7 Ways to Fix ESC Key Not Working on Mac

The Escape key is involved in many macOS commands and functions, allowing you to work more efficiently with your MacBook. Sometimes, due to hardware or software issues, your Mac’s ESC key will stop working. Spilling a beverage on your Mac or dropping it while carrying it around can damage your device and cause hardware issues. Additionally, software issues could emerge from macOS bugs or interference from other applications. This guide discusses seven ways to fix the ESC key not working on your Mac.

How to Determine the Cause of Escape Key Problems

When your MacBook’s ESC key stops functioning properly, the first thing to do is determine the cause. Both hardware and software issues can cause the key to stop working. One of the best ways to determine whether your problem is software- or hardware-related is using the ESC key on your Mac’s virtual (on-screen) keyboard. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “Accessibility” from the left side of the window, then scroll down and click on “Keyboard” on the right.

3. Turn the toggle on next to “Accessibility Keyboard.”

4. On the on-screen keyboard, click on the ESC button. If it works, you probably have a hardware problem.

Having a hardware problem means your Mac’s keyboard or some of the internal components have probably suffered damage from solid or liquid debris. In such cases, you may have to repair your ESC key, your whole keyboard, or some of your MacBook’s internal parts at a repair center.

If the ESC button on your virtual keyboard is not working either, this means your problem is software-related, and one of the following fixes will likely solve your issue.

Tip: does your Mac feel slow or freeze up often? Discover how to fix unresponsive apps and system freezes on your Mac.

Basic Software Fixes for an Unresponsive Escape Key

Before jumping to our more advanced methods, you should try these quick fixes:

• Restart your Mac device: sometimes a software glitch will cause many problems and look hard to fix, but a simple restart can do the trick. To reboot your MacBook, open the Apple menu from the top-left corner of your screen, then click “Restart.”
• Close unwanted apps: when too many apps are opened simultaneously, the device may become unresponsive and the keyboard stop working. To fix this, close the apps you don’t need, which will speed up your Mac.
• Disconnect your external keyboard: if you have an external keyboard attached to your MacBook, there could be a glitch causing your ESC key to stop working. Disconnect the external keyboard, and check to see whether the problem is fixed.
• Apple Service Program: Apple devices with manufacturing issues are mentioned in this service program. If your laptop is part of this program, Apple will offer you services or replacement programs to fix your problems.
• Clean your MacBook: your MacBook’s ESC key may be malfunctioning because dust and other particles have made their way into the keyboard, and it may need to be cleaned. However, if it’s clean, but you spilled liquid on it, we recommend taking it to an Apple Store or contacting Apple Support.

If none of the fixes mentioned above work for you, try one of our more advanced methods listed below.

1. Install the Latest macOS Update

Updates usually come with many fixes for system software bugs. If a bug in your outdated macOS is the main culprit behind your faulty ESC key, updating your system software may just be the key to your “escape”! Updating to macOS Ventura may fix your ESC key in minutes. You can check for any available macOS updates by following these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “General” from the left side of the window, and click on “Software Update” on the right.

3. If there are any available updates, choose “Update Now.” You may be required to “Reboot” your laptop to install the update.

Good to know: experiencing difficulty using the System Settings app? Try updating your Mac via Terminal.

2. Disable or Force Quit Siri

It’s hard to accept, but sometimes it may be your virtual assistant, Siri, who trapped you in a no-escape situation. When Siri is showing errors or not responding, your ESC key may also stop working. To disable Siri, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “Siri & Spotlight” from the left side of the window, then turn off the toggle next to “Ask Siri” on the right side.

How to Force-Quit Siri

You can start using Siri again after your problem is resolved, or enable it later. You can also try force-quitting Siri through the following steps:

1. Press Command + Space to open “Spotlight Search,” enter “Activity Monitor” in the search bar, and open the program.

2. Go to the “CPU” tab, search for “Siri” in the search bar, select “Siri” from the list, then click on the “X” icon at the top of the window.

3. Confirm the process by hitting “Force Quit.”

Tip: Siri is more capable than you may think! Did you know that you can use Siri to locate your lost or misplaced iPhone or iPad?

3. Start Your Mac in Safe Mode

Sometimes applications other than Siri are interfering with your ESC key function. You can boot your MacBook in Safe Mode to see whether that’s the case. Your laptop runs only the necessary apps and drivers when booted in Safe Mode and blocks third-party programs that may be causing problems for your keyboard.

How to Initiate Safe Mode Startup for an Intel Mac

If your Mac is powered by an Intel chip, reboot it in safe mode using the steps listed below:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “Restart.”

2. Press and hold down the Shift button on your keyboard until the login page appears.

How to Initiate Safe Mode Startup for an Apple Silicon Mac

If your Mac uses an Apple Silicon chip, booting in Safe Mode can be done using the following method:

1. Turn off your MacBook.

2. Hold down the “power key” until startup options appear.

3. From the available options, select your startup disk, hold down the Shift key, and click “Continue in Safe Mode.”

4. Log in and check whether your issue has been resolved.

Tip: not sure whether you have an Intel or Apple Silicon Mac? Read on to learn more.

4. Log in to a New Account

This method is similar to booting in Safe Mode. By creating and logging in to a new account, you’ll be resetting the configurations and settings that may have caused issues with your keyboard function. It is also a reliable test for ruling out hardware problems.

You can create a new account through the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “User & Groups” from the left side of the window, and click “Add Account” on the right side.

3. Enter your “Password,” and hit “Unlock” to confirm the process.

4. Enter the required account information and select “Create User.”

5. Log in to the new user, and check whether the problem has been solved. If yes, continue with that user; if not, proceed to the next solution.

5. Reset Your Mac’s SMC

On MacBook devices powered by Intel, System Management Controller (SMC) saves info on hardware functions, including the Esc key. If you have a faulty ESC key on your Intel-based Mac, resetting the SMC could solve the issue. Follow the steps below:

1. Turn off your Mac by navigating to the Apple logo in the Menu Bar. Click “Shut down … ” from the drop-down menu.
2. After a few seconds, press and hold Shift + Control + Option. After a second or two, press the Power button as well, and hold all four keys for 10 seconds.
3. Release all the keys and turn on your Mac.

6. Switch from macOS Beta to the Public Release Version

Beta versions of macOS are not fully developed and ready for public release. Therefore, updating to a beta macOS version can cause system software bugs, including a faulty keyboard.

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “General” from the left side of the window, scroll down, and click “Software Update.”

3. If you see the phrase “This Mac is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program,” click on “Details” next to it.

4. Select “Restore Defaults.” You can now update to an official version of macOS from Software Update.

Good to know: interested in testing pre-release software on your Mac? Learn how to install the macOS beta on your Mac with a few simple clicks.

7. Assign Escape Function to Another Key

Did you know that other keys can also fill in for the ESC key? This method is not an actual fix, though. It is just a temporary solution until you can figure out what’s wrong with your Mac’s ESC key. To define a new ESC key, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon In the menu bar in the top-left corner of the screen, then choose “System Settings.”

2. Open “Keyboard” from the left side of the window, and click on “Keyboard Shortcuts.”

3. Go to “Modifier Keys” on the left side of the screen, click on the name of one of the keys, assign the “Escape” function to it, and hit “Done.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you reset your MacBook keyboard to defaults?

A soft reset can usually fix most issues with your keyboard, such as unresponsiveness. To reset your MacBook keyboard, open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu, and click “Keyboard.” Open “Modifier Keys” and select “Restore Defaults.” Click on “OK” when done.

How can you turn off Sticky Keys on MacBook?

Sometimes Sticky Keys can cause your MacBook keyboard to stop responding. To disable Sticky Keys on Mac, open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu. Go to “Accessibility” and open “Keyboard.” If you are a Ventura user, you can toggle off Sticky Keys at this point. If you are using macOS Monterey or older versions, go to the “Hardware” tab, and deselect “Enable Sticky Keys.”

How do you turn off Slow Keys on MacBook?

Having Slow Keys turned on on your Mac means you have to press and hold your keys longer than usual for them to function. This can be the cause of your faulty keyboard. To turn off Slow Keys, open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu, select “Accessibility,” then choose “Keyboard.” On macOS Ventura, disable Slow Keys at this point. On any other macOS, open the “Hardware” tab, and uncheck the box for “Enable Slow Keys.”

Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Farhad Pashaei.