If you have a laptop or unplugging your keyboard doesn't work, the problem is likely within the computer. If you have a Windows computer, instructions on how to unlock a keyboard will start with rebooting the computer. If that doesn't work, restart and press the 'Escape' key to see if the Startup menu displays. If you didn't set up Face ID when you set up iPad, see Set up Face ID on iPad. On supported models, tap the screen, then glance at your iPad. The lock icon animates from closed to open to indicate that iPad is unlocked. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view the Home Screen. All you have to do is perform a quick keyboard shortcut, after which your computer will be locked instantly. To lock a Mac simply press the following key combination. Control-Command-Q or ^+⌘+Q; As soon as you press these three buttons together, your Mac will get locked and you will see the lock screen on your computer.
- How To Unlock Apple Computer Keyboard Settings
- How To Unlock Keyboard Mac
- Unlock Computer Keyboard Keys
When you walk away from your desk for a restroom break, lunch, or another reason, you run the risk of prying eyes viewing your work and personal data. This is especially important in an office, a library, or if you have a particularly nosy cat. Here's how to quickly lock your Mac before leaving your desk.
How to Quickly Lock Your Mac From the Keyboard
First, make sure your Mac has password protection enabled. To do this, go to 'System Preferences' -> 'Security & Privacy' -> 'General.' Click the 'Require password' checkbox.
While you're here, set your computer to require the password either immediately to within 5 seconds after the screen goes dark. Even though you can set the password to be required after up to 8 hours after it goes to sleep or the screen saver kicks in, immediately or 5 seconds is the most secure choice. It's just another layer of protection.
Once you've configured those settings, you can close the System Preferences window.
To lock your Mac until you need to access it again, simply press the following key combination: Control + Shift + Eject (or Power, depending on the age of your Mac, or if you're using an external keyboard on a MacBook). Your computer will lock and the screen will go dark until you move your mouse or tap a key on the keyboard. You'll then need to enter your password to unlock the computer.
When locking your machine, your apps can continue to run while your computer is locked. This allows you to leave your desk while you're uploading a file or a similar task.
Your device isn't recognised by your Mac
Follow these steps if your mouse, keyboard or trackpad isn't recognised by your Mac.
Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad is turned on
Sound recorder studio software. The Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2 have a slide switch on the bottom of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device. On the Magic Mouse, the green LED briefly lights up. On the Magic Mouse 2, green colouring is visible beneath the switch.
The Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and Magic Trackpad 2 have a slide switch on the back edge of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device (green colouring becomes visible). Earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard models have a power button on the right side of the device. Press the button and you see a green LED on the top of the device, near the button.
When you turn these devices on, they appear as connected in bluetooth preferences and in the bluetooth menu in your menu bar. If a device doesn't appear there, make sure it's charged or replace it batteries, and make sure it's been paired with your Mac.
Make sure that your device has been set up to work with your Mac
Learn how to pair your Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Trackpad 2 and earlier models of Apple wireless devices with your Mac.
Make sure that bluetooth is turned on
Use your Mac notebook's built-in trackpad or a USB mouse to choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth. Make sure that bluetooth is turned on.
Refer to the table below for more information on determining the bluetooth status. If the bluetooth icon doesn't appear, or if the menu bar status continues to indicate that bluetooth is off, restart your computer and then try to turn bluetooth on again.
| Bluetooth menu icon | Bluetooth status |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth is on, but no wireless devices are connected to the Mac. See the Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad is turned on section of this article. | |
| Bluetooth is on and at least one wireless device is connected. | |
| When this icon flashes, at least one wireless device has a low battery. Click the bluetooth icon to identify the affected device, then recharge the device or replace its batteries. | |
| Bluetooth is off. Click the bluetooth icon using a USB mouse or built-in trackpad and select Turn Bluetooth On. | |
| Bluetooth is offline or unavailable. Restart your Mac. If the bluetooth status doesn't change, disconnect all USB devices and restart your Mac again. |
Make sure that your devices are charged
Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have built-in rechargeable batteries. You can charge these devices by connecting them to a Mac or a USB power adaptor using a Lightning to USB Cable. For the fastest battery charging performance, be sure your device is switched on when connected to the Lightning to USB Cable.
To check the battery level of these devices, click the bluetooth icon in your Mac's menu bar, then select your device by name. If the battery level of any device is low, recharge the device. If the device isn't showing, make sure the device is turned using the steps outlined above.
Turn the device off and on
If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad isn't recognised by your Mac after following the tips above, try turning the wireless device off, waiting a few seconds and then turning it back on.
Your mouse or keyboard intermittently stops responding
- Click the mouse or trackpad or press a key on the keyboard to reconnect the device to the computer. It might take a moment for the device to respond.
- Check for wireless interference.
Your mouse doesn't scroll up or down or side to side
If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a web page or document, make sure that you're using the correct Multi-Touch gestures and have set up your scrolling speed preferences correctly. Vocal tuning software.
Your mouse or trackpad doesn't track as expected
Apple Wireless Mouse, Magic Mouse, and Magic Mouse 2 can be used on most smooth surfaces. If tracking issues occur, try these options:
How To Unlock Apple Computer Keyboard Settings
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Mouse. Set the 'Tracking speed' slider to adjust how fast the pointer moves as you move the mouse.
- Try using a different surface to see if tracking improves.
- Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window. Use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window if dust or debris is present.
- If multiple bluetooth wireless devices are in use nearby, try turning them off one at a time to see if the issue improves.
How To Unlock Keyboard Mac
Learn more what to do if your trackpad isn't tracking correctly.
Your keyboard has one or more keys that don't respond
Use the Keyboard Viewer to test whether the keyboard keys are responding correctly when they are pressed.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Keyboard.
- Click the Input Sources tab.
- Make sure that the keyboard language that you use is listed on the left side. If it's not, click the add button (+) and choose from the languages that appear.
- Select the 'Show Input menu in menu bar' tickbox.
- Click the Keyboard tab, then select 'Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar' tickbox, if present.
- From the Input menu in the menu bar, choose Show Keyboard Viewer. The Keyboard Viewer showing the keyboard layout appears on your display.
- Type the key on the keyboard that doesn't respond and see if the corresponding key highlights on the Keyboard Viewer. If it does, that key is functioning correctly.
Unlock Computer Keyboard Keys
If you enable the Mouse Keys feature, many keys might not respond as you expect. To turn off Mouse keys, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Accessibility. Choose Mouse & Trackpad from the list on the left side, then deselect the Enable Mouse Keys tickbox.
