Keyboard and trackpad issues on MacBook Air M3

nicklas165 wrote:

On my 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch, M3, the keyboard and trackpad suddenly stopped working completely. The computer had been unused for a few hours, and the battery wasn't drained.

Is this a common issue? Could it be due to an underlying design flaw or weakness that was present from the beginning?

That is not common at all. If the battery is faulty it could expand and cause either the keyboard or trackpad to stop working. A 1-year old Mac should not be having battery or other hardware problems.

It's not a design flaw because this has not been reported widely (I haven't read any other posts like yours). Your Mac is under warranty for one year. If you have AppleCare you have at least one more year as well.

Has the computer starting working normally after a reboot? You can force a reboot or shutdown by holding the power button for 10-20 seconds.

If not, you will need to arrange for service. Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support

FYI, started writing this on 2026-10-26, but only now got back to it.....others have responded since then so there may be some overlap.

Usually when both the built-in Keyboard and Trackpad fail at the same time it is due to a hardware issue. Those two parts are closely tied together even when they may have their own direct connections to the Logic Board.

You can try rebooting the laptop to see if they start working after a reboot. If they still don't work, then try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected. A passing diagnostic is meaningless....only a diagnostic error is useful. If the built-in Keyboard & Trackpad work fine in navigating the diagnostic screens, but still fail to work when booted normally, then try booting into Safe Mode to see if that makes any difference.

Disconnect all external devices in case one of them is causing a problem.

Depending on the "Privacy & Security" System Settings ("Connect accessories as" setting) a wired external USB keyboard & mouse may not work after logging into macOS since the default setting is to block any unauthorized external USB & Thunderbolt devices. Maybe you can connect a wireless keyboard & mouse.

If you need to have this laptop repaired, you should ask the repair tech/shop to first try disconnecting the Lid Angle Sensor (if the laptop is equipped with one) to see if that resolves the problem. Otherwise they will be looking at the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly, Trackpad, and Logic Board which are all much more expensive. Testing with the Lid Angle Sensor disconnected takes just a few minutes to do.

MacBook Air M3 (2024): Keyboard and trackpad suddenly stopped working

On the 2024 13-inch MacBook Air M3, the simultaneous failure of the built-in keyboard and trackpad, despite the battery having charge, suggests either a temporary system fault or a hardware issue. Because both devices failed together after the computer had been idle, a sleep/wake problem is possible, but hardware failure cannot be ruled out.

Is this a common issue or a design flaw?

There are individual reports of similar problems, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to conclude that this is a widespread defect or an inherent design weakness of the M3 MacBook Air. Apple provides separate troubleshooting procedures for keyboard, trackpad, and sleep/wake issues in its official repair manual for this model. 

Recommended troubleshooting sequence

1. Force a restart. Hold the Touch ID / power button for approximately 10 seconds until the Mac shuts down. Wait a few seconds, then turn it on again. Unsaved work may be lost.
2. Test external devices. Connect a wired USB keyboard and mouse. If they work, the Mac is responsive, and the problem may be isolated to the built-in input devices or their connections.
3. Check Startup Options. Shut down, then hold the power button until Startup Options appears. Test the built-in keyboard and trackpad there, if possible. If they work there but fail in macOS, a software issue becomes more likely. See Apple's Startup Options instructions.
4. Run Apple Diagnostics. From Startup Options, hold Command (⌘) + D and follow the instructions. Record any reference codes. See Apple Diagnostics instructions.

Arrange service if the problem persists. If both built-in devices remain unresponsive after restarting and in Startup Options, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Ask them to inspect the trackpad, internal connections, keyboard circuitry, and logic board.

If the case is bulging, the trackpad is raised, or the laptop rocks on a flat surface, stop using it and seek service promptly because battery swelling must be ruled out.

Conclusion

A temporary software fault is possible, particularly given the idle period, but simultaneous failure of both input devices warrants hardware investigation if a restart does not resolve it. One incident does not establish a design flaw; a recurring, reproducible failure or a confirmed component defect would provide stronger evidence.

The most useful next step is to establish whether the Mac responds to external devices and whether the built-in keyboard and trackpad work in Startup Options. You can Narrow down the likely cause.