If your MacBook keyboard stops responding or behaves erratically it can be frustrating especially when you rely on it for work or everyday tasks. While Apple’s built-in keyboards are known for their reliability there are times when a software glitch or system issue causes the keyboard to freeze or fail. Restarting the keyboard can often fix minor problems without needing a trip to the repair shop.
This guide explains how to restart your MacBook keyboard using several safe methods. It also explores what to do if the issue continues after restarting.
Check for a Temporary Freeze
Before restarting the keyboard make sure the system is not just temporarily unresponsive. Try using your trackpad or external mouse to see if the computer is still active. If other parts of your MacBook are working but the keyboard is not responding the issue is likely isolated to the keyboard.
Try tapping the Caps Lock key to check if the light comes on. If it does the keyboard is still getting power but may be stuck. In this case a software-level restart may help.
Restart the MacBook
The easiest way to restart the keyboard is to restart the whole system. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen then select Restart. If the keyboard is not responsive you can use your mouse or trackpad to navigate.
If both the keyboard and trackpad are unresponsive press and hold the Power button for about ten seconds. This will force the MacBook to shut down. After a few seconds press the power button again to turn it back on. This full restart often resets the keyboard function along with other hardware controls.
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
On Intel-based MacBooks the SMC controls low-level hardware functions including the keyboard. If restarting the MacBook does not help try resetting the SMC.
Shut down your MacBook completely. Once off press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard and the Power button at the same time for ten seconds. Release all keys then press the power button again to turn on the MacBook.
This will reset the SMC and can fix issues related to power battery and built-in peripherals like the keyboard.
Note that this method is only for Intel MacBooks. If you have an Apple silicon Mac such as M1 or M2 a normal restart resets all hardware functions automatically.
Check Keyboard Settings
If your keyboard is still unresponsive open System Settings then go to Keyboard. Look for settings like Input Sources or Modifier Keys that might affect how the keyboard behaves.
You can also go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and check that features like Slow Keys or Mouse Keys are not enabled. These can change how your keyboard responds to input and may cause it to appear unresponsive.
Test in Safe Mode
To check if a third-party app or login item is interfering with the keyboard restart your MacBook in Safe Mode. Shut down your Mac then press the power button while holding the Shift key. Continue holding Shift until you see the login window.
Safe Mode loads only essential system files and disables extra software. If the keyboard works normally in Safe Mode this suggests that something in your startup process may be causing the issue.
Try an External Keyboard
If restarting and adjusting settings does not help try connecting an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard. If the external keyboard works as expected the problem may be hardware-related. You should then contact Apple Support or visit an authorised repair centre for inspection.
Final Thoughts
Restarting the MacBook keyboard is usually a simple fix that can be done by restarting the system or resetting the SMC on Intel models. If problems continue check your settings test in Safe Mode or try an external keyboard to identify whether the issue is with software or hardware. In most cases these steps will help restore normal function to your keyboard and get you typing again without delay.