on the Keyboard Viewer. If it does, that key is functioning correctly.
If you enable the Mouse Keys feature, some keys might not respond as you expect. To turn off Mouse keys, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Accessibility. Choose Mouse & Trackpad from the list on the left-hand side, then deselect the Enable Mouse Keys tickbox.