MacBook keyboard not working

Get a way to type now

1. Connect the MacBook to its charger and try a known-working external keyboard.
2. Using the trackpad, open System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard and enable Accessibility Keyboard for on-screen input.
3. Save open work before restarting. A built-in keyboard has no separate Bluetooth pairing; Bluetooth checks apply to an external wireless keyboard.

Check unintended input settings

1. In Accessibility → Keyboard, check Slow Keys if a key works only after a longer hold.
2. In Accessibility → Pointer Control, check Mouse Keys if some keys move the pointer instead of entering text.
3. Check the Input menu for the intended language and variant. Use the layout guide if keys respond with different characters.

Compare built-in and external input

1. Try the same keys in TextEdit and another app. Record whether the whole keyboard or particular positions fail.
2. Compare an external keyboard on this Mac. If both behave the same way, continue with app and input settings; if only the built-in board is affected, record that distinction for service.
3. If only Caps Lock seems delayed, hold it a little longer; Apple uses a delay to reduce accidental activation.

Debris, spills and service

For a key that feels different, follow the cleaning procedure for the exact MacBook model. Do not pry off scissor or butterfly key mechanisms.

After a spill, power down and disconnect the charger; do not keep testing. If input still fails after the setting and comparison checks, arrange Apple or authorized service with the model and affected-key details.