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My USB keyboard won’t connect to my iMac. I have tried connecting another keyboard and get the same result. I’ve seen older posts recommending plugging a flash drive in to the keyboard - didn’t work. Shutting down, holding keys down does not work. I can’t log in to change settings, so those recommendations aren’t an option. I have work I need to access. Anyone have a workable solution?
M4keith95 Said:
"USB Keyboard won’t connect to my iMac: [...]holding keys down does not work.[...]"
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Five Thoughts:
A. Three Resets:
Try performing an SMC and NVRAM reset thrice. - it may take up to three tries each.
B. New User:
Try creating a new Administrator (for troubleshooting purposes). See if it then works. It id does work, then it is likely something misconfigured in the current user.
C. Any Security Software?:
Security Software would disallow items to be connected to a Mac, if such a setting is an option on it. So, uninstall the software.
D. Brand-for-Brand:
Is this an Apple USB keyboard? If not, try using one, as going brand-for-brand may be the way to go about this.
E. Boot in Safe Mode:
[Hold Down: Shift key upon boot]. In Safe Mode, damaged files are reset and fixed to how they should be. So, boot into it, wait 30 seconds, then restart the Mac, logging in as usual, seeing where things go from there.
M4keith95 Said:
"USB Keyboard won’t connect to my iMac: [...]holding keys down does not work.[...]"
-------
Five Thoughts:
A. Three Resets:
Try performing an SMC and NVRAM reset thrice. - it may take up to three tries each.
B. New User:
Try creating a new Administrator (for troubleshooting purposes). See if it then works. It id does work, then it is likely something misconfigured in the current user.
C. Any Security Software?:
Security Software would disallow items to be connected to a Mac, if such a setting is an option on it. So, uninstall the software.
D. Brand-for-Brand:
Is this an Apple USB keyboard? If not, try using one, as going brand-for-brand may be the way to go about this.
E. Boot in Safe Mode:
[Hold Down: Shift key upon boot]. In Safe Mode, damaged files are reset and fixed to how they should be. So, boot into it, wait 30 seconds, then restart the Mac, logging in as usual, seeing where things go from there.
M4keith95 Said:
"USB Keyboard won’t connect to my iMac"
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Try Another Device:
Did you try this on some other device? See what happens when you use the keyboard(s) on other applicable devices. If they do not work, then likely it is time for a new keyboard.
M4keith95 Said:
M4keith95 Said:
"USB Keyboard won’t connect to my iMac: I did the boot safe mode, unplugged the keyboard then plugged it in again when the box popped up and now it works. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and me. :)"
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You are welcome. Glad it is working.
It's extremely unusual two different USB keyboards won't work. I assume you tried different USB ports?
Yes, I did.
I thought you probably did. The SMC may need to be reset but of course you need a working keyboard to do it.
What year is your iMac?
I believe I purchased it in 2018.
Hmmm. If you bought it new it should have come with a wireless keyboard.
They work on other devices. So frustrating.
I did the boot safe mode, unplugged the keyboard then plugged it in again when the box popped up and now it works.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and me. :)
USB Keyboard won’t connect to my iMac
