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Keyboard not working during log in

I can't log into my macbook as the keyboard won't type anything, it just makes a noise when I click the keys. It also won't let me log in using the touchbar because it needs my password first.


I tried macOS recovery mode and found that the keyboard works fine, I'm using it right now to type this. But, when I try to log in it doesn't work. I have tried rebooting holding the control-option-shift method but that didn't work too. If anyone knows how to fix this issue let me know! I know my keyboards working fine, so I'm not sure why it won't type during log in.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 11:17 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 2:52 PM

I’ve tested it with three different keyboards. Any keyboard, even the brand new Magic Keyboard that I haven’t set up or paired will work, but NOT to login to the computer. Then when you change password it asks you to restart and enter it, then you’re screwed again. Back to Recovery and it tells me my new password is wrong and won’t disable the whatever. I’m running beta Big Sur. I’m so annoyed. I’ve tested wired Apple keyboards, wireless and a compatible keyboard both with PC and Mac and one just for PC. It’s the same thing over and over. My eyes hurt and are over doing everything on my iPhone X. Help please

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 5, 2020 2:52 PM in response to leroydouglas

I’ve tested it with three different keyboards. Any keyboard, even the brand new Magic Keyboard that I haven’t set up or paired will work, but NOT to login to the computer. Then when you change password it asks you to restart and enter it, then you’re screwed again. Back to Recovery and it tells me my new password is wrong and won’t disable the whatever. I’m running beta Big Sur. I’m so annoyed. I’ve tested wired Apple keyboards, wireless and a compatible keyboard both with PC and Mac and one just for PC. It’s the same thing over and over. My eyes hurt and are over doing everything on my iPhone X. Help please

Dec 4, 2020 11:32 AM in response to fm280

fm280 wrote:

I can't log into my macbook as the keyboard won't type anything, it just makes a noise when I click the keys. It also won't let me log in using the touchbar because it needs my password first.

I tried macOS recovery mode and found that the keyboard works fine, I'm using it right now to type this. But, when I try to log in it doesn't work. I have tried rebooting holding the control-option-shift method but that didn't work too. If anyone knows how to fix this issue let me know! I know my keyboards working fine, so I'm not sure why it won't type during log in.


Can you test with an external keyboard connected (?)


You can —

Try resetting the SMC https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

Try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379


Keyboard not working during log in

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