I've tried multiple USB inputs on my MacBook Air but the USB keyboard does not work since upgrading to Catalina.
Here is a solution:
I think the root cause for this issue is that a keyboard connection is not triggering a USB Event.
This issue almost always shows up when the laptop was being used without a USB keyboard for some time. So, when you want to connect the keyboard again, first connect a USB pen drive which will get recognised. This kind of wakes up the USB driver and then if you connect your keyboard, it will work.
I have tried it numerous times now and it has worked every single time.
I killed the keyboard service and my Apple USB Keyboard started working again without reboot required.
The service didn't start by itself so I curious what it is actually contributes.
Try following these directions. They worked for me.
Justin - same issue here (I hadn't unplugged since posting this, but just tried it after seeing your message.) I had to reboot after unplugging the USB keyboard. I'm hoping the new supplementary update to Catalina fixes this bug.
The resolution list by one of the users above where we need to delete a plist file from the library->Preferences folder seems to have fixed the issue. Have tried it once and it worked. Should be fine for multiple uses.
datort wrote:
Switching USB ports doesn't work, it has to be a complete reboot. Using an USB extension cable improves the issue a bit, which makes it even stranger... In 1 of 4 times the keyboards remains functional when using the extension cable.
@Apple: Please fix this asap!
Have you tried relaunching the Finder in the ➙ Force Quit menu option?
Apple isn't here. We're all just users like yourself. If you want to report the issue to Apple use this link Feedback - macOS - Apple
If you have an usb-hub, connect your keyboard by using this.
Using a usb hub works around 60% of the times for me. There are still times when it does not recognize the Apple keyboard, even through the hub.
I have a MacBook Air 2015 btw...
Have you tested the keyboard on another Mac to rule out a hardware issue?
Doesn't work for me:
Keyboard didn't work -> Deleted the file -> Rebooted -> Keyboard worked -> Keyboard disconnected/reconnected -> Keyboard doesn't work. Another Reboot is required to get it going.
It's so annoying..
Same here. It reminds me of the old "add an extender to the keyboard USB cable" issue that has been working for years now. Upgrade to Catalina and we're back to rebooting or unplugging the USB cables 2 or 3 times to get it to work.
There are a number of threads about this now. All flavours and ages of Macbook. Come on Apple. This is fundamental testing before an OS release. Come on Apple...
I tried those steps without success. What was finally successful was just restarting the computer many times and disconnecting the power between restarts. Eventually (25 times?), the bug works itself out. No reasons given. I would have expected this from an X86 Microsoft operating system. Experiencing it on an iMac is disappointing.
This happens with keyboard "a" on macbook "a" at work, happens at home with keyboard "b" on identical 2015 macbook "b", and happens with keyboard "c" on collegue's touchbar macbook "c".
Also hasn't happened before upgrading the OS, so I'm pretty sure we can rule out the hardware issue.
The issue was not resolved for me on the latest MacOS update. The other tips posted here also are not working for me. I have to restart my computer every time to get my external apple keyboard working.
The file is com.apple.HIToolbox.plist
Thanks for your post worked a treat on 2 machines that had the same problem
Did you try the keyboard directly on a different port?
Is the hub a self powered hub?
Apple USB keyboard not working since Catalina update
