You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Tab key not working!

I have a MacBook pro retina early 2015 High sierra 10.13.6 and suddenly the tab key doesn't work. I need to be able to tab for an online simulation required for my job. Any suggestions or other keys that I can use instead? Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Aug 1, 2021 12:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 1, 2021 3:25 PM

"There is no other user for my computer. I also noticed a while ago. The dimmer light key doesn't work either. How do I know if it's damaged hardware or the operating system?"

-------


A. Create Another Administrator:

If there is no user, then create another administrator (for troubleshooting purposes). Then, delete it one no longer needed.


B. It Might the the Application:

What's the application you are using this with? You may have to uninstall it.


C. [Command + tab keys]:

Hold down Command + press Tab. Does anything popup? What I Get:

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 1, 2021 3:25 PM in response to suzyQ526

"There is no other user for my computer. I also noticed a while ago. The dimmer light key doesn't work either. How do I know if it's damaged hardware or the operating system?"

-------


A. Create Another Administrator:

If there is no user, then create another administrator (for troubleshooting purposes). Then, delete it one no longer needed.


B. It Might the the Application:

What's the application you are using this with? You may have to uninstall it.


C. [Command + tab keys]:

Hold down Command + press Tab. Does anything popup? What I Get:

Aug 1, 2021 12:25 PM in response to suzyQ526

suzyQ526 wrote:

I have a MacBook pro retina early 2015 High sierra 10.13.6 and suddenly the tab key doesn't work. I need to be able to tab for an online simulation required for my job. Any suggestions or other keys that I can use instead? Thanks!


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



If no resolve try an external keyboard to compare your results.


Typically a single key / keys in a straight line / keys in a diagonal failure indicates a hardware issue (ie keyboard failure, or trackpad cable that feeds the keyboard) a known issue esp 2015 MBP


You can try remapping the key from >System Preferences>Keyboard



Alternatively:

Remap Keys—


Check out Karabiner

https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org

or

Ukelele to create a custom keyboard layout—some caveat here:

Unfortunately Ukelele can only remap character keys to other characters

https://software.sil.org/ukelele/

or

https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/


Aug 1, 2021 12:37 PM in response to suzyQ526

suzyQ526 wrote:

Well I tried the first suggestions and it did nothing.

I am really afraid to mess around too much with the keyboard settings. Isn't there another key I can use to tab? I don't want to have to spend a ton of $ for one key!


Then try all the other alternate suggestions as posted above...



or Call Customer Support  (800) MYAPPLE (800–692–7753)


or on line  https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call  AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232

Aug 1, 2021 1:10 PM in response to suzyQ526

suzyQ526 said:

"Tab key not working!: I have a MacBook pro retina early 2015 High sierra 10.13.6 and suddenly the tab key doesn't work. I need to be able to tab for an online simulation required for my job. Any suggestions or other keys that I can use instead? Thanks!"

-------


Single Out this User:

Try a new user, seeing if you get any difference. If so, then it is a misconfiguration in the current user. If there is no difference, then it is likely a misconfiguration with the install, in which case you have to reinstall the macOS.

Tab key not working!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.