Keyboard Not Working? Check This Guide

Does your desk get a lot of sunlight? Keep your keyboard covered with a case or protective dust cloth to minimize bleaching or warping. If stored in an especially hot or cold location, let your keyboard return to room temperature before using it.  

Many modern keyboards have built-in computers that help them connect to different devices and store layouts. Check your keyboard manufacturer’s support site or use official apps to find and install the latest firmware updates.

Many mechanical keyboards allow end users to modify them by removing and replacing components. Use this access to check on the switches, stabilizers, and other moving parts underneath your keycaps.

Since these kinds of boards are typically not made to be taken apart, start by using compressed air to blow out dust and dirt from underneath the keys. Then use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of the board.

You can do a deep clean more easily if you can safely remove your keycaps. Make sure you take a picture of the keys so you can return them to the right spots later. Then use a keycap puller to remove the keys, and use compressed air and a microfiber cloth to clean the area the keys normally cover. 

Since your keycaps are the part of your board you most frequently touch, they deserve special care. Depending on the kind of keycaps you use, you may be able to remove grease and grime by soaking them in a bowl of soapy water overnight — just make sure you let them air dry thoroughly before reattaching them.

If you’re using a wired keyboard, start by unplugging your board, checking to make sure it’s in the right port, then plugging it back in. For a wireless keyboard, you may need to reset the connection on your device and then set it up again.

First, check your user manual (for instance, some keyboards power on automatically, while others require you to press a button or flip a switch). Ensure its batteries are charged if it has them, and use the cables included with the board if available.

If you’ve already tried disconnecting and reconnecting the board, you may need to check the key itself. On a mechanical keyboard, you may be able to remove the keycap and check the switch underneath for obstruction or damage. On a non-mechanical keyboard, use a thin brush to remove any debris around the key.