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spacebar caps lock tab fn and eject keys are stuck

I own Macbook Pro with macOS Catalina Version 10.15.7 It has been working fine but suddenly the spacebar, caps lock, tab, fn, and media eject keys are unresponsive to press or hold. I just had a software update. Keyboard and mouse settings are perfect. I went through all apple support instructions. All the keys except for the eject key are responding to the accessibility keyboard. I even blow-dried the keyboard to remove any underlying dirt. I went through different user accounts and multiple reboots but the issue persisted. Please help!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 19, 2021 7:07 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 19, 2021 8:31 PM

Hey there! Good step utilizing Accessibility Keyboard to test out the issue! Among the other steps you’ve taken, as it seems it’s also happening in other users.


Other good and simple, fast solutions maybe to just reset the SMC and NVRAM:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063


Otherwise, can you say if the same happens with an externally connected keyboard?


And likewise, (If possible you test), on the login screen or recovery mode?


Considering the steps you’ve already taken, I’d say testing while in Safe Mode to see if it does or doesn’t happen again would be the next good test:


Start up your Mac in safe mode:


https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac


As Accessibility Keyboard picks it up, that would typically mean the hardware is functioning as it should, (Although I’ve been surprised before). But those answers may help to find a solution!:


Test another keyboard.

Test while in Safe Mode.


If the issues do persist, this may require a reinstall of the OS, (If you are unable to upgrade to Big Sur):


How to reinstall macOS:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904


Hope that helps!

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 19, 2021 8:31 PM in response to -Simran-

Hey there! Good step utilizing Accessibility Keyboard to test out the issue! Among the other steps you’ve taken, as it seems it’s also happening in other users.


Other good and simple, fast solutions maybe to just reset the SMC and NVRAM:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063


Otherwise, can you say if the same happens with an externally connected keyboard?


And likewise, (If possible you test), on the login screen or recovery mode?


Considering the steps you’ve already taken, I’d say testing while in Safe Mode to see if it does or doesn’t happen again would be the next good test:


Start up your Mac in safe mode:


https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac


As Accessibility Keyboard picks it up, that would typically mean the hardware is functioning as it should, (Although I’ve been surprised before). But those answers may help to find a solution!:


Test another keyboard.

Test while in Safe Mode.


If the issues do persist, this may require a reinstall of the OS, (If you are unable to upgrade to Big Sur):


How to reinstall macOS:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904


Hope that helps!

spacebar caps lock tab fn and eject keys are stuck

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