I have an issue with mac keyboard, from time to time when I connect my laptop to external keyboard I end up with function less keyboard (both external and original laptop keyboard).
Every press on a key I hear a "beep" and I cant do nothing with the keyboard.
After a restart this issue is resolved.
The laptop I use is mac book pro 15' , OS X El Capitan.
What can I do to prevent the issue?
MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)
There may be a system log file in Console utility that relates to this issue.
Those are very time + date oriented to the partial second, so repeats in a
interval of time may be found, when looking through Console log content.
You may be able to affect a change in this by resetting SMC because a
system function may be acting up and this reset may help what seems
to be a hardware issue; while it may really be at another level.
•Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support
Given your model likely is newer enough to not have a user-removable battery
note the instructions in this Support article cover other models as well as yours.
If the battery is non-removable
The section in SMC reset instructions as it relates to what an NVRAM reset affects, is
worth a look; the page link to that reset function is •NVRAM or PRAM.
You may have to take the computer to an authorized Apple service provider or if available
to an official Apple Store where a Genius or expert associate can help you diagnose it &
they could suggest options should further investigation be required. ~ If cause of issue in
either product cannot be re-produced while there, they may not be able to offer a fix either.
If you plan a visit to seek help, by appointment or reservation where available, be sure to
take along the keyboard; and the power adapter for the portable mac. ~ If you can borrow
an Apple USB keyboard, to test this issue, I recommend that to see if it changes anything.
Could be the external keyboard is creating an issue, if it is partially defective.
Sorry that I've not actually helped all that much...
Good luck & happy trails! 🙂
There may be a system log file in Console utility that relates to this issue.
Those are very time + date oriented to the partial second, so repeats in a
interval of time may be found, when looking through Console log content.
You may be able to affect a change in this by resetting SMC because a
system function may be acting up and this reset may help what seems
to be a hardware issue; while it may really be at another level.
•Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support
Given your model likely is newer enough to not have a user-removable battery
note the instructions in this Support article cover other models as well as yours.
If the battery is non-removable
The section in SMC reset instructions as it relates to what an NVRAM reset affects, is
worth a look; the page link to that reset function is •NVRAM or PRAM.
You may have to take the computer to an authorized Apple service provider or if available
to an official Apple Store where a Genius or expert associate can help you diagnose it &
they could suggest options should further investigation be required. ~ If cause of issue in
either product cannot be re-produced while there, they may not be able to offer a fix either.
If you plan a visit to seek help, by appointment or reservation where available, be sure to
take along the keyboard; and the power adapter for the portable mac. ~ If you can borrow
an Apple USB keyboard, to test this issue, I recommend that to see if it changes anything.
Could be the external keyboard is creating an issue, if it is partially defective.
Sorry that I've not actually helped all that much...
Good luck & happy trails! 🙂
Its not a mac keyboard, the thing is even after I disconnect the keyboard the laptop's built in keyboard is not functions!
like there is something stuck in the OS, mouse and display still function.
How old is the external USB keyboard, and of what brand?
You could try almost any keyboard, if testing for issues.
In the keyboard viewer, do you see anything unusual when
you press the external keyboard/keys, at the time it beeps?
Some older Apple keyboards may not work the same as later
builds with newer Apple products. In any case, I have spares
that are known good, to use with several of my Macs. And do
use Apple USB keyboards with my Apple portables, often at
a desk alongside powered USB hubs and accessories.
There may be a problem with that specific keyboard.
Good luck & happy trails! 🙂
Mac keyboard keys beep and do nothing
