google.com, pub-4312455440689664, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
google.com, pub-4312455440689664, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

MacBook Keyboard Backlight Not Working

Using a keyboard in a dark or dimly lit environment is more arduous. However, you can quickly eliminate this problem using a backlit keyboard. This great feature allows you to use the keyboard wherever the user wants. And MacBooks users love this very much. 

But, you may face some problems while using the backlit keyboard on your Mac. For example, it might stop working and ruin your work. So, here we’ll show you solving method if the MacBook Keyboard Backlight is not working. 

Benefits of Keyboard Backlight

The backlight of keyboard is a great feature for the users. It provides a gorgeous look with many conveniences while working in a dark or dimly environment. So, you can complete your tasks easily in low light. Being a MacBook user, this can be very much helpful for you.

How to solve MacBook Backlight Not Working

As backlight is an essential feature, but it may fail or stop working. As a result, your work might get hampered. So, you should solve the problem ASAP. How will you solve MacBook backlight not working issue? Don’t worry. We are describing some methods below. You can easily solve the issue by following these methods.

Method 1: Adjust Brightness

Check the keyboard’s brightness level first. The possible level of the backlight might be low. Solving process for this problem might vary between MacBook and iMac models.

If you are using the 2020 and 2022 MacBook (both Air and Pro) or iMac models, follow the below steps.

Step-1: On the menu bar’s top-right corner, there is a control center icon. Click on it.

menu bar's

Step 2: From the options, choose the Keyboard Brightness option.

Keyboard Brightness

Step 3: To bump the brightness, click and drag the shown slider to the right.

bump the brightness

If you are using 2019 and older models without a touch bar:

F5 and F6 keys of the keyboard can change the brightness level. Press those keys to adjust the brightness.

And for MacBook Pro 2019 and older models, follow the steps described below:

Step 1: Go to the Control Strip on Touch Bar, which is on the right side.

Step 2: Now expand it by tapping the left arrow.

Step 3: Now press the “Increase Brightness” button. It will increase the keyboard’s brightness.

Method 2: Disable Auto Turn Off

Once you’ve adjusted the keyboard’s brightness level, you should check another option; you might set it to turn off automatically. However, this feature may cause your keyboard backlight turned off. Follow these steps to solve this issue.

Step 1: Open the Spotlight Search option by pressing Command and Spacebar keys together. Then type System Preferences. After that, press the Return key.

Step 2: Click on the Accessibility option from the System Preferences window.

Step 3: Scroll down to the left menu and choose “Keyboard” option.

Step 4: You’ll find the “Keyboard Preferences” option at the bottom. Click here.

Step 5: Click on the Keyboard tab from the Keyboard window.

Step 6: The “Adjust Keyboard Brightness in Low Light” option is checked. Uncheck it.

Your problem is solved. You can now close the window. 

Method 3:- Save Light Sensor 

You should check the light sensor if you see the keyboard backlight is still not activated. The light sensor won’t be positioned to a vital light source. Instead, you’ll find the light sensors located next to the webcam. Make sure the light sensor of your keyboard is away from the direction pointed to a vital light source. 

Method 4: Reset SMC

There is an option for resetting the SMC in MacBook and iMac models based on Intel. SMC means System Management Controller here. This chip controls and stores the necessary details of various hardware functions, including keyboard brightness. Resting SMC can help you to fix the keyboard backlight issue. 

Here is the process:

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo located in the top-left corner. 

Step 2: Find the Shut Down option and click on that. 

Step 3: After waiting a few seconds, press and control four keys together. The keys are Shift, left Option, and left Control and Power Button.

Continue the process for 7 seconds more. The default start-up will play chime again while holding the keys.

Step 4: Now, restart the Mac. Before that, release all the 4 keys you pressed and held. 

These methods mentioned above are enough to fix the keyboard backlight failure issue. However, you might have another question “why is my Mac keyboard not lighting up?” Though the steps mentioned above are enough, here are some more steps to answer your question. Let’s learn.

Method 5: Restart the system

Some features of many computers stop working. A simple hack to solve these issues is to restart the computer. For example, the keyboard backlight might get stuck or work as nonfunctional in MacBook. If you reboot the Mac, the backlight will also turn off with your computer. The feature will run again once the Mac starts. 

If the keyboard backlight’s driver stops working, then you should restart the Mac in safe mode. This restart reloads the related driver properly by forcing a cache. 

Also, you can reset the PRAM of your MacBook. Press four keys together and hold them (Option, Command, P, and R). Keep these keys holding until your Mac resets. Then, release the keys to start the computer usually. 

Method-6: Visit the Nearest Apple Store

So, you have applied all of our instructions but facing the issue still now. And you have to understand that your Mac’s hardware has a problem. Most of the chance is backlight wire is somehow damaged, or any physical damage has disconnected it.

We don’t suggest you try to fix the hardware issue yourself if you are not an expert. The best solution is to take your Mac to the nearest Apple Store. You can also find and use the official channels of Apple. Contact the AppleCare ASAP. They will help you to solve the problem. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. How to solve Mac stopping light up its keyboard?

Answer: 

Step-1: Select the “Apple” menu.

Step-2: System Preferences

Step-3: Keyboard

Step-4: Adjust the brightness to lower light

1. How to solve Mac stopping light up its keyboard?

Answer: 
Step-1: Select the “Apple” menu.
Step-2: System Preferences
Step-3: Keyboard
Step-4: Adjust the brightness to lower light

2. Why does the keyboard backlight get disabled in MacBook?

Answer: Actually, this feature is to save power. When MacBooks determine that the brightness is enough and glowing keys are consuming much power. So, the system disables or turns off the keyboard backlight to increase battery life.

3. How to turn on a Mac keyboard?

Answer: Both magic mouse, magic keyboard, and magic trackpad have a switch on their back edge. Just slide it to turn on or off the device. Greenlight visible means the light is on, and invisible means off.

How To Turn on Keyboard light or back light

Final Verdict:

The keyboard backlight provides a gorgeous Mac look. It also helps to use the computer in a dark environment. But. Sometimes it can stop working. So, it would help if you made it work again. Here, we have discussed the solutions to the MacBook Keyboard backlight not working problem. You can quickly solve the issues following the methods mentioned above. But, if you fail to DIY, then follow the last process.

Best wishes!