Apple Keyboard Locked

Oct 19, 2018 Five month old Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad in slate gray caps lock light not working. The little green light does not function. The key function still works. It is just the indicator light. Search and found similar issues with no solutions from about 6-10 years ago. I have a MacBook Pro 2011 13” using an Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard (MC184LL/A). Buy the Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard and place it directly over the MacBook Pro keyboard when using the laptop. Because the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard is slightly raised and the MacBook Pro keyboard is slightly sunken, the keyboard can rest above the keys. To lock your Mac until you need to access it again, simply press the following key combination: Control + Shift + Eject (or Power, depending on the age of your Mac, or if you’re using an external keyboard on a MacBook). Your computer will lock and the screen will go dark until you move your mouse or tap a key on the keyboard.

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.

See what’s draining your battery, find hidden files, and track tons of indicators that impact your Mac’s performance. It’s all on Setapp.

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Whether 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:

1. Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle.
2. Use the compressed air to spray the keyboard in a left-to-right motion.
3. Rotate your MacBook onto to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left-to-right.
4. 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

1. Click on Launchpad icon.
2. Position the pointer over the app you want to get rid of and press and hold until all the icons start to jiggle.
3. Hit the Delete button.

Deleting apps using the Finder

1. In the Finder, click on Applications.
2. Find the app that you want to delete and drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.
3. 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.

1. Download and launch CleanMyMac X (It’s free to download).
2. Click on the Uninstaller tab.
3. Click View All Applications.
4. Check the box for any app that you want to remove.
5. 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. 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.

1. Reboot your MacBook from the Apple menu.
2. Once rebooted, close the lid to put your MacBook to sleep and leave it for 2-3 minutes.
3. 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.

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click on Trackpad and locate the Point & Click tab.
3. 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

1. Shutdown your MacBook.
2. Connect the MagSafe adapter.
3. Hold down Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
4. Release the keys and look to see if the MagSafe adapter briefly changes color. If it does, the SMC reset has worked.
5. 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

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.

1. Fully shut down your MacBook.
2. Reboot your MacBook and press and hold Command+Option+P+R before the gray screen appears.
3. Wait until you hear the reboot sound and release the keys.
4. 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.

1. Restart your MacBook.
2. When the system restarts, press Command+R to open the Recovery Tool.
3. 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.

These might also interest you:

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.

See what’s draining your battery, find hidden files, and track tons of indicators that impact your Mac’s performance. It’s all on Setapp.

Download Free

Whether 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:

1. Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle.
2. Use the compressed air to spray the keyboard in a left-to-right motion.
3. Rotate your MacBook onto to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left-to-right.
4. 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

1. Click on Launchpad icon.
2. Position the pointer over the app you want to get rid of and press and hold until all the icons start to jiggle.
3. Hit the Delete button.

Deleting apps using the Finder

1. In the Finder, click on Applications.
2. Find the app that you want to delete and drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.
3. 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.

1. Download and launch CleanMyMac X (It’s free to download).
2. Click on the Uninstaller tab.
3. Click View All Applications.
4. Check the box for any app that you want to remove.
5. 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. 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.

1. Reboot your MacBook from the Apple menu.
2. Once rebooted, close the lid to put your MacBook to sleep and leave it for 2-3 minutes.
3. 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.

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click on Trackpad and locate the Point & Click tab.
3. Uncheck the Force Click and haptic feedback option.

Note: this fix will only work on MacBooks that include 3D Touch.

Apple Keyboard Locked Iphone

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

1. Shutdown your MacBook.
2. Connect the MagSafe adapter.
3. Hold down Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
4. Release the keys and look to see if the MagSafe adapter briefly changes color. If it does, the SMC reset has worked.
5. 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

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.

1. Fully shut down your MacBook.
2. Reboot your MacBook and press and hold Command+Option+P+R before the gray screen appears.
3. Wait until you hear the reboot sound and release the keys.
4. 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.

1. Restart your MacBook.
2. When the system restarts, press Command+R to open the Recovery Tool.
3. 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.

Apple Keyboard Fix

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:

Apple Keyboard Locked App

• 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.

Apple Keyboard Locked Iphone

These might also interest you:

Apple Keyboard Locked