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Some keyboard keys not responding on your Mac

When specific keys stop working, it's dust under that key, the key mechanism is damaged, or the keyboard connection is loose. Try cleaning under the key with compressed air first. That fixes it.

Keyboard keys work by making electrical contact when pressed. If one key stops working, dust or debris is probably blocking it, the key is damaged, or the keyboard connection is loose. If it's just one or two keys, try compressed air to blow out debris. If multiple keys aren't working or cleaning doesn't help, it's a hardware failure.

Risk: Medium ⏱ 10-20 minutes Beginner
⚡ Before you start
  • Try the problem key in different apps. If it doesn't work anywhere, it's a hardware issue
  • Use an external USB keyboard if you have one. If that key works, your built-in keyboard has the problem
  • Look closely at the key to see if it's stuck or visibly dirty

Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.

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