Wireless keyboard only works when plugged in

ronfrommurrieta Said:

"Wireless keyboard only works when plugged in: Why does my wireless keyboard only works when plugged into my mac?"

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Troubleshooting Bluetooth in Catalina...

"Plugging"?

If it is wireless, it wouldn't have a plug. So, how exactly is a plug playing part in this?

As for troubleshooting methods...

• Reset the Bluetooth Module:

Use my User Tip: Use "Reset the Bluetooth module" to Fix Constant Bluetooth Disconnections - User Tip

• Boot in Safe Mode:

[Hold Down: shift key, upon boot], In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait for 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another sync.

• Try a New Admin User:

What happens when you create a new administrator user, and log int it? Do you still get this error? If not, then it is likely an error with the current user. If so, then it is likely an error with your macOS.

as a last resort...

• Reinstall the macOS:

Go Here: How to Reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

Important: First, Back Up your Mac:

Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reinstall. Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always create a backup of your Mac, prior to making any major changes to it (i.e. update installation)

ronfrommurrieta Said:

"Wireless keyboard only works when plugged in: I wonder how that person recharges his keyboard since his doesn't have a plug?"

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A Defective Device:

Another way is by using insertable-batteries, rather than charging the keyboards. The Magic Keyboard is an insertable-battery-based device. So, if it is not working when it is plugged in, then it seems to be a defective device. So, return it and get a new one.

Not paired via bluetooth or your bluetooth on your iMac is off?