How to fix if function keys are not working on Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard.
Are you having trouble getting the top row of keys to work on Apple’s Wireless Magic Keyboard for Mac? Whether you use them primarily to control brightness, playback, and volume on macOS, or as standard function keys for app functions, you’re sure to notice if something goes wrong.
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In most cases, the function keys on the Magic Keyboard do not work properly – no pun intended – due to software errors, conflicting settings, or corrupted input device settings.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (Wireless, Rechargeable) (US English) – Silver
Before ruling out problems with Magic Keyboard function keys not working as hardware-related, the list of troubleshooting tips and fixes below can greatly help you get them working correctly again.
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Turn Magic Keyboard OFF/ON
If the function keys on the Magic Keyboard were working fine just a moment ago, then turning off the device, waiting for a few seconds, and then turning it back on can save you any minor technical problems. You can find the ON / OFF slider switch on the back of the Magic Keyboard.
Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac is another quick way to fix system problems that are preventing Bluetooth devices from functioning properly. Give it a try before moving on to the rest of the fixes.
Unpair and Reconnect Magic Keyboard
If the function keys don’t work only occasionally, or if some keys don’t register at all, remove Apple’s Wireless Magic Keyboard and reconnect it to your Mac.
1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Select the Magic Keyboard and click the X next to it.
4. Select Remove to unpair the device.
5. Wait a few seconds until the Magic Keyboard appears in the Bluetooth device list again. Then select “Connect” to reconnect it to your Mac.
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Remember to Press Fn
By default, the top row keys on the Magic Keyboard launch the macOS special features engraved on them – Mission Control, Launchpad, Mute, etc. However, if you want to use them as standard function keys, you must use them in conjunction with the Fn key (function ).
You can find the Fn key on the standard Magic Keyboard and the full-size Magic Keyboard with number pad.
Disable Keyboard Setting
Let’s assume that the top row of the Magic Keyboard does not control any macOS functions, but instead acts like standard function keys. In this case, you must turn off certain keyboard settings – which you may have turned on sometime before – if you prefer them to work the other way around.
1. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac.
2. Select “Keyboard”.
3. On the Keyboard tab, clear the Use F1, F2, etc. Keys as Standard Function Keys check box.
You can then use the keys on the top row of the Magic Keyboard to control macOS functions again. If you want to use them as standard function keys, you must hold down the Fn key.
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Check Fn Key Binding
If you can use the top row of keys to control system functions in macOS without any problems, but cannot register them as standard function keys, you probably associated another action with the Fn key. Try changing it back.
1. Open System Preferences and select Keyboard.
2. On the Keyboard tab, select Modifier Keys.
3. Open the drop-down menu next to the Function (fn) button and select Function.
Update the Mac’s System Software
If you are running an early release of a major version of macOS, you should immediately apply any pending system software updates. Otherwise, keyboard problems and other problems usually occur due to the general instability of the operating system. Go to System Preferences> Software Update to apply the latest updates to your Mac.
Connect via Lightning and Disconnect
Connecting Magic Keyboard to Mac for a short time via USB can also fix top row issues, especially if they appeared after a recent system software update. Try it now.
While you are doing this, you should also recharge the Magic Keyboard’s battery – if it’s too low – to prevent accidental behavior.
Reset Bluetooth Module
If the top row of function keys on the Magic Keyboard continues to cause problems, you should reset the Bluetooth module on your Mac.
1. Hold down the Shift and Control keys. Then select the Bluetooth status icon or Bluetooth control in the Mac Control Center.
2. Select Reset Bluetooth Module.
3. Select “OK”.
This should prompt your Mac to reset its Bluetooth module. In the meantime, your Bluetooth devices should disconnect, but will automatically reconnect shortly thereafter.
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Factory Reset Device
If resetting the Mac Bluetooth module doesn’t work, you need to reset the Magic Keyboard to factory settings.
You must disconnect any other Apple devices connected via Bluetooth before proceeding, as the reset procedure affects all of them. If you are using a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad, you should also have a USB wired / wireless mouse ready (or activate mouse keys) to reconnect your devices.
1. Hold down the Shift and Control keys and select the Bluetooth status icon or Bluetooth control in the Control Center.
2. Select Factory Reset All Connected Apple Devices.
3. Select “OK”.
4. Wait a few seconds. Then open System Preferences and select Bluetooth.
5. Reconnect the Magic Keyboard, including any other Apple devices, to your Mac.
Clean Keys With Compressed Air
Dust can also accumulate underneath the Magic Keyboard and cause the function keys to not work. In cases where the problem is limited to a few function keys, it is safe to assume that this is the case.
Since it is difficult to remove the keys on the Magic Keyboard without damaging the scissor switches inside them, a few jets of compressed air – if you have a can – are best to clean them.
Start by holding the Magic Keyboard at an angle. Then blow compressed air over the keys in a zigzag pattern. Repeat while holding the keyboard on the right side and then on the left side. Once you have done this, check that the keys are registered correctly.
Delete Bluetooth PLIST File
A corrupted Bluetooth property list (PLIST) file that stores the settings of a Bluetooth device is another cause that can cause Magic Keyboard related issues. Try uninstalling it from your Mac.
1. Open Finder and select Go> Go to Folder.
2. Enter the path below and select “Go to:
”
/ Library / Settings /
3. Control-click the PLIST file with the following name and move it to the Mac Trash:
com.apple.Bluetooth.plist
Restart your Mac and check if the Magic Keyboard function keys are working properly.
Still Having Issues?
If none of the above fixes made the top row of the Magic Keyboard healthy, then you should reset the NVRAM and SMC Mac settings. If that doesn’t help either, you are most likely dealing with a faulty device. Confirm this by connecting the Magic Keyboard to another Mac (if possible) and removing it for repair or replacement.
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How to fix if function keys are not working on Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard
How to fix if function keys are not working on Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard