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MacMini M1 2020 doesn't work with wired Apple A1243 keyboard

Why Apple wired keyboard A1243 doesn't work with my new MacMini M1?

I can't even go through the initial computer setup.

I tried to plug it into all the available USB connectors and it was unsuccessful.

This keyboard works great with MacMini 2012 but new MacMini M1 doesn't recognize it.

Apple, whats going on with your new products?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Dec 6, 2020 8:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 9, 2020 5:30 PM

I can confirm this.


Something about the USB ports on the new Mac does not provide power to the keyboard, neither the USB-A or USB-C ports work with this keyboard.


I was able to get it to work by connecting it to a powered USB hub (AKA a hub that has an AC adapter that you plug into a wall). An unpowered hub did not work.


The downsides to this approach are:

  1. Extra stuff to buy
  2. Extra space to take up and wires/clutter
  3. Extra power use
  4. Keyboard will not wake up Mac from sleep, only mouse/trackpad will




75 replies

Feb 4, 2021 8:24 PM in response to Iron_Butterfly

My A1243 keyboard became very intermittent after 11.2 update when plugged into standard USB on Mac Mini M1, and acts the same when plugged in via powered USB hubs. Surprisingly, it works fine when plugged into LG monitor that is connected to mini via Thunderbolt 3.0/display port. This very frustrating, I had been successfully using this keyboard for about a month before it started flaking out.

Feb 14, 2021 11:13 AM in response to DeepInToo

From the first day I use this old keyboard without any problems at all, i use both usb on keyboard and even plug old philips dvd external recorder to this keyboard and successfully burned several dvd-s. It is pluged without any adapters directly on mac mini m1. Also have magic mouse first generation and he is also working without any problems at at all. I also tryed to pair logitech mouse on bluetooth and worked with it several days without any issues at all. Monitor is dell s2721d and it is also working witout any display issues other have and wakes from sleep like imac-s do every time on mouse or keyboard. Final cut works withot any problems or audio dropouts. I connected crucial x8 1tb external drive and no problems at all. Am I just lucky or I dont know but from first day mini is working without any problems.

Feb 23, 2021 8:08 AM in response to MyApple8MyPC

Some people are fixed this issue with extension keyboard cable on older mac-s as this keyboard was not recognized by mac. I have the same keyboard and I can run DVD burner trough keyboard usb so I think mini has good voltage on this ports. Also connecting old hdd enclosures and USB sticks are working normally trough keyboard USB ports without any hub. If someone has problems with this old keyboards just sell it and buy new

Feb 24, 2021 11:23 AM in response to Iron_Butterfly

Having the exact same issue as you on a brand new M1 Mac mini 16GB. I twisted my parents arms to upgrade their 2012 Mac mini so they’d continue to receive software/security updates, and this machine has been nothing short of torture for them. I should note that this keyboard is working perfectly fine on my mid-2015 MBP and my 16” MBP via USB-C adapter. This should be fixable in software, but this issue really needs to be escalated up the chain to make sure Apple is aware of what’s happening here. There’s no reason a USB HID device with a built-in hub should be flaky on a new machine.

Feb 26, 2021 4:30 AM in response to Iron_Butterfly

Updated today and keyboard is working like before. I had a strange situation yesterday when I resteted the bluetooth module, after restart the keyboard does not respond on password screen but after connecting the mouse to usb hub on keyboard mouse moved but then suddenly disconnect and reconnect but I cannot type because the keyboard does not respond. After I disconnect the mouse the keyboard is recognized and then it worked like before.

I do not recommend doing the bluetooth reset because when you dont have mouse laging with bluetooth you will have it after the reset! My mouse then laging when i click on audio button on menu bar and in music app for about 6 sec and then works like normal. But it starts laging again when I click again on audio button in menu bar or open music app after quiting it.

I manage this problem disconnecting my usb 3.0 hub and shuttdow mac and pluged it out for 15sec then plug it back in and wait another 10 sec and then power it on. After all that procedure it now works like before without any laging or keyboard issues.

Feb 27, 2021 7:55 PM in response to Iron_Butterfly

Having the same issue and I'm signed up for the beta testing with Apple. I've had these issues intermittently. On a good USB hub switch that is powered. It doesn't matter if is powered or not some times it works and some time not. I'm typing right now on the via the hub with it unpowered and with a 2.4Ghz wireless mouse plugged into the A1243 usb slot and working fine at the moment. I've report to Apple via beta feedback -hopefully it will be fixed.

MacMini M1 2020 doesn't work with wired Apple A1243 keyboard

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