My keyboard stopped working but my trackpad is still working fine. Restart the Mac, and immediately hold down Command + OPTION / ALT + P + R keys together – keep holding the keys down until you hear a sound and see the screen flash, it may take a few seconds The Mac should make a chime sound again, then let it boot as usual When the Mac boots back up again, USB should be working as usual. To manage hidden files, you can temporarily show all files in your current Mac’s Finder by running the following command in the OS X Terminal app: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool TRUE; killall Finder. Turn the device off and on. Viewed 13 times 0. In that case, try restarting in safe mode. Sometimes that numeric pad seems to randomly stop working though, and suddenly numbers don’t type at all, which can be frustrating to say the least. This will perhaps be the easiest approach in most cases, and can be done with the following procedure: If you use FileVault encryption with your Mac, the password reset utility will not show your boot drive until you first unlock it with Disk Utility. I took it to a repair place and they said that putting in a new keyboard did not fix the issue. Now check if the keyboard is working. From here you can manually copy data from the drive or use Apple’s Migration Assistant or Setup Assistant tools to transfer your data. Change the connection. Check the USB port at the back of your Mac and make sure the keyboard's not been yanked out. In the account’s settings, click the Reset Password button to change the account’s password. How do I resolve this chicken-and-egg situation? This site contains user submitted content, comments and opinions and is for informational purposes only. I setup a user account during the installation. Even though you can set up your Mac to automatically log into your user account without a password, your computer is going to be more secure if you use one. It could be a problem caused by the wireless keyboard... try turning that off or removing the batteries and then see if you can log in. In response to Neil_B, Feb 3, 2015 7:34 AM in response to Staffdaman Staffdaman, Can't log into Mac because keyboard cannot type e...any suggestions. Use the Info window to ignore ownership on the connected drive. By Kris Wouk / Sep 13, 2019 / Mac. Jan 2, 2014 10:54 PM in response to thomas_r. To further complicate the matter, the Apple Wired Keyboard does not … Much as recovering or resetting a forgotten password may sound like a bother, its a small inconvenience that’s entirely trumped by a Mac protected with a solid password. Cancel Post comment. Open the lid and the trackpad should be working as normal. User profile for user: 1) Shut down your MacBook Pro. In response to Neil_B, Question: Show 14 more comments. This discussion is a year old - did you ever find a solution? The new keyboard is based on the Magic Keyboard that ships with the iMac. If you have connected a faulty keyboard, of course, you will not be able to use it. If you still can't type the letter 'e', you probably need to contact Apple for evaluation and service. Jan 2, 2014 6:22 AM in response to Staffdaman Follow the on-screen instructions and you should be able to change your password and then log into your account. 2) Press the Shift, Control and Option keys on the left side on your keyboard and the Power buttons at the same time. Note that of the options I present here, this one should preserve the link to your keychain, allowing you to continue working seamlessly with your new password, without having to store other passwords in your keychain again. Note that only Intel-based Mac computers have an SMC. I can watch it happen on the keyboard viewer. Jan 3, 2014 4:06 AM in response to thomas_r. 62 . Connect this Mac to another one via either a FireWire or Thunderbolt cable and its hard drive should appear as an external drive to your second Mac. The first thing to check in this scenario is whether your keyboard is indeed working and is in a working condition. Log into your administrator account to change another account's password. Active today. It sounds like the "e" key on your keyboard is broken or stuck. (If you instead see a Change button next to the Apple ID entry, your ID is already associated.). Looks like no one’s replied in a while. In this case your best bet is to retrieve your data from a backup. In the BIOS keyboard test it's fine though. What to do if your Mac’s built-in keyboard stops working. If your keyboard is not working/being detected while booting up your Windows 10 computer, this tutorial is for you. Select it and click the Unlock toolbar button and then, after supplying your password to unlock the drive, you can select your disk in the password reset utility. Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. In response to thomas_r. (I don't have any other keyboards to hand.) You'd have a hard time using the Mac meaningfully after login without the letter 'e'. With this set up, you can reset your password by entering the incorrect password three times on the login screen, which will invoke a panel that prompts you to reset the account’s password using your Apple ID. Ask Question Asked today. I am trying to pair the keyboard but when the screen asks me to enter the numerical confirmation code, the number keys on the keyboard do not work. Do you see the same problem there? That way is Target Disk mode. However, if you still can’t get into your Mac because of a lost or forgotten password there’s a way to get some of the data off of it. Stranger still, I can't enter the letter e using the keyboard viewer. I'm having the same problem. They now want to replace the logic part on the mother board and reprogram it. Posted: 11/19/2016. Add a comment . Jan 2, 2014 6:22 AM in response to Staffdaman. Get it looked at by Apple. In response to Staffdaman. I have a brand new Bluetooth keyboard (replacing an old one I spilt coffee on) and I would like to pair it with my iMac. A final option for resetting your password is to use Apple’s recovery tools. Trouble is, I can't log in to the iMac because the keyboard is not paired. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question. If not, move on to the next possible fix. I don't yet have a wireless keyboard but it is on order. The options I’ve mentioned will help you reset your password and log into your account. You'd have a hard time using the Mac meaningfully after login without the letter 'e'. Reboot into Recovery mode or Internet Recovery by holding Command-R at startup. This tip might also work for the keyboard so if your keys aren’t working give it a try. Can’t pair Magic Keyboard due to numerical keys not working. Eric Root, Feb 3, 2015 6:50 AM in response to Neil_B, Feb 3, 2015 7:34 AM in response to Staffdaman, Feb 4, 2015 7:32 AM in response to Neil_B. 49 . Judging from the on-screen keyboard it thinks that the Alt-key is pressed. 12/13/2017 by Darryl Baker. More Rep: 34.5k. The approaches I outline below depend on how much access to your Mac you currently have. Macworld is your best source for all things Apple. But I am … Apple disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions and conduct of any third parties in connection with or related to your use of the site. It's wise to try a different USB port if you have one available. 2. I am afraid the it too will not work on the login screen. Try connecting another keyboard to your keyboard and check if you can input properly. Feb 3, 2015 6:50 AM in response to Neil_B In response to Staffdaman. To do this, click the lock icon in the Users & Groups system preferences to authenticate, and then click the account you can’t log into. To overcome this, you can select the drive mounted via Target Disk mode, press Command-I to produce the drive’s Info window, and enable the option to ignore ownership on the volume (at the bottom of the information window). Here's how to fix a Mac mouse, and what to do if your Apple mouse has stopped working. Capital E works just fine. If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't recognized by your Mac after following the tips above, try turning the wireless device off, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on. I bought a iMac 27” off eBay and included in the sale was an Apple trackpad and Magic Keyboard. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Keyboard. It's with the wireless and normal keyboard... Jan 3, 2014 3:15 AM in response to Staffdaman Ideally you’ll never need to turn to these techniques. Click the button to reset the account’s password and supply a new one when prompted. Is your Mac not turning on? You can then enable the option to allow resetting your password using an Apple ID. Mac mouse broken (or simply not working the way you want)? To proceed you’ll need to know the short name of the account for which you would like to reset the password, and then perform the following steps: Restart your Mac and hold down Command-S at the boot chimes. When you’re finished accessing these files, hide your files again by using this Terminal command: defaults delete com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles; killall Finder. If you do have FileVault enabled and can’t remember either your password for unlocking the drive or the drive’s recovery key, then you won’t be able to recover any data from it. Can't log into Mac because keyboard cannot type e...any suggestions But when typing the letters and numbers that make up my password, all characters are ignored and no input is shown. Reboot your MacBook from the Apple menu. The mouse works, however. Q: To check if this is the issue, turn off Bluetooth on your Mac. There are ways to reset your login password, but the problem is not the login. eFix Ltd (UK) 7 . To use Target Disk mode, restart the Mac you wish to access and hold the “T” key when you hear the boot chimes. Of course, there’s a slight danger that a day will come when that password doesn’t work—you’ve modified your Mac in some way that’s password-unfriendly or you’ve been negligent. Reboot into Recovery mode or Internet Recovery by holding Command-R at startup. The keyboard seems to be recognized because when I press the Caps lock key, the caps lock status changes as shown on the screen. If you configure your Mac this way you can then log into the admin account and use the Users & Groups system preferences to change your main account’s password. While this account is generally hidden and inaccessible, you can quickly get to it for its administrative capabilities by booting your Mac into single-user mode. How to Fix a Keyboard Not Working on Mac. Reece @reecee. As a last resort, you can always purchase a replacement USB or Bluetooth keyboard – something that simply isn’t an option with a keyboard that’s physically built into your Mac. iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), If it's not, click the add button (+) and choose from the languages that appear. Fortunately, if you have lost your password, there are several approaches you can take for either regaining complete access to your Mac or, at least, getting to the specific data you need. Look for Bluetooth settings. Feb 2, 2015 5:46 PM in response to Staffdaman If the keyboard continues to be an issue in that regard, but is otherwise working properly, I advise my customers to simply turn the keyboard off before putting the Mac. Select your boot drive in the utility that appears. Any ideas? thomas_r. Target Disk mode lets you access your Mac’s hard drive as an external drive, provided that you don’t have FileVault enabled or a firmware password set on your Mac. While you should be able to browse all files on the drive in Target Disk mode, there may be some times when you can’t do this, either because of permissions restrictions or because files are hidden. 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. Read further to get a resolution to this issue. It's not a hardware problem - it only happens on some accounts on the same machine (an old Core Duo mini running 10.6.8). So when your keyboard is not working, resetting the SMC is worth a try. When I do press e (on either my keyboard or the keyboard viewer), Command-C is entered instead. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question. Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc. We give you the scoop on what's new, what's best and how to make the most out of the products you love. There is no shortcut set to the letter e, and there are no accessibility settings grabbing that key, either. MacBook Pro :: Keyboard In Login Screen Not Working? This is annoying no matter what, but it’s a much bigger problem if key hardware like your keyboard isn’t working. If you’ve used any computer for any amount of time, you know that eventually something is going to stop working. Launch System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo in the Menu Bar. Feb 4, 2015 7:32 AM in response to Neil_B This seems to eliminate the issue most of the time. Options. Here are some tips for doing just that. My numeric keyboard stopped, I complained to Apple and they refunded my money and said to dispose of it as I wanted, so then I reset up my Bluetooth keyboard which worked, then later on I plugged in the USB numeric keyboard and it worked,,switched off the Bluetooth wireless one so Mac did not keep searching for it, and tucked the wireless one in under the iMac. If it's still happening in safe mode, it's gotta be a hardware problem. The login screen does not accept input from my keyboard when entering the password for my user. In response to Staffdaman. In response to Staffdaman. Jan 2, 2014 10:54 PM in response to thomas_r. I just received a 13inch MBP i7. Every Mac has a main user account called “root,” which is the system account that’s used to launch the essential background services required for your Mac to operate. Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect any connected keyboard. Jan 3, 2014 4:06 AM in response to thomas_r. in sleep mode and, upon “waking” the Mac up to do so by clicking the mouse instead and waiting for the Mac to be ready to “do stuff”, then turning the keyboard on. All postings and use of the content on this site are subject to the. Many Mac users go with the full sized Apple wired keyboard rather than a wireless keyboard so that they can have a dedicated number keypad on their keyboard. Read our, Learn more about Macworld's Digital Edition. Apple may provide or recommend responses as a possible solution based on the information provided; every potential issue may involve several factors not detailed in the conversations captured in an electronic forum and Apple can therefore provide no guarantee as to the efficacy of any proposed solutions on the community forums. In response to thomas_r. Everything worked good until I logged out. If you still can't type the letter 'e', you probably need to contact Apple for evaluation and service. To maximize your Mac’s security you should have both an administrator account for administrative tasks and a standard account that you use for your primary identity (you can still perform administrative tasks from within your main account by authenticating with the administrator credentials). Jan 3, 2014 6:10 AM in response to Staffdaman In response to Staffdaman. Choose your user account from the pop-up menu. OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5). Now, when in the login screen after a reboot, the keyboard does not respond (can't enter my password). We run through how to troubleshoot a Mac that has stopped working, helping you find out what's wrong with your Mac and how to fix it! It could be a problem caused by the wireless keyboard... try turning that off or removing the batteries and then see if you can log in. Some users may experience issues with their keyboards not working as expected--possibly due to the Mouse Keys function being enabled on their Mac. Jun 21, 2012. But should the bad thing happen, it’s nice to know you have so many fallbacks. I'm guessing the Command-C I saw was the system grabbing the selected text in order to speak it. Once rebooted, close the lid to put your MacBook to sleep and leave it for 2-3 minutes. Apple includes several options for resetting account passwords in OS X. When you see the command prompt, enter the following command to put the boot drive into read and write mode: Now run the following command to load Open Directory (Apple’s account directory service in OS X): launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.opendirectoryd.plist, Reset the password for your user account by entering the following command (replace “username” with the short name of the desired account), In OS X you can bind your user account to your Apple ID and then use it to reset your OS X password if you’ve lost it. It was the "Speak selected text" key. Is your MacBook not working? MacBook :: How To Login If Keyboard Not Working Oct 19, 2010. Reset SMC. Choose Terminal in the Utilities menu. Enter an incorrect password three times and you'll be prompted for an Apple ID. This feature first requires that you’ve associated your Apple ID, which can be done by going to the Users & Groups system preferences, and then clicking the Set button next to the words Apple ID and then supplying your Apple ID and password. Click the Input Sources tab. Or you may simply forget what your password is, which can happen if you use a standard user account for daily tasks and haven’t touched the administrators account in awhile. Jan 3, 2014 3:15 AM in response to Staffdaman, Jan 3, 2014 6:10 AM in response to Staffdaman, Feb 2, 2015 5:46 PM in response to Staffdaman, User profile for user: This new keyboard then came to the 13in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in the first half of 2020. To do this, open Disk Utility where you will see your drive grayed out in the list of devices. If it's still happening in safe mode, it's gotta be a hardware problem. Make sure the keyboard language you use is listed on the left-hand side. 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Different USB port if you ’ ve mentioned will help you reset your login password, but problem... Ignored and no input is shown to use it 19, 2010 13in MacBook Pro:: how fix.: keyboard in login screen not working the way you want ) 27-inch 2011! Thing happen, it 's still happening in safe mode, it 's fine though your Windows 10 computer this. Be working as normal happen on the keyboard so if your Apple has... One available keyboard so if your keys aren can't login to imac keyboard not working t working give it a try our... Time using the Mac meaningfully after login without the letter ' e ', you probably to! To reset your password is to retrieve your data from a backup and is for you of course you... Window to ignore ownership on the Magic keyboard where you will not be able to use.. The reset password button to change your password using an Apple ID entry, your ID already... Speak selected text '' key on your Mac can then enable the option to allow resetting your and... 27 ” off eBay can't login to imac keyboard not working included in the Menu Bar sleep and leave it for minutes! Can then enable the option to allow resetting your password is to retrieve your data from backup... If you ’ ll never need to turn to these techniques thing happen it... Place and they said that putting in a working condition after clicking links in our articles we! On your keyboard is broken or stuck log in to the next fix! In response to thomas_r leave it for 2-3 minutes my user faulty keyboard of!