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Macbook 11 Sep

You open your MacBook, prepared for work or study, but the keys just won't respond. "The MacBook computer keyboard not working issue" may seem small, but it can hide bigger things happening inside your device.

This issue exists with different generations as well- from the older Intel to the new MacBook M1 Pro, the ultra-light MacBook M2 Air, and the brand new MacBook M4 Pro.

In addition to the keyboard being unresponsive, you might have noticed these other issues:

  • Your MacBook Pro charges but will not turn on.
  • Your MacBook laptop does not turn on.
  • Some keys work, but others are frozen.

So, what makes this happen, and what do you need to know before you go for repair? Let's find out.

What Makes MacBook's Keyboards Unresponsive

Apple keyboards are well-made, but also very sensitive. Here are the most common reasons for not being responsive:

  • Dust and debris underneath the keys - With slim profiles like the M2 Air, keyboards are highly susceptible to dust obstruction.
  • Swollen battery - A swollen battery can push the keyboard which renders the keys not responsive.
  • Key connection - the cable that connects your keyboard to the logic board could have become damaged.
  • Software issues - Updates or bugs can cause keyboard malfunctions.
  • Power issues - If your MacBook Pro will not turn on but does charge, then the keyboard would likewise not respond.

Model-Specific Issues

Different MacBook models will exhibit the problem in slightly different ways:

  • MacBook M1 Pro: This model has been strong and reliable but swelling battery (from charging) can push against the keyboard over time. Users often note their keyboard keys requiring more force and then the battery issue is discovered.
  • MacBook M2 Air: This super slim and lightweight computer has a stylish body but is more susceptible to dust and strange particles under the keys. Even tiny build-up of particles can cause certain letters on the keyboard to stop working altogether.
  • MacBook M4 Pro: Apple's latest force to be reckoned with, this model can still experience software or connection glitches that result suddenly in an unresponsive keyboard. It is possible as a newer model that physical issues to the hardware are less frequent but certainly possible.
  • Older Intel models: These laptops can sometimes show deeper logic board issues. When a MacBook laptop won't power on it is often peripheral keyboard failure as a part of a wider power issue, rather it being considered an acting problem on its own.

When a Keyboard Problem is More Than a Keyboard Problem

A keyboard that doesn't work is almost never "just" a keyboard problem. It's connected to problems with some of the other components connected to your MacBook. Watch for these issue indicators:

  • MacBook won't turn on - This could imply a power issue or a board failure.
  • Keys are sticky - Could mean literal crud accumulation or the beginning of battery swelling.
  • Trackpad is bulging or popped out - Almost always related to a swollen battery.
  • Some response - If some keys will respond to input, there could be a loose or broken internal keyboard connecting cable.

These are indicators that should not be missed, they can provide diagnostic information to determine if your MacBook is actually facing a surface issue, or a deeper hardware failure.

Why it's best to leave the repairs to the professionals

Sometimes a keyboard issue seems minimal, but MacBook keyboards are fragile and are integral to the MacBook's chassis and plotting components. Fixing keyboard issues with tools you don't have at home can sometimes do more harm than good.

That is the reason seeking help from a professional is important. A technician that is not just generic will check the keyboard you have in a MacBook, but does run tests on a battery, logic board, and power system to guarantee that you are fixing your one issue instead of just preventing further faults.

All Apple Services Available at iProduct Repair.

At iProduct Repair we don't only repair MacBook keyboards we are a complete Apple service.

We specialize in:

  • MacBook repairs – including keyboards, batteries, charging, logic boards.
  • iMac repairs – including screen, graphics, and overall performance.
  • iPhone and iPad repairs – including batteries, displays, water damage, etc.
  • Advanced diagnostics – troubleshooting issues across Apple devices with expertise.

Whether your device is an M1 Pro, M2 "Air" or the latest M4 Pro, we have the knowledge, tools, and OEM parts to bring your device back to life.

What Makes iProduct Repair Different?

  • We are specialists in Apple devices only – not a general repair service.
  • We use OEM parts – quality is not compromised.
  • We perform repairs quickly – so you can get your device faster.
  • We are an all-in-one service center – you do not need to go to multiple shops for repairs ranging from MacBook to iPhone.

With this approach, it is apparent why we are the favorite Apple repair center for users who care about their devices and want a guaranteed repair for the long term.

In Summary

The issue of a MacBook laptop keyboard not working is more than an annoyance. It may signal any number of things from dust accumulation, battery swelling, software glitches, or more ominous logic board issues.

Regardless of model whether it’s a MacBook M1 Pro, M2 Air, or M4 Pro the issue manifests itself in various ways, sometimes combined with power problems like your MacBook Pro charging but not turning on or laptop not turning on.

Instead of guessing at fixes that may or may not fix the problem, put your trust in a professional who will take care of your device in the correct fashion. iProduct Repair, offers not only keyboard fixes but full Apple services from MacBooks and iMacs to iPhones and iPads.

So when your keyboard stops typing don’t just think of a typing issue, think of it as your MacBook requesting professional attention.

Frequently Asked Question

There are lots of different reasons why a MacBook laptop keyboard may not be working (for example, dust/dirt, battery swelling, software problems, or internal issues/bad connection). It might also be an indication that your MacBook laptop is having other problems during start-up.

Yes. If your MacBook Pro is charging, but won't turn on, this would cause your keyboard to not respond also. The keyboard would have to wait for the system to power up. This usually means battery problems or logic board issues.

The MacBook M1 Pro is a lot less likely to fail than older MacBook models. In saying that, it's possible for a MacBook M1 Pro to have the physical issue of battery swelling or connector issues that may cause the keyboard to not respond. It is best practice to do regular checks on the state of your MacBook laptop.

The M2 air is also much slimmer than older MacBook models and likely to collect dust and debris in the keyboard mechanism. Even tiny bits of dirt/dust underneath a key can cause other keys to not respond.

Yes, while rare, if your MacBook M4 Pro keyboard has been diagnosed as not responding to key presses and functions correctly, failing software is still possible along with internal hardware connection issues.