How can I fix the connectivity issues between my iMac and Magic Keyboard?

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How can I fix the connectivity issues between my iMac and Magic Keyboard?

I have an iMac (M1) and have been able to log in normally with the Magic Keyboard. For some time now, I have only been able to log in with the mouse and the on-screen keyboard. Some keys such as Caps Lock or characters work (see image), but the single letter keys do not. My Magic keyboard configuration is in Swiss German. The same thing happens when I log in with a lightning cable/USB. My Magic Keyboard works fine after logging in, so I assume that the problem is not with the keyboard hardware. I have already tried various settings in System Preferences / Accessibility / Keyboard Settings / Keyboard Control, unfortunately without success. Turning the Magic Keyboard on and off does not help either. Can anyone help me? Appreciate your contribution.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 24″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 7:19 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

217,782 points

Jul 31, 2024 10:43 AM in response to Singolin

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

123,436 points

Aug 19, 2024 8:27 AM in response to Singolin

Singolin wrote:

Now I can enter my Password with my wireless keyboard but only after the on-screen keyboard appears. It is not a big issue but maybe you have an idea how to avoid this.

Try turning OFF the feature that puts the Accessibility keyboard on the login screen

Turn on accessibility options in the login window on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

217,782 points

Aug 1, 2024 10:59 AM in response to Singolin

If the problem persists in Safe Mode it's associated more with the system and a reinstall might be in order. You can try to install the OS without erasing by booting into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down - Intel Macs) or (How to Boot an M1 Mac into Recovery Mode) and reinstalling the system. All it replaces are the system files.

However, good practice dictates for us to be sure to have a current and full backup of the user data before any such operation.

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Answer 4

Singolin Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 19, 2024 8:08 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

Dear Tom

Great. The System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Alternative Control Methods > Enable Mouse Keys were already off but ⓘ "Press Option key five times to toggle Mouse Keys" was on and I disabled it.

Now I can enter my Password with my wireless keyboard but only after the on-screen keyboard appears. It is not a big issue but maybe you have an idea how to avoid this.

Thanks for your suggestion and kind help.

Enjoy your day

Daniel

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Answer 5

Singolin Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 1, 2024 5:01 AM in response to Old Toad

Dear Community Helpers, I did what you mentioned, i.e. Safe Mode (see red highlighted Safe Boot in the top right of the screenshot), connected the Magic Keyboard with the cable (see picture), but unfortunately that doesn't help. After I selected Shift and "Continue in Safe Mode", I was asked to enter my password. The on-screen keyboard appeared again. When I tapped the Magic Keyboard, I saw that the keys on the left side were responding, but the keys on the right side were not. Then, using the mouse and the on-screen keyboard, I entered my password to boot into Safe Mode. The Magic Keyboard key board works well as usual.

On the page How to use safe mode on your Mac it is written: "if the issue continues in safe mode, the easiest and most likely solution is to reinstall the macOS". Do you agree with that or do you have a better idea? Thanks for your advices.

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Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

251,369 points

Aug 1, 2024 5:30 AM in response to Singolin

I'd try anpther KB.

I’d get a cheap USB KB & Mouse...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7GV802?

Windows Win key = Mac CMD key or ⌘

Windows alt key = Mac Option key or ⌥, also called alt key on Mac sometimes.

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Answer 7

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

123,436 points

Aug 4, 2024 2:26 AM in response to Singolin

Singolin wrote: the keys on the left side were responding, but the keys on the right side were not.

You might see if this helps

Fix for 789uiojkl keys or numeric keypad … - Apple Community

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Answer 8

Jul 31, 2024 12:09 PM in response to Singolin

This happens to me sometimes. I always keep the charging cable handy so that I can plug it in if the Mac ignores the keyboard.

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Answer 9

Singolin Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 3, 2024 11:31 AM in response to Old Toad

Dear old toad

Thanks for your advice. I followed every step of the recovery mode and also tried "Fallback Recovery OS".

Unfortunately, the problem still persists. It's not a big problem as I can use my PC and don't want to bother you further with it. Thanks for your kind help.

With kind regards

Daniel

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Answer 10

Singolin Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 28, 2024 8:19 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

Dear Tom

Great suggestion, it works, thanks a lot.

Best regards

Daniel

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How can I fix the connectivity issues between my iMac and Magic Keyboard?

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