USB Keyboard not being recognized/powered

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USB Keyboard not being recognized/powered

2017 Touchbar MBP on Catalina 10.15.3

My MBP is not detecting/powering up keyboards - I have two Apple keyboards that don't connect right now.

Note: I have been using the Targus Combo Adapter for hdmi video but let's not blame the adapter right away - it might be two separate issues: The keyboard was connected to the adapter which was connected via USB-C for a week. The laptop's lid was closed. The keyboard was generally fine. When the adapter was taken off, often it would crash or reset the computer. I reset the PRAM and SMC which didn't have any effect.

Now I have connected the keyboard DIRECTLY to the laptop but it does not power up the caps lock light nor the mouse that's connected to it. Sometimes the keys record input but VERY slowly (1 second delay per key) and eventually stops working. This is same with all USB-C ports. The keyboards work with my other Mac without any problems.

I've also checked the ports - they power my iPhone as well as the mouse directly. I've also restarted the computer. Right now, video works but I cannot use the keyboard. Any idea why this is happening? Thanks

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 2, 2020 9:31 AM

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Answer 1

jeremy_v

Community Specialist

May 3, 2020 10:45 AM in response to victric

Hi victric,

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. I understand your USB keyboards are no longer working with your MacBook Pro. It sounds like you've already taken some great steps to resolve this issue.

I would recommend taking the following steps:

"First, check your device's USB connection. If the tips on that page don't fix it, try these steps:

Unplug all devices from your computer, including any connected mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, camera, iPod, external hard drive, and hub.
Some devices, like iPod, might require you to perform steps before it's safe to unplug them.
Plug your keyboard and mouse back into your computer firmly and securely. Make sure that the connector is completely in the port. (USB plugs fit into ports one way only, and won't plug in if you try to insert them upside-down.)
If you have a Magic Keyboard or Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, also make sure that your Lightning to USB cable is securely connected to the Lightning port on the back edge of the keyboard.
If your keys still don't work, try plugging your keyboard in to the other USB ports. Be sure to try them all. Check to see if the keyboard's Caps Lock light turns on when you press it, and try typing in an app like Notes or TextEdit.
Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad use a Lightning to USB cable. Make sure that the cable you're using is the one that came with the keyboard, or is a Lightning to USB cable that you know is in working order. You can try a different Lightning to USB cable to test whether the cable is causing the issue.

Other tips for fixing issues with your USB keyboard:

If your keyboard works in one of your USB ports but not all, your computer might need service.
If your keyboard doesn't work in any of your computer's USB ports, your keyboard might need to be replaced.
If your Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad isn’t charging your iOS device, plug your charging cable directly into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on a computer that’s on and not in sleep mode."

The above information was taken directly from the following resource.

If your Apple keyboard doesn't work

Cheers!

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USB Keyboard not being recognized/powered

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