Why is my Mac keyboard and touchpad not working, and how can I fix it?

If your Mac’s keyboard and touchpad are acting up, here’s the lowdown on what you can do:

1. Give It a Restart: Sometimes, turning it off and on really can do the trick. Just press that power button to shut it down and then fire it back up.
2. Check for Junk: Is there any gunk in there? A little cleaning with a soft cloth might be all it needs if dirt’s the culprit.
3. Reset the SMC: The System Management Controller handles some behind-the-scenes stuff. On a MacBook with a non-removable battery, shut it down, plug it in, and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds. Then, see if it’s back to normal.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Give this a try if the SMC reset didn’t help. Restart while holding Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds and you might clear things up.
5. Safe Mode Magic: Boot into Safe Mode can shed some light on the problem. Restart your Mac while pressing Shift until you hit the login screen, and see if the issue persists.
6. Update Software: Those updates might have something important! Head over to System Preferences > Software Update to catch any that are waiting for you.
7. Plug In Alternatives: If all else fails, grab a spare keyboard or mouse to keep working until you get this thing sorted.

If you’re still stuck, you might be looking at a hardware issue. Swing by your local Apple store or an authorized service provider to get some expert eyes on the case.

These pointers are rooted in usual Apple advice. For more nitty-gritty details, you can always check out Apple’s official support site.

Alright, so your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad are acting up? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Let’s roll up our sleeves and see if we can sort this out.

1. Battery Check
   First things first: give your battery a once-over. If it’s running low or there’s been any fuss when you swapped it out recently, it could be behind your troubles. Make sure your Mac\’s juiced up.

2. Restart Your Mac
   Yeah, I know, it sounds basic, but have you tried turning it off and back on again? A restart often fixes those pesky software bugs. Can’t use the keyboard to access the menu? Just hold down Command + Control + Power until it restarts.

3. Peek at System Preferences
   Let’s make sure your settings aren’t the culprits. Check out System Preferences (might be called System Settings on newer versions). Double-check settings for both keyboard and trackpad to ensure something weird isn\’t turned on or off by mistake. Reset those if needed.

4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
   Sometimes, your Mac’s memory gets its wires crossed. You can reset the NVRAM (or PRAM) by shutting down, powering back on, and pressing Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds until you get those familiar startup sounds.

5. SMC Reset
   For Intel Macs, resetting the System Management Controller can sometimes work wonders for hardware issues. Power down, hold Shift + Control + Option and the power button for 10 seconds, and then power it back on. If you’ve got an M1/M2 Mac, a plain old restart should handle this automatically.

6. Do a Physical Check
   Take a look at your Mac. Spilled coffee or cookie crumbs wedged under keys? A gentle cleanup with a lint-free cloth might do the trick. If it’s more than just dust, you might need professional help.

7. Peripheral Detachment
   Unplug any extras like USB devices or Bluetooth gadgets. Sometimes they mess things up, and once they’re out of the way, see if your built-ins behave.

8. Software Updates
   Make sure macOS and your apps aren’t outdated. Go to System Settings > Software Update and get everything current. Solves more problems than you’d think.

9. Give Apple Diagnostics a Shot
   If you’re still having grief, let Apple Diagnostics have a nose around. Shut your Mac down, pull out all peripherals, then boot up while holding ‘D’. Follow the instructions and jot down any codes it flashes.

10. Time to Call in the Pros
    If all else fails, maybe it’s time to ring up an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Sometimes, especially if it\’s hardware, we need the experts to step in.

So there you go. With a little luck, one of these steps will get your keyboard and trackpad back on track. Good luck!

Hey, if your Mac keyboard and touchpad are being stubborn, you\’re not alone. These hiccups usually pop up because of some quirky software bugs, firmware gremlins, or even hardware shenanigans. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and see what\’s up with your setup!

What\’s the Scoop?

Macs, those neat little machines, use controllers like the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM to keep everything smooth. But sometimes, a bug sneaks in, or maybe there\’s a bit of dust clogging things up. Heck, a tired battery might be throwing a wrench in the works, too.

What\’s Next?

Quick Fixes

1. Give it a Hard Restart: Just shut that lid for a couple of minutes to clear any temporary errors. If it won’t respond, press down that power button for 10 seconds as a bit of extra persuasion.
2. Unplug Those Gadgets: You’ve got your Mac loaded with USB stuff? Disconnect everything and see if your built-in keyboard and touchpad start behaving.

Get Your Firmware in Check

• Reset NVRAM/PRAM:
1. Turn it off.
2. Power it up and quickly hit ⌘ + Option + P + R.
3. Hold for about 20 seconds or until you hear the second chime.
• Reset SMC:
• Got a MacBook with T2 or newer chips? Just shut down, wait a half-minute, and start again.
• Using an older Intel-based MacBook?
  1. Plug in the charger.
  2. Press Shift + Control + Option + Power together for 10 seconds.

Software Shenanigans

• Try Safe Mode: Restart with Shift held down. It’s the way to boot that kicks out unnecessary extensions and clears caches.
• Check for macOS Updates: Start the Mac in Recovery Mode using ⌘ + R and install those updates you\’ve been putting off.
• Got a Touch Bar? Run a quick Terminal fix with:

  sudo pkill TouchBarServer\nsudo killall\n

Let\’s Talk Hardware

• Clean It Up: Dust off that keyboard and touchpad with some canned air. A little isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth can work wonders on sticky spots.
• Test with External Gadgets: If a plugged-in mouse or keyboard works, your Mac’s internal parts might need a little TLC.

Dig a Little Deeper

• Apple Diagnostics: On restart, press D to check for hardware problems. It’ll point out anything that\’s amiss.
• Reinstall macOS: Back up your stuff, head into Recovery with ⌘ + R, and reinstall the operating system—the clean slate type of approach.

When to Call in the Pros

If you\’re still stuck after all this, it might be a bigger issue like liquid damage or a broken cable. That\’s when a trip to an Apple Store or a certified repair shop is worth considering.

Stay Ahead of the Game

• Keep your eating and drinking away from your Mac to avoid the crumb-and-liquid invasion.
• And remember, updating your macOS regularly can fend off pesky bugs that mess with your devices.

By tackling both the software side and the bits and bobs you can physically reach, you\’re well on your way to getting that keyboard and touchpad back to their usual selves. If they keep acting up, though, it’s definitely time for a professional once-over. Good luck!