This is the best way to unstick a stuck MacBook keyboard. Follow this technique to get fluff, fizz and debris out from under your keys. The Mac startup chime should sound a second time. After that, release the keys. (The reason for using P and R in the key combination is that Apple used to call this bit of non-volatile memory 'PRAM,' for Parameter RAM.) NVRAM controls things like speaker volume, screen resolution, and startup drive selection. Like an SMC reset, an NVRAM.
- Macbook Pro Combination Keys Replacement
- Macbook Pro Replacement Keys
- Macbook Pro Combination Keys Lock
- Macbook Pro Keys Not Working
- Macbook Pro Function Keys
Macbook Pro Combination Keys Replacement
Apple mac extended keyboard. To use any of these key combinations, press and hold the keys immediately after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac, or after your Mac begins to restart. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs.
- Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use while starting up. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option-Command-P-R:Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password, it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.
- Shift (⇧): Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- D: Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-Dto start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- N: Start up from a NetBoot server, if your Mac supports network startup volumes. To use the default boot image on the server, hold down Option-N instead. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-S: Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later, or when using a firmware password.
- T: Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-V: Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button: Eject removable media, such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.
If a key combination doesn't work
If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:
- Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
- Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
- If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.
Apple final cut. Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.
Learn more
- Learn what to do if your Mac doesn't turn on.
- Learn about Mac keyboard shortcuts that you can use after your Mac has started up.
Your MacBook keyboard puts efficiency at your fingertips. Startup keys, shortcut key combinations, and special function keys invite you to perform different tasks with a single touch — from turning up the sound volume to deleting selected text.
Finder Shortcuts for Your MacBook Keyboard
Keyboard shortcuts help you make quick, efficient use of the macOS Finder on your MacBook, providing all kinds of options for performing common tasks within Catalina.
Key | Function |
Command+A | Selects all items in the active window (icon view), all items in the column (column view), or all items in the list (list view and Cover Flow view) |
Command+C | Copies the selected items |
Command+D | Duplicates the selected item or items |
Command+E | Ejects the selected volume |
Command+F | Displays the Find controls in a new Finder window |
Command+H | Hides All Finder windows |
Command+I | Shows info for the selected item or items |
Command+J | Shows the view options for the active window |
Command+K | Displays the Connect to Server dialog |
Command+L | Creates an alias for the selected item |
Command+M | Minimizes the active window |
Command+N | Opens a new Finder window |
Command+O | Opens (or launches) the selected item |
Command+R | Shows the original for the selected alias |
Command+T | Opens a new Finder tab |
Command+V | Pastes items from the Clipboard |
Command+W | Closes the active window |
Command+X | Cuts the selected items |
Command+Z | Undoes the last action (if possible) |
Command+, | Displays Finder Preferences dialog |
Command+1 | Shows the active window in icon mode |
Command+2 | Shows the active window in list mode |
Command+3 | Shows the active window in column mode |
Command+4 | Shows the active window in cover flow mode |
Command+[ | Moves back to the previous Finder location |
Command+] | Moves forward to the next Finder location |
Command+Delete | Moves selected items to the Trash |
Command+Up Arrow | Shows the enclosing folder |
Command+` | Cycles through windows |
Command+/ | Shows/Hides Status bar |
Command+? | Displays macOS Help search box |
Command+Shift+A | Goes to your Applications folder |
Command+Shift+C | Goes to the top-level Computer location |
Command+Shift+G | Goes to the specified folder |
Command+Shift+H | Goes to your Home folder |
Command+Shift+Q | Logs you out |
Command+Shift+N | Creates a new untitled folder in the active window |
Command+Shift+P | Shows/Hides Preview pane |
Command+Shift+T | Shows/Hides Tab bar |
Command+Shift+U | Goes to your Utilities folder |
Command+Shift+Del | Deletes the contents of the Trash |
Command+Option+H | Hides all windows (except Finder windows) |
Command+Option+I | Opens the Inspector for the selected items |
Command+Option+N | Creates a new smart folder |
Command+Option+T | Shows/Hides the Finder window toolbar and sidebar |
Command+Space | Displays the Spotlight search box |
Control+Up Arrow | Displays the Mission Control screen |
Control+Down Arrow | Shows all open windows for the current application using Mission Control |
Command+F3 | Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission Control |
Spacebar | Displays the contents of a file using Quick Look |
Macbook Pro Replacement Keys
Standard MacBook Function Keys You Should Know
Macbook Pro Combination Keys Lock
Some MacBook keys display symbols you may not have seen on a computer keyboard before. Here's a handy reference for what those function keys can do for you on your Apple laptop.
Startup Keys: More Power to Your MacBook Keyboard
Macbook Pro Keys Not Working
Some keys and keyboard combinations on your MacBook were born for Startup magic — either to get your Apple laptop booted up, help troubleshoot computer problems, or perform other technical tricks within El Capitan.
Macbook Pro Function Keys
Key | Effect on Your Mac |
---|---|
C | Boots from the CD or DVD that's loaded in your optical drive (if you have one) or a bootable USB flash drive |
Media Eject | Ejects the CD or DVD in your optical drive (if you have one) |
Option | Displays a system boot menu allowing you to choose the operating system and/or volume |
Shift | Runs your MacBook in Safe Mode, preventing your Login Items from running; runs a directory check |
T | Starts your laptop in FireWire or Thunderbolt Target Disk mode |
Command+R | Boots from the El Capitan Recovery HD |
Command+Option+R | Boots El Capitan Recovery using your Internet connection |
Command+V | Show OS X Console messages |
Command+S | Starts your MacBook in Single User Mode |
Command+Option+P+R | Resets Parameter RAM (PRAM) |