Lloyd C from the UK
Level 1 (8 points)
Notebooks

Q: Wired Keyboard Numbers Stopped Working

I have an Apple wired keyboard attached to a Macbook Pro. The keyboard has worked well for a year apart from the occasional glitch when it stops working, I add a cable extension and it starts working again.  However, suddenly the keyboard numbers at the top of the keyboard have stopped working (but - and = work). the keypad to the right continue stop work fine.  I think that the functions keys still work.  Has anyone any ideas?  This is driving me nuts! Tried rebooting and screaming - no luck so far.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.3.3

Posted on Aug 2, 2016 12:16 AM

by Corrie84,Solvedanswer
Corrie84 Corrie84
Community Specialists
A:

Hello Lloyd C from the UK! 

 

If I’m understanding you right, the numbers on the Apple wired keyboard you have connected to your MacBook Pro have stopped working. We know it's never ideal to have a device that isn't working as expected, so we're happy to help you get that keyboard working again. 

 

The first thing I would recommend, before doing anything else, is to update your Mac if there are updates available for the version of OS X you're currently running. Use the steps in the support article below if you aren't familiar with how to update. For troubleshooting purposes, each time you test out your keyboard after following the steps we provide, make sure it's while the keyboard is plugged directly into the built-in USB port on your MacBook and not plugged into a USB hub. Also, disconnect all other peripherals you have plugged into your Mac, besides the charging cable, when testing. 

 

Update the software on your Mac

 

If the issue persists after updating, the next step would be to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC is a part inside of your MacBook that helps with running various physical parts of your computer, and resetting it can sometimes help issues with keyboard and USB functions. The support article below contains the steps on how to reset the SMC.

 

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac 

 

Test out the keyboard after the SMC has been reset. If the issue continues, complete the steps under the section titled "Steps for a USB keyboard" in the following article:

 

If your wireless or USB keyboard doesn't work

 

Keep in mind that it's always a possibility the issue could be with the keyboard itself. If you continue to have problems with certain keys, try connecting that keyboard to a different Mac, if you're able to, and see if you experience the same issues.

 

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

 

Take care!

Posted on Aug 3, 2016 10:15 AM

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Lloyd C from the UK

Q: Wired Keyboard Numbers Stopped Working

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Corrie84,Solvedanswer

    Corrie84 Corrie84 Aug 3, 2016 10:15 AM in response to Lloyd C from the UK
    Community Specialists
    Aug 3, 2016 10:15 AM in response to Lloyd C from the UK

    Hello Lloyd C from the UK! 

     

    If I’m understanding you right, the numbers on the Apple wired keyboard you have connected to your MacBook Pro have stopped working. We know it's never ideal to have a device that isn't working as expected, so we're happy to help you get that keyboard working again. 

     

    The first thing I would recommend, before doing anything else, is to update your Mac if there are updates available for the version of OS X you're currently running. Use the steps in the support article below if you aren't familiar with how to update. For troubleshooting purposes, each time you test out your keyboard after following the steps we provide, make sure it's while the keyboard is plugged directly into the built-in USB port on your MacBook and not plugged into a USB hub. Also, disconnect all other peripherals you have plugged into your Mac, besides the charging cable, when testing. 

     

    Update the software on your Mac

     

    If the issue persists after updating, the next step would be to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC is a part inside of your MacBook that helps with running various physical parts of your computer, and resetting it can sometimes help issues with keyboard and USB functions. The support article below contains the steps on how to reset the SMC.

     

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac 

     

    Test out the keyboard after the SMC has been reset. If the issue continues, complete the steps under the section titled "Steps for a USB keyboard" in the following article:

     

    If your wireless or USB keyboard doesn't work

     

    Keep in mind that it's always a possibility the issue could be with the keyboard itself. If you continue to have problems with certain keys, try connecting that keyboard to a different Mac, if you're able to, and see if you experience the same issues.

     

    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

     

    Take care!

  • by Lloyd C from the UK,

    Lloyd C from the UK Lloyd C from the UK Aug 3, 2016 11:31 AM in response to Corrie84
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 3, 2016 11:31 AM in response to Corrie84

    Thanks V much for the advice!  I updated the software and reset the SMC controller - no luck!

     

    I then tried the keyboard with an old laptop - same problem! So it looks like it is a hardware problem!

     

    Thanks again!

  • by erin_b1,

    erin_b1 erin_b1 Aug 3, 2016 12:47 PM in response to Lloyd C from the UK
    Community Specialists
    Aug 3, 2016 12:47 PM in response to Lloyd C from the UK

    You’re very welcome, Lloyd C from the UK. If the keyboard doesn't work with a second computer and you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps we provided, it's very likely that this is in fact a hardware issue. If you would like to discuss possible service options, we recommend contacting Apple Support using the following link: 

     

    Contact Support

     

    Thanks again for using Apple Support Communities. 

     

    Have an awesome rest of your day!