I forgot to disconnect my keyboard before cleaning it and when I try to log in, the keys are all messed up - typing random characters, double characters etc. I can't input my password to log in and nothing is responding properly. I'm using my MacBook to type this as I can't use my iMac at all.
I tried chat support but it's not responding.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: I cleaned my imac keyboard and messed up the keys
iMac 21.5″
there really is nothing to reset, if liquid or the likes trigger the physical membrane triggers under the key the keyboard or operating system has no way to differentiate between those ghost activations and you click on the keys
Mice & Keyboards - Mac Accessories - Apple
but you need not buy apple made keyboards you can use any usb or bluetooth one really logitech makes some nice ones imho
there really is nothing to reset, if liquid or the likes trigger the physical membrane triggers under the key the keyboard or operating system has no way to differentiate between those ghost activations and you click on the keys
Mice & Keyboards - Mac Accessories - Apple
but you need not buy apple made keyboards you can use any usb or bluetooth one really logitech makes some nice ones imho
Regardless, the issue still appears that this keyboard is potentially damaged. If, after completely powering down both the Mac and keyboard, the issue still exists, then the only other option (as den.thed as suggested) is to try using another keyboard.
If you have another computer, you can also try this keyboard with it. If not, see if you can have a friend or relative assist you with this.
If you used a liquid cleaner or wet towels, then it sounds like the keyboard is ruined.
How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support
Dig out, borrow or buy an inexpensive USB keyboard to use temporarily or permanently.
Try cleaning it with compressed air but be sure to follow these instructions with care:
How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro - Apple Support
Those instructions are not intended to be used with a wireless keyboard or whatever you may be using for your iMac, but they will not cause any damage if followed as described. Besides, there is nothing else you can do. Disassembling those keyboards will destroy them.
Try the following: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support (for Intel Macs) and How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support.
Additional Info: Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support (for both types)
No I didn't - it was a cloth. The issue is that I forgot to turn off the keyboard beforehand and when I came back to the screen the apps were all over the place from me pressing something and nothing worked. So I turned off the computer and when I turned it on again, the keys were all typing incorrectly, so I am not able to log in.
So I've tested the keyboard by connecting it to this macbook. If I try to type Andrew, I get no 'A', then ndruew - the 'r' types a 'u at the same time. If I try to type a capital 'J' I get fj7. That's seriously messed up!
Is there anything I can try to reset it?
Thanks for your help. I'm getting error messages with any pages on the Apple site, so I'll try later and keep you posted. I can't believe there isn't a key to reset the keyboard. It's definitely due to some combination I pressed while wiping the cloth over....
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Thank you. I've tried a different keyboard with the iMac and that works, so that's at least a relief. Your help (everyone) is much appreciated.
How do I fix a messed-up iMac keyboard after cleaning?
