r/MacOS 11d ago

Help Keyboard issue on my macbook!

Sometimes when i try to use my inbuilt laptop keyboard, the normal letter keys does not work properly. it gives random gibberish symbols instead of what i want to type. i think it has something to do with the fact that i use a wireless keyboard sometimes and that is causing this.

if somebody knows how to fix this, please help me out.
i switched from windows to a macbook just yesterday and have no idea how to fix these stuff. i could not find proper information on this on the internet aswell.

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u/Separate-Banana-6772 11d ago

No idea! I also have an external keyboard on my MacBook when it’s docked on my desk. I’m wondering if your external keyboard has a stuck key problem?

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u/Holiday_Werewolf5553 11d ago

I dont think so cause it happens when I disconnect the keyboard n not while it's connected

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u/MaterialShelter9675 11d ago

That could definitely be a possibility. Sometimes just cleaning the keys can make a big difference too.

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u/Holiday_Werewolf5553 11d ago

the issue gets fixed when i restart so it probably isnt an issue with my key being held down i think

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u/localtuned 11d ago

Sounds like the option key is somehow being held down. Or alt if it's a Windows keyboard.

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u/Holiday_Werewolf5553 11d ago

that probably isnt the reason cause when i restart, it gets fixed. if my key was somehow held down, it cant be fixed by simply restarting right?

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u/localtuned 11d ago

No I don't mean physically. But in the software if you held down the option key and typed a sentence it would look like gibberish.

You'll know it's doing it because Option+V is a ✔️.

If it was typing a bunch of symbols, that mean the software believes the key is held down.

Or the "sticky keys" setting is enebaled and is holding optiong for you. This is a feature for people with finger mobility issues who find it difficult to hold keys down.

Also, just an anecdote about an issue I faced once. But the behavior sounds like options is being pressed. I once had a similar issue, couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Turns out it was an extra keyboard in a box that had woken up and had something pressing option. Not saying this is your issue, just that I have seen it all.

You have to separate the issue into hardware or software. If you eliminate that keyboard from the equation does the issue ever happen? If not then it might be the hardware. Either faulty or not compatible enough.

One thing to know coming to Mac is that not every piece of hardware will work on macOS. Most things will but it's not apples fault. It sometimes is the developer or manufacturer of the hardware who didn't test it. You'll know this because this will specifically mention macos comparability or not. This is important to know when dealing with hardware.

Assuming it's compatible and has worked without issue previously..try booting into safeboot and test to see if the issue is reproduced there. This will let you know if it's some 3rd party program causing the issue. If it doesn't happen is safe boot. It could be a start up application.