Mac repeating key problem. Nothing to do with the link you mention.

Mac repeating key problem Many users have experienced problems such as repeating keys, sticky keys, unresponsive key presses, and more. One of the most common problems involving the Mac keyboard is when keys have become stuck. But that Delay setting should cure that immediately Dec 26, 2022 · The MacBook keyboard has a special feature where a user can set a bar on repeating keys or a time limit. Repeat rate simply is the rate at which the system registers the repeated keystrokes. Release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. The offending keys are: i, t and e. I suffered through 3 miserable years with the butterfly keyboard on my 2018 Macbook Pro. Turn Off Key Repeat On Mac laptops, there’s a setting called Key Repeat designed to allow you to press on a key and hold it to type the same letter over and over until you release it. It is very annoying, the keyboard becomes unusable. Clean the Keyboard Carefully Dust and debris can block keystrokes—especially on older MacBook models with butterfly or scissor mechanisms. icaviewer. If you hold the spacebar, it will continue to add spaces until you release it. Oct 31, 2017 · A number of Model 01 keyboards from the first two production runs developed ‘key chatter’ problems, either over the first few weeks of their lives or later on. . When typing, it happens to repeat the last couple of letters. If I key my finger still and press down with more pressure Sep 7, 2025 · Troubleshooting steps to fix repeating keys on your computer keyboard, addressing potential causes like spills, connection issues, software glitches, and more. If key repeats work with a different keyboard, then your original keyboard may be malfunctioning. I'm quite Apr 13, 2021 · key repeat issues I have turned off the "key repeat" for my MacBook Pro, however several keys continue to repeat. Sep 4, 2022 · At some stage of using their computer, any Mac user can experience a keyboard that is not working. I need to have a basic functionality where when I press-&-hold a key for ~ 2 seconds, the key should repeat. If I turn it off and turn it back on or if I plug it in with the lightning cable it fixes the problem until the next time the keyboard has to reconnect. I was ask what's my concern, and I told the guy that I've been having the issue related to the keyboard repeating letters randomly. Dec 4, 2022 · If you press and hold certain keyboard keys when in a text area, the key’s character begins to repeat. Jan 10, 2020 · Since Apple introduced the butterfly mechanism keyboard with the MacBook in 2015, and the MacBook Pro in 2016, a number of users have reported problems with keys repeating or not working. I'm stuck guys. Mar 15, 2024 · My problem is the keyboard keys keep repeating letters. the keys that most seem to be affected is e, s, space, and r. Jun 2, 2020 · Since 2011 default behavior in Mac OS has been for letter keys to not repeat when held down. Mar 13, 2019 · Help, my MacBook Pro / MacBook Air keyboard is still typing double-spaces and double keys! If you cleaned the keyboard and made the above settings change to Key Repeat and yet you find your Mac laptop keyboard is still randomly repeating keys when pressed once, it is possible the MacBook Pro, MacBook, or MacBook Air keyboard has a physical hardware problem. I can use key repeat for delete and arrow keys, and for making “separator comments” (//--------------) in Xcode — along with easy access to ñ, ô, etc. So, how do you fix this? You can switch it back to the more old school behavior--where holding a key repeats it--but it's somewhat inconvenient. Basically, there can be two reasons. For example, the Delete key continues to remove text for as long as you hold it down. Oh my god please help me. This usually manifests as repeated keystrokes. Sep 26, 2024 · As a Mac software expert, I‘ve helped countless users troubleshoot all sorts of strange computer glitches over the years. Sep 9, 2025 · The keyboard is essential—you can’t type or use your Mac/MacBook without it. On your Mac, set how long to press and hold a key before it starts repeating. Before you go to the solution you… Oct 6, 2020 · Yes, same problem here. It sounds like a lot of people started having this problem in 2020 coinciding with Covid. Like it's copying what I pressed on a keyboard, (Enter key included, which sends the message). The keyboard will connect fine but then randomly start repeating keys. For example, if you type ‘r’, the keyboard might instead send ‘rr’ or ‘rrr’ some or all of the time. You can set how long you must hold down the key before it starts repeating and how fast it repeats once it starts. in every sentence i type I have to backspace because it keeps repeating a letter, or even some random letter at the end of a word. Below are all the similar threads I could find - None of which seem to provide a solution to this mystery: 2016 MacBook pro 15" defective keyboard Keyboard, K key May 7, 2023 · Once done, try using your Mac’s keyboard to check if the double space issue is solved. I know this is an old post, but I'll post this question/problem. However, at least once every hour, its new wireless keyboard loses its mind! It repeats characters like crazy, as if a key was being held down. How of I change that? Dec 15, 2019 · It could be either a software or hardware issue. According to a recent survey by the Apple Support Communities, keyboard input errors rank On your Mac, set how long to press and hold a key before it starts repeating. Oct 19, 2018 · I tried messing with the key repeat settings, and those didn't help the problem (and made the typing experience even worse). For example, if I press and hold q for a few seconds, I end up with the following: I'm having problems with keys repeating and chattering, it gets stuck and the RGB/light also stops/stuck/lags/freezes at the same time. The steps you can find below:STEP 1 Go to “System Preferences”STEP 2 In the to “ May 25, 2021 · How to re-enable the keyboard long-press for special characters? Hi, I don't know if it has to do with a recent update to macOS Big Sur, but my keyboard has just changed when I long-press a key such as vowels or other letters. Specifically, if I press a key multiple times in quick succession, not all of the inputs are registered, and the ones Nov 15, 2020 · After a clean install of Big Sur on my iMac 27 (late 2015), key repeat is not working properly. Please help me. You can use these tips for other keys repeating as well. Instead the Character Picker or Accent Menu appears where appropriate. It has been reported that pressing the space bar once ends up typing two spaces. Jul 25, 2007 · I have a 2020 M1 Mac Mini running MacOS 11. This new key mechanism has both design flaws & manufacturing defects which can cause the keys to repeat with a single key press, or a key will not register a key press. I have to depress the key and press it again in order to repeat it. I was using a wired one before this one and it was working fine. 1. I have checked the keyboard Dec 27, 2021 · MacBook Pro (15”, 2019) (introduced to the program in May 2019) Part 2. Rotate the MacBook and repeat for each side Feb 17, 2023 · If your Mac keyboard is acting strangely, such as keys typing the wrong characters, some keys not working, or symbols and variations appearing when you don't expect, it could come down to a setting you have changed. Seems I've found a strange bug that occurs intermittently at the lock screen where the keyboard repeats randomly when typing the password. Unfortunately, my MIDI keyboard isn't being recognized as a device (which is an entirely different problem altogether) so I'm stuck with using just the normal computer keyboard to play in notes. Adjust Key Repeat Settings. Apr 2, 2024 · Key Repeat No Longer Functioning At some point during the recent past, key repeat has stopped working. and i've looked at system preferences and set all the settings to where i would think i could repeat letter by holding down a key. Feb 15, 2025 · "Delay until repeat" to "Short" but nothing happens. I have follow the instruction someone recommended by using Terminal command "defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false" but it does not solve my problem. It makes taking notes on a lecture or texting with people almost impossible. Aug 19, 2016 · If a key doesn't have any special characters behind it and you hold it down, nothing will happen. It's maddening! Anyone else having this issue? If so, have you fixed it? Thanks! I just recently bought this keyboard and received it this week and began using it and for some reason it keeps repeating keys like "ssssssssssssssss zzzzzzzz" — why on earth is this happening? I have sticky keys turned off as well. My time frame expired. It started immediately after upgrading to Catalina. Physical and Hardware Problems Hardware issues make up a large portion of MacBook keyboard troubles. Nov 7, 2023 · Encountering issues with your Mac keyboard? Don't worry! Explore our quick troubleshooting guide to resolve common problems and restore your keyboard function. It could be a similar hand positioning, but far more likely is a problem with “a” key. This problem didn't start until I had the machine for about 2-3 weeks. Letters that do not have optional unicode characters show How to prevent accidentally repeating keyboard characters in macOS 14 Sonoma Many applications will repeatedly enter the same character while you hold down a key on your keyboard. Messages will end up lookinggggggg a bittttttt like thissssssssssssss. This affects multiple MacBook models. That is why the "Change repeat rate/delay to slower" option isn't working. It is possible that the space key (bar) is probably sticking that Oct 31, 2009 · InterestingI have this problem, but it's only coming up when trying to edit in larger documents. It would previously let me select special characters to add and I need to use it every day. Any time I need to repeat a movement it movers very slowly. I don’t recall ever seeing this on my Mac, but it’s been fairly frequent on my windows machine. So if Feb 9, 2025 · and a reboot, fixed my problem. Type Keyboard in the Spotlight Search bar to open your keyboard settings. (apple care has EXPIRED!!) No matter how many times I reboot or change the key board settings:- Key Repeat and delay until repeat I keep getting Multiple characters when typing - driving me insane. 14. 3 on a 15-inch 2018 model. The only way to solve the problem is to turn the keyboard off and on again. I have the MX KEYS keyboard. Jul 24, 2022 · mac keyboard is typing double letters Recently my Mac keyboard has starting to type double for certain letters (s, n, a, o and sometimes others). Oct 10, 2025 · Is your MacBook keyboard acting up? Here are some easy troubleshooting solutions that can help you fix a MacBook keyboard that isn't working. Every time I hear that sound repeating, I shut it down and reset it again. I can repeat a letter with holding down the key only in Terminal, but I cannot do it in Work, Excel, Google sheet, Notes (Mac default Notepad). Feb 10, 2022 · bluetooth magic keyboard repeating keys I have a 2017 MacBook Pro that I have paired with an Apple bluetooth magic keyboard. Adjust the Repeating Key Rate In Your Operating System Sep 15, 2022 · A reset of Mac’s SMC and NVRAM can clear any configurations causing the double typing problem, and resolve keyboard-related issues specific to macOS: Step 1: Shut down your Mac. To determine if the problem lies with your Mac or the keyboard itself, try connecting a different keyboard. Mar 4, 2024 · Apple has a free Keyboard repair program for the 2016 to 2019 laptops which utilize the new & dreaded butterfly keyboard mechanism. I'm not sure if I received a new update but over that last few days it keeps adding random double spaces as I type. But why does it happen and how can you fix it? Aug 24, 2024 · Is your keyboard not working on your Mac device? Whether it's your laptop's built-in keyboard or external keyboard, there are plenty of fixes you can try. Unfortunately your fix didn't work either, though I'll probably retry again a few more times. With your Apple Mac, it can be a little more complicated than with many other keyboards as there is only one type of keyboard. Jun 29, 2025 · In this article, we showed you how to customize your Mac's key-press behavior with a single, simple command in the Terminal. Dec 17, 2016 · My MBP randomly starts repeating a key in password fields (so I can't figure out what key is). g. Very Feb 7, 2025 · A non-working Mac keyboard can disrupt your workflow and productivity. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) 2 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Intel Iris Graphics 540 1536 MB macOS Jun 2, 2023 · Stuck or Repeating Keys One of the most annoying problems that can happen with a mechanical keyboard is when a key gets stuck or repeats itself multiple times when pressed. Here's a guide on how to fix MacBook Pro and MacBook Air keyboard problems. Use compressed air in short bursts, spraying in a zigzag pattern across the keys. To be specific: The delete button works fine When I press a letter key continusly the letter appears on the screen only once. Didn't work. Jul 29, 2012 · Wireless Keyboard buffering/repeating key problems? I've got some problems with my old style Bluetooth Pro Keyboard (the white model from about 6 years ago). Set how quickly a key repeats on Mac If you press and hold certain keyboard keys when in a text area, the key’s character begins to repeat. To fix it for now, I turned off the brand new keyboard that came with my iMac Pro and plugged in my das keyboard. Troubleshooting MacBook Pro Keyboard Not Working What to Do If Keyboard is Unresponsive, Stuck or Repeating? How do I unfreeze my MacBook Pro keyboard? MacBook Pro owners should head to Apple’s customer support or the company’s retail store to handpick repair options. In Pages if you press and hold e, you should get what is shown Mar 9, 2023 · If the repeat rates for the keyboard inputs are misconfigured, you may experience a similar problem with the keystrokes. Complaints about this issue Keyboard 'B' key double hit problem MacBook Pro 2016 Random Key Repeat Keyboard Issue MacBook Pro 13" 2016 Double Key Press 1 key - 2 letters macbook pro 2016 and 2017 The new and improved MacBook keyboards have the same old problems Reddit: MBP 2018 15" Sticky Key Problem! Reddit: My Experience with Macbook Pro 2018 May 7, 2025 · This answer will show you how to troubleshoot and resolve common keyboard issues when the keys are unresponsive, spamming, or repeating. receiver. Thanks for replacing my keyboard for one with the same issues and then negate me a second warranty. You can repeat some keys like space, backspace, and arrows, but that's about it. I'm going crazy over here. 2. Sometimes, it manifests as missing keystrokes. it will repeat the press once more). I tried turning off Sep 15, 2023 · My MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) repeats several letters when typing, often half-way through a word, and even commands will duplicate themselves after a short delay, including when using Ctrl+V. Nov 14, 2020 · Keyboard Repeating Letters Randomly: []So I scheduled an appointment to the store, named (Jump +). Feb 4, 2012 · To translate the above graphic, focus on the right hand side… change the Delay Until Repeat to a longer time. I am certain that it is NOT a hardware problem (e. Ever since I got my new Mac mini, I have noticed I get a lot of characters scrambled. Just to get hardware out of the way as a factor, the keyboard had mechanical problems, of a different kind. It doesn't happen on new docs, or text only ones (so far Nov 10, 2019 · Multiple Apple users have encountered problems with the space bar on their Mac. When I press down the i and then slide my finger from the left edge to the right edge of the key, it triggers more keypresses. Or when texting on facebook messenger it tends to send another message with only the last couple of letters. I gradually started noticing double key presses for few keys showing up in the text I typed. Rather, it seems that the keyboard is missfiring and registering some keys twice within a few miliseconds. Any ideas? Mar 30, 2021 · Macbook keeps repeating keys i have tried turning off key repeat and cleaning the keyboard with alcohol and with compressed air. To fix a Mac keyboard that’s not working, try restarting your computer, checking for system updates, and inspecting the physical connections. For some users, this can result in unwanted characters being entered if they don’t release a key quickly enough. Nothing to do with the link you mention. In this article, we will explore the common causes behind this problem and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue and get your keyboard functioning properly again. I very much doubt that you both have the same neurological problem — with the same key! The odds are astronomically high that would occur. Some keys failed to register a keystroke because they were stuck on the way back to the resting position, but not deep enough to keep Aug 7, 2024 · Note: Not all MacBook, ‌MacBook Pro‌, and ‌MacBook Air‌ owners have experienced issues with the butterfly keyboard. Once it re-connects, things are back to normal. It is highly likely that, however, this is a hardware problem (a mechanical issue), especially if all of the other keys on your keyboard are working as expected. I reset it to factory settings with logitech options + multiple times and I removed the device Mar 7, 2024 · Welcome to our guide on how to fix repeating keys on a mechanical keyboard! If you're an avid typist or a gaming enthusiast, you're likely well-aware of the frustration caused by keys that repeat unexpectedly. Nov 22, 2022 · If the double-spacing problem persists even after turning off the key repeat, it indicates that there might be silly issues with your keyboard. Butterfix app fixes all double strokes and repeating characters coming from your faulty Macbook keyboard. In other words, the keys of the MacBook Butterfly contains design failure. This never happens on a restart / boot login, it only happens after my screen locks overnight and I notice this Sep 5, 2024 · Is your MacBook keyboard not working? Here are 7 tried and tested methods to fix an unresponsive MacBook keyboard. Dec 26, 2024 · 59631, When typing characters on virtual desktop or hosted application, input character is repeated intermittently. I just had the iMac Pro keyboard and mouse when the keyboard repeating and hanging started, no other machine or bluetooth devices close by. 1 Ghz i7 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD Mar 22, 2019 · I'm running Mac Version 10. mac ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false // When “true” key repeating doesn’t work at all, when “false” key repeating doesn’t work only for above mentioned keys (after command Citrix has been restarted) Hey, I have a strange issue with my mac. Rest assured, if you‘re experiencing this problem, you‘re not alone. Understanding the causes can help solve these persistent challenges. Anyone else having this problem? Rig: 2017 MacBook Pro (15") purchased December 2017 3. Read on to learn Jun 10, 2024 · problem with slow repeat of delete key our any backward motion When I delete the key moves very slowly. citrix. 15. However, when I hold down the keys, they repeat after a short delay. How to clean your keyboard: Turn off your MacBook and unplug it. This common issue often stems from various causes, ranging from simple software glitches to hardware problems. It also seems to happen in conjunction with some slowdown of response. The keys that repeat most often are a, I, t, and o. I use a keyboard cover and is it possible the problem is not with the keyboard and with something else? I don't really take the cover off very often. 5 Apologies if this may have been posted elsewhere but couldn't find it. Jan 2, 2018 · Very excited about my new iMac Pro. I have tested commands to “fix” problem without positive results: defaults write com. When I hold down any key, instead of the key repeating, a bubble appears over the cursor which appears to contain the unicode character options for that letter, if any are available. It works fine, but the issue I have is that when I turn on my computer, after about 15 minutes the Logitech driver/software will kick in and anything I'm playing/running (typically a game or Rocksmith), will stop and be minimized. It can be a setting problem. I went through one keyboard replacement to address many keys with key repeat and key delay issues, only to have those problems recur on the new keyboard within weeks. In this post, you’ll learn 9 helpful fixes to resolve the macOS Sequoia keyboard not working issue. Here's what to do if your keyboard is not working on your Mac, MacBook, or MacBook Air. Just got a new MacBook Pro, I've checked the keyboard settings in system preferences, key repeat is set to fast, delay is set to short, but no alpha characters will repeat at all when I hold them down. M1 Mac mini and also an older Magic Keyboard, without the keypad. Apple acknowledges they have produced a Sep 27, 2022 · I have recently switched my model 01 from a Mac to a Windows 10 machine and I’m now seeing fairly frequent instances of repeating keys. This tweak can significantly improve productivity, especially for developers who use editors like Vim or writers who frequently need to type repeating characters. Hi everyone, Recently got the Halo75 V2 keyboard and I'm having some trouble with it and was hoping for some advice or similar experiences. Don't worry, though, because we're here Jun 10, 2020 · In this reading you will be finding a working solution to fix faulty keys on MacBook Butterfly keyboard. I recommend you read this OSXDaily article: Locate the “Key Repeat” slider setting and adjust it to the “Off” position [] If the Mac is still double typing characters and spaces, the next thing you should do is clean the Mac keyboard, which can be made easier with an app called ‘Keyboard Cleaner’ that temporarily blocks the keys Jul 31, 2017 · I have the same problem. Jul 14, 2022 · My 2016 Macbook Pro keyboard is repeating like crazy. One of the most common and perplexing issues I encounter is a keyboard suddenly typing the wrong letters. 7 Ways To Fix a Mac Keyboard That Is Not Working Correctly macmostvideo 477K subscribers Subscribe Jun 25, 2018 · For various reasons, on both Mac desktops and notebooks, space bar key may stop functioning properly. This can make typing difficult and frustrating, especially if you are working on an important document or playing a competitive game. 4 GHz or Bluetooth), I'm noticing a significant delay and lag with repeated key inputs. To get repeating keys, try opening Terminal and typing defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false and then restart. Since I was using the original Notebooks for iPad and not the one for iOS 7/8, I figured it was the app, and paid to upgrade that. By this I mean that my typing can get ahead of the screen by multiple keystrokes before May 12, 2020 · For the last 6 months i have been experiencing issues with my key board. Dec 29, 2021 · A common problem people face with Bluetooth keyboards is repeating keys. When using the keyboard wirelessly (either via 2. This is a very severe issue / problem / bug especially if you're coding, editing text or using Terminal as much as I do. Has anyone a solution to this? Jun 13, 2020 · Keyboard repeat not working - MacBook Pro Catalina 10. If the rate is set too high, you may find that even with a single keystroke, multiple inputs may be registered by your computer. Nov 8, 2022 · I cannot repeat a letter when I keep holding down a key. Aug 23, 2021 · Why does M1 iMac wireless keyboard repeat key presses, only some letters work, or the entire keyboard won't work until reboot after long periods of non use? I purchased an M1 iMac in July and received it in August. Oct 13, 2021 · How to setup a Keyboard Key Repeat or Delay Until Repeat on Mac OS? mrhackio 65. Frustrated by accidental key repeats? Learn how to easily stop repeating keys in Windows 10 and 11 using built-in settings. Apr 16, 2025 · 2. but on my new macbook pro (13 inch, late 2011), it won't let me do that. Jan 29, 2025 · A malfunctioning keyboard that does not repeat when a key is held down can be frustrating to deal with. Example: I am typingping a sentence now to showhow what I mean. Aug 31, 2024 · I'm using my Mac to make music. On a Windows machine, pressing and holding a keyboard key results in the character being repeated. 5K subscribers 14 Jan 3, 2018 · If a single key on your keyboard is either efusing to egister or rrrrepeating when you strrrrrrike it, you have a few options for fixing the problem before replacing the entire keyboard. I was just told by customer service that even though everything stopped in 2020 and I could not go to a store to fix it I am not eligible for a free fix of their defective product. How to reproduce I went to Keyboard > Key Repeat > Off. It will help you fix any keyboard issues with Apple Butterfly keyboards. Worn-out mechanical components and physical key Jan 25, 2017 · Pressing the "enter" key will often behave as pressing it twice (i. This is due to malfunctioning space keys, for both Mac notebook and desktop keyboards. This is profoundly Jun 9, 2018 · I have this problem as well. Any ideas on how to fix this? Jul 11, 2021 · Does anyone have any idea how to fix butterfly keyboard sticking of keys and repetition of key? My keyboard has already been replaced 4 times but again my keyboard keys are stucking. If you’re experiencing duplicate keys on more than one key, this could be the culprit. To finish it up I want to dedicate this post to Logitech. When you hold certain keys on your Mac, the key’s character starts to repeat. The keys are not physically stuck but behave like they are, in a totally random manner - including the delete key and the space bar. I type really fast, so I get a lot of "teh" instead of "the" and that sort of thing. There are various reasons why a keyboard may not repeat, such as software issues or physical damage. This is very annoying and impractical. I overthought it a bit and found Set ApplePressAndHoldEnabled for one specific application but in fact the default behavior is what I want. Mac OS Key-Repeat Tester Tune key-repeat preferences without restarting or logging out of your computer more than once 😅 The wireless mode often disconnects for a few seconds and the top left light flashes green, any key you were pressing before hand is now registered as a constant press-down while it attempts to re-connect. After the second This is a tutorial on how to fix repeating keys issue on a macOS devices. For example, from a single press on the key ‘p’, the result will be ‘pp’. It is a problem that seems to be related to dust, crumb, and small Aug 13, 2010 · Macbook Pro Key repeat problem I've had my MacBook Pro for almost 2 years now but it's recently started to have keyboard repeat issues. Dec 19, 2024 · Apple’s butterfly keyboard mechanism has caused widespread malfunctions. Oct 20, 2024 · How can I enable Key Repeat on my MacBook Pro? hi - there are times when i like to hold a single key down on my keyboard to repeat the letter. sticky or broken keys), as the same If you use Vim mode in the editor of the RStudio Desktop IDE on Mac OS X, you may find that holding down the cursor keys in command mode (h, j, k, and l) doesn't cause the keys to repeat, which can make navigation difficult. However, keyboard issues are common. The good news is that Apple actually Oct 12, 2019 · I have a similar problem with a 2018 MacBook Pro. e. All Apple desktop computer keyboards are of the same design and layout. Dec 28, 2022 · Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, R. And the guy in the store is telling me that I need to pay for the 'diagnostic fee' which is really inappropriate. Jun 18, 2020 · I reseted smc, but it doesn't seem to be permanent. Hold the MacBook at a 75-degree angle (nearly vertical). Key problems often come from dust, debris, and liquid damage. 1. It t is incredibly frustrating. bhg mcs zuybgf zrwi yssu hdhhs nrcxgz ctr bmf anxw zbkyaa ynyasu dtbqynru mhcpuaq veqlbd