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Why is the Shift key not working on Mac? Quick Fix

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  • 6 min read

Your Mac’s keyboard is essential for communication, work, and productivity. However, like any other hardware, it can encounter issues from time to time. One common problem Mac users may encounter is the shift key not working as expected.

Is the shift key not working on Mac? This article discusses various methods that might help you fix the Shift key on your Mac.


Methods to fix the Shift key

Various methods might help you fix the issue:

Check for debris and physical damage

Before diving into software troubleshooting, it’s essential to examine the physical condition of your Mac’s keyboard. Ensure there are no obstructions or debris beneath the Shift key. Sometimes, a simple cleaning can restore its functionality. If the key appears damaged or unresponsive, it might be time to consider a keyboard replacement.


Restart your Mac

Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders. If your Shift key suddenly stops working, try rebooting your Mac. This can help resolve minor software glitches that may be causing the issue.

Also read: How to hide files on a Mac?


Use Keyboard Viewer

You can use the Keyboard Viewer to identify if the Shift key is malfunctioning. To use the keyboard viewer, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the System Settings in the dropdown menu.

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Step 2: In the sidebar, click on Keyboard, and then on the right side of the screen, click on the Edit button beside Input Sources under the Text Input section.

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Step 3: Turn the toggle on beside the Show Input menu in the menu bar.

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Step 4: The Input menu will be available in the menu bar. Click on the Input menu icon in the menu bar, and in the dropdown menu, click on the Show Keyboard Viewer option.

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Step 5: The keyboard will appear on the screen; press the Delete button.

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Check for Software update

Make sure your Mac’s operating system is up-to-date. Outdated software can sometimes cause keyboard issues. Here are the steps to check for updates:

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the System Settings option in the dropdown menu.

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Step 2: In system settings, click on the General option in the sidebar and then click on the Software Update option on the right.

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Step 3: If you have any available macOS updates, install them.

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Disable Slow keys

The shift key might not function correctly if Slow Keys are turned on. Slow Keys lets you set how long to hold a key before your computer recognises it.

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the System Settings option in the dropdown menu.

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Step 2: In the sidebar, click on Accessibility and then click on the Keyboard option on the right side of the screen.

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Step 3: Turn the toggle off beside the Slow Keys option.

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Disable Sticky keys

Mac has a built-in feature called Sticky Keys, designed to assist users with physical disabilities. This feature can cause issues with the shift key if enabled accidentally. To disable Sticky Keys:

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the System Settings option in the dropdown menu.

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Step 2: In the sidebar, click on Accessibility and then click on the Keyboard option on the right side of the screen.

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Step 3: Turn the toggle off beside the Sticky Keys.

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Delete the Keyboard PLIST files

Keyboard Plist files hold the configuration and preferences of the keyboard. Deleting these files might restore its functionality. To dele these files, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Finder, click on the Go tab and then click on the Go to Folder in the dropdown menu.

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Step 2: Go to ~/Library/Preferences and find the files apple.Keyboard-Settings.extension.plist and
com.apple.keyboardservicesd.plist and delete them by dragging the files to the Trash bin. If you find more com.apple.keyboard PLIST files, then delete them, too.


Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) can help resolve keyboard-related issues. To reset the NVRAM/PRAM, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Shut down your Mac.

Step 2: Press and hold the Command + Option + P+ R buttons as you turn on the Mac.

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Step 3: Hold the keys until you hear the startup sound twice.

For newer Macs with Apple silicon chips, a simple restart is enough.


Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the methods mentioned above and the problem with the Shift key persists, it’s a good idea to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They have the expertise to offer professional help and determine if your Mac’s keyboard needs repairing or replacing.

Also read: How to restart a Mac with the keyboard?

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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