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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.
The Air 11″ 2011 motherboard looks very different from that photo. There are no pads anywhere near the keyboard connector. The area just above the keyboard connector has a large component and no solder pads. I see that the Macbook Pro 13″ 2011 has pads in a completely different place on the board (at the top). In this video we show you how to diagnose and repair an issue with a row of keyboard keys not working on a 2012 Macbook Pro 13' A1278 model. In this video we are working on a unit with board. Mac Book Pro Charger, 60W Magsafe Power Adapter L-Tip Magnetic Connector Charger for Mac Book and 13-inch Mac Book Pro(Before Mid 2012 Models) 4.0 out of 5 stars 3,685 $20.99 $ 20. 99 $22.99 $22.99.
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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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? Word para macbook pro. 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.
Update macbook air to catalina. 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:
Call of duty modern warfare mac. 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
com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist
Macbook Pro 2012 Keyboard Connector Replacement
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 screen appears
Release the keys after you hear the reboot sound
3. Restore your Mac to an earlier version
If your keyboard or trackpad issues have just started, it's possible that a recent change in software or settings has caused the problem. To fix it, just roll back your Mac a few saved backups:
Restart your Mac
While the system is rebooting, open the Recovery Tool by pressing ⌘ + R
Choose Restore from the Time Machine backup
Proceed according to instructions
How to prevent software issues on your Mac
Truth is not every issue with your MacBook is a hardware problem. Sometimes software conflicts can arise and create irritating, persistent issues that you don't know how to resolve. So instead of trying to figure out what's going wrong with your Mac, get CleanMyMac X to do it for you.
Secure your Mac against any issues with CMM X
Software problems might cause keyboard misbehavior. Get CleanMyMac X and it will help you keep your Mac healthy, always. Pacifist 3 6 2 full.
CleanMyMac X is by far the best Mac maintenance app on the market with a whole range of tools, including a full-system cleanup, a professional uninstaller, malware scanner, a file shredder, and an ever-updating set of optimization tweaks. If malware is to blame for whatever is happening with your Mac:
Open CleanMyMac X
Navigate to Malware Removal in the sidebar
Click Scan and delete anything suspicious if found
Of course, the best treatment for your Mac overall is prevention — using thoughtful analysis to see premonitions. For that, just download iStat Menus and you'll be able to monitor your Mac's performance in real time effortlessly.
Macbook Pro 2012 Bluetooth
iStat Menus shows you exactly when your computer starts slowing down. Designed to sit in your menu bar and give you detailed rundowns at a glance, this optimization utility is bar none when it comes to knowing what's happening with your machine.
Best of all, both CleanMyMac X and iStat Menus are available for a free seven-day trial from Setapp, a platform with over 150 Mac apps that make your digital life a breeze, from creating backups to working with documents to managing your finances. And if CleanMyMac X has just helped you avoid a MacBook Pro keyboard replacement, why not try it out?
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 30W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, 87W, and 96W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Mac notebook. You can use a compatible higher wattage power adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. If you use a power adapter that is lower in wattage than the adapter that came with your Mac, it won't provide enough power to your computer.
Mac notebooks that charge via USB-C come with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter with detachable AC plug (or 'duckhead'), and a USB-C Charge Cable.
Mac notebooks that charge via MagSafe come with an AC adapter with MagSafe connector and detachable AC plug, and an AC cable.
The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you're not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles:
USB-C
Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later
Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- MacBook Air models introduced in 2018 or later
Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later
Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later
Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 16-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2019
Make sure you're using the correct USB-C charge cable
For the best charging experience, you should use the USB-C charge cable that comes with your Mac notebook. If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will still charge normally. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won't provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 61W, such as the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.
You can verify that you're using the correct version of the Apple USB-C Charge Cable with your Mac notebook and its USB-C AC Adapter. The cable's serial number is printed on its external housing, next to the words 'Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China.'
- If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W.
- If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W.
- If the cable says 'Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China' but has no serial number, you might be eligible for a replacement USB-C charge cable.
MagSafe 2
85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015
45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- MacBook Air models introduced in 2012 through 2017
About the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter
If you have an older MagSafe adapter, you can use it with newer Mac computers that have MagSafe 2 ports using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter (shown).
MagSafe 'L' and 'T' shaped adapters
60W MagSafe power adapter with 'T' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2009
- MacBook models introduced in 2006 through mid 2009
60W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
- MacBook models introduced in late 2009 through 2010
85W MagSafe power adapter with 'T' style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009
- 17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009
85W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
- 17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2011
45W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2008 through 2011*
- 11-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2010 through 2011
* Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.
Learn more
You can get extra or replacement adapters with AC cord and plug at the Apple Online Store, an Apple Reseller, or an Apple Store.
A replacement adapter might not be the same size, color, shape, or wattage as the original adapter that came with your computer. But it should power and charge your Mac like the adapter that originally came with your computer.
If you need help using your MagSafe adapter, see Apple Portables: Troubleshooting power adapters.
If you're looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter, see PowerPC-based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord.
