Wrong input language at login

Question

Level 1

16 points

Wrong input language at login

Hello,

I was almost locked out from my MacBook Pro, because I didn't realize that the input source defaulted to my secondary language. I tried to fix it with no success. Here are the facts:

I'm using a MacBook Pro 13" with the latest version of Ventura (13.4.1)
I work as a linguist, therefore I added another keyboard (Hungarian QUERTY) as an additional input source.
I use the US keyboard for everything, accept when I work on translations and I need to type in Hungarian.
In the Language and Region settings, US English is set as "Primary" and "Region" to U.S. (where I live)
In the Keyboard settings, "Input Sources" shows "U.S. and Hungarian"
I have the input source displayed on the top menu bar (even at login)
I can switch between keyboards with the fn button

I can login now by switching to the U.S. keyboard with a push of a button. However, I have no idea why the default keyboard is switched to Hungarian at login. This is very weird behavior and I would prefer not to be forced to change the input source on every login.

Does anyone have an idea how to make this go away by just adjusting settings? I don't want to fiddle with code sources or do anything that is beyond my understanding.

Thanks in advance!

Andrea’s MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 26, 2023 10:20 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

216,590 points

Jul 26, 2023 1:39 PM in response to hosia28

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,526 points

Jul 26, 2023 12:06 PM in response to hosia28

This has some ideas

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/108144/mavericks-input-source-is-set-to-us-keyboard-in-login-screen

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Answer 3

hosia28 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 26, 2023 12:39 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Tom,

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, it's 9 years old, and does not have the answer. Also, I'd like a solution that does not involve any fiddling with code. I just don't understand why there is no way to set the login input source to a default of your choice. Anyway, thanks for trying 🙏 !

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Answer 4

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,526 points

Jul 26, 2023 2:23 PM in response to hosia28

hosia28 wrote:

Tom,

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, it's 9 years old

Not so, the most recent effort there to answer this age-old question is from 2020, which came from this page

https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-macos-login-keyboard-layout.html

To let Apple know they should add a special setting for this, you can use

http://www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 5

hosia28 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 26, 2023 2:57 PM in response to Old Toad

Thank you for the suggestion. I've tested it in safe mode and the problem persists, so I'm thinking reinstalling the OS. I just switched to Mac from PC 2 days ago, and I'm a little bit disappointed already dealing with a super annoying issue that reminds me of the Windows days.

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Answer 6

hosia28 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 26, 2023 3:05 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Yes, unfortunately, I don't think it applies to Ventura with M2, as one of the comments say (e.g. There is no "Login options" in "Users and Groups" anymore). Anyway, I gave it a go and it didn't work. I couldn't get the option gear to show up. This is so annoying, I think I'm going to use your second link to report it to Apple. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

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