If you’re a Mac user experiencing issues with your volume and brightness keys, you’re not alone. These keys play an essential role in adjusting the audio and display settings on your Mac, so it can be frustrating when they stop working. However, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try before seeking professional help. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this problem and provide step-by-step instructions to help you resolve it.
Basic Checks: Ensure The Volume And Brightness Keys Are Functioning Properly Physically
Before diving into software troubleshooting, it’s important to first check if the volume and brightness keys on your Mac are physically functioning properly. Sometimes, the issue may simply be due to a physical problem rather than a software glitch. Here are a few basic checks you can perform:
1. Clean the keys: Dust or debris can obstruct the keys and prevent them from working effectively. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clean the keys gently.
2. Check for stuck keys: Sometimes, a key may get stuck or remain pressed, causing issues with volume and brightness control. Press each key firmly to check if any of them feel stuck or sticky. If you find any, gently press and release the key multiple times to loosen it up.
3. Restart your Mac: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches. Turn off your Mac and then turn it back on to see if the volume and brightness keys start working again.
If none of these basic checks solve the issue, you can move on to the next troubleshooting steps to further diagnose and fix the problem.
Check System Preferences: Verify That The Keyboard Shortcuts For Volume And Brightness Control Are Correctly Set
Many times, the volume and brightness keys may not work simply because the keyboard shortcuts for these controls are not set correctly. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Keyboard” and then go to the “Shortcuts” tab.
3. In the left-hand panel, select “Mission Control” and ensure that the shortcuts for “Turn Display Mirroring On/Off” and “Turn Do Not Disturb On/Off” are not conflicting with the volume and brightness keys.
4. Next, select “Keyboard” in the left-hand panel and make sure that the shortcuts for “Decrease Keyboard Brightness” and “Increase Keyboard Brightness” are set to the appropriate keys.
5. Similarly, select “Display” in the left-hand panel and verify that the shortcuts for “Decrease Display Brightness” and “Increase Display Brightness” are correctly assigned.
6. If any inconsistencies are found, click on the shortcut and press the correct key combination to set it.
7. Restart your Mac and check if the volume and brightness keys are working now.
By ensuring that the keyboard shortcuts for volume and brightness control are correctly set, you can rule out any software-related issues and resolve the problem easily.
Update Software: Check For And Install Any Available MacOS Updates That Address Keyboard-related Issues
Updating your macOS system software can often resolve issues with the volume and brightness keys not working on your Mac. Apple regularly releases updates that address bugs and glitches, including problems with keyboard functionality. Follow these steps to update your software:
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Software Update.”
3. If there are any available updates, click on “Update Now” to install them.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
5. Once the update is finished, restart your Mac.
Updating your software not only addresses known issues but also ensures that your system is running smoothly with the latest features and security patches. If the volume and brightness keys still don’t work after updating, proceed to try other troubleshooting methods mentioned in this article.
Reset SMC: Troubleshooting Step To Reset The System Management Controller (SMC) Which Can Resolve Hardware-related Problems
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) is a troubleshooting step that can help resolve hardware-related issues with your Mac, including problems with volume and brightness control. The SMC is responsible for managing various hardware functions, such as power management, thermal management, and keyboard backlighting.
To reset the SMC on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Plug in the power adapter.
3. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side. Keep holding these keys, and then press the power button at the same time.
4. Release all the keys and the power button simultaneously.
5. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
After performing an SMC reset, test your volume and brightness keys to see if they are working. If the issue persists, try other troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article. Resetting the SMC can be an effective solution for various hardware-related problems, so it’s worth trying before seeking further assistance.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Guide On Resetting The Non-volatile Random-access Memory (NVRAM) Or Parameter Random-access Memory (PRAM) To Fix Issues With Keyboard Settings
Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can often resolve issues with keyboard settings and restore the functionality of volume and brightness keys on your Mac. This procedure involves resetting a small amount of memory on your computer that stores certain settings and preferences.
To reset the NVRAM/PRAM, follow these steps:
1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press the power button to turn on your Mac, and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys together.
3. Keep holding the keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
4. Release the keys and allow your Mac to continue booting up.
After resetting the NVRAM/PRAM, check if the volume and brightness keys are functioning properly. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Note: Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM will reset some system settings such as speaker volume, screen resolution, and startup disk selection, so you may need to adjust them again after the reset.
Disable conflicting third-party software:
When the volume and brightness keys are not working on your Mac, it is possible that certain third-party software or applications are causing conflicts. These conflicts can prevent the keys from functioning properly.
To identify and disable any conflicting software, start by quitting all third-party applications that are running on your Mac. Then, test the volume and brightness keys to see if they start working again. If they do, you can narrow down the problematic application by opening each application one by one and testing the keys after each one.
Additionally, some third-party extensions or plugins can interfere with the keyboard controls. You can disable these extensions using the Safari Extensions feature in the Safari preferences, or by accessing the extensions manager in other web browsers.
If disabling third-party software resolves the issue, you may need to update or reinstall the problematic applications or extensions to ensure compatibility with your Mac’s keyboard controls.
Remember to always check for macOS updates and keep your software up to date, as software updates often include fixes for keyboard-related issues.
Contact Apple Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still facing issues with your volume and brightness keys, it is advisable to contact Apple Support for further assistance. The support team can provide you with expert guidance and help identify the root cause of the problem.
When contacting Apple Support, be sure to provide them with detailed information about the issue you are experiencing. Mention the steps you have already taken to troubleshoot the problem, such as checking the physical functionality of the keys, verifying keyboard shortcuts, updating software, and resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM.
Apple Support may ask you to perform additional troubleshooting steps or provide instructions for diagnosing the problem more accurately. If a hardware issue is suspected, they may guide you through a series of tests to determine whether the volume and brightness keys need to be repaired or replaced.
Remember, Apple Support is your best resource for resolving persistent issues with your Mac’s volume and brightness keys. They have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the necessary solutions and can also arrange for hardware repairs if required.
FAQs
1. Why are my volume keys not working on my Mac?
There can be several reasons why the volume keys on your Mac may not be working. Firstly, check if the volume icon is grayed out in the menu bar. If it is, try adjusting the volume using the slider in the Sound Preferences. If this doesn’t work, your keyboard’s firmware may need to be updated or there could be a software issue that needs to be resolved.
2. How can I fix the brightness keys not working on my Mac?
If the brightness keys on your Mac are not working, start by checking if the display brightness slider is disabled in the Displays Preferences. If it is, try adjusting the brightness using the slider. If this doesn’t solve the issue, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac may help resolve any hardware-related problems.
3. What should I do if both my volume and brightness keys are not working?
If both the volume and brightness keys on your Mac are not working, it might indicate a deeper software or hardware issue. In this case, try resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on your Mac. If the problem persists, consider updating the operating system and keyboard drivers. If all else fails, it is advisable to contact Apple support or take your Mac to an authorized service provider.
4. Are there any troubleshooting tips I can follow to prevent volume and brightness key issues on my Mac?
To minimize the chances of volume and brightness key problems on your Mac, keep your operating system and software up to date. Regularly check for any available firmware updates for your keyboard and Mac. Additionally, avoid installing third-party applications or software that may interfere with the keyboard functionality. If you suspect any physical damage, handle your Mac and its peripherals carefully to prevent any issues with the keys.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, troubleshooting issues with volume and brightness keys on Mac can be a frustrating experience, but there are some common issues and solutions to try. Whether it’s a software glitch, incompatible keyboard settings, or a hardware malfunction, Mac users can try resetting the SMC, adjusting keyboard settings, or updating the operating system to fix these problems. It is important to approach these troubleshooting steps with caution and consult Apple support or a professional if needed.