Weird problem with wireless keyboard

[Spitoon]

I have an iMac, around 5 years old and the keyboard has suddenly stopped working......well, stopped doing the important things.

It connects to the computer normally, and the Caps Lock key light comes on when the key is pressed, but no other key seems to do anything. Certainly typing anything doesn't result in keypresses being reflected on screen, either in an app (e.g. Pages) or when interacting with the OS.

Any suggestions of what is going on or how to fix it would be gratefully received.

Many TIA.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

First thing I would try is a USB wired keyboard, if you have access to one. If that works, then it is definitely something with the wireless keyboard. I assume you have tried fresh batteries, and deleting/re-adding in the Bluetooth preference pane?

C

 

[Spitoon]

Thanks.

It's been difficult to lay my hands on another keyboard at the moment....but finally managed it. And still nothing happening on screen when pressing the keys.

New batteries etc. all tried beforehand but I guess that's all ruled out now anyway.

So, still puzzled. Is there some setting somewhere that can do this?

 

[Cory Cooper]

OK, thanks for the additional information.

There are two rests you could try:
How to reset the SMC of your Mac
Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac

If it is a software issue, these commands happen before OS X/macOS loads, so the keyboard should work. I would definitely try them with a USB keyboard, as sometimes the Bluetooth keyboards don't connect fast enough.

Let us know if those work.

C

 

[Spitoon]

Many thanks - resetting the NVRAM sorted it out.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Excellent...glad that resolved it.

Stay healthy and safe.

C