Unexpected 'Slow Keys' activation on MacBook Air M1

We seldom look at the accessibility function on our 2020 M1 MacBook air 13. Yesterday my keyboard appeared to quit working. I tried it in mail and a number of safari sites but nothing. The first google search item (accessed on my phone) was to reboot the laptop, which I was reluctant to do because I didn't know if I could even reenter my laptop password but I had to try. The keyboard did allow me to enter normally the laptop password but it wouldn't seem to allow typing in my mail or elsewhere. I did notice a small 1 second box on reboots with the words "slow keys". Another google search brought up the accessibility link in which I found slow keys toggled on. So finally to my question - how could that be toggled on inadvertently? I didn't select it on?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: inadvertent "slow keys"

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Nov 1, 2025 7:58 AM

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3 replies

Nov 1, 2025 1:53 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Tom Gewecke wrote:

MrHoffman wrote:

macOS sometimes turns on (or off) an obscure setting.

Yes! This happening with Full Keyboard Access (which can cripple space bar) and Mouse Keys (which disables 789uiojklm) has been reported many times in these forums. First time I have seen Slow Keys ….


If the local or ISP network is glitchy, it can play havoc with iCloud Keychain corruptions including (but not limited to) Wi-Fi networks and passwords, too.

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Unexpected 'Slow Keys' activation on MacBook Air M1

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