Hello and welcome to this article where we will teach you how to make your keyboard light up on your Mac. Have you ever found yourself in the dark and struggling to type on your keyboard because you can’t see the keys? Or maybe you just like the look of the illuminated keyboard? Whatever your reasons may be, the good news is that it is very easy to make your keyboard light up on a Mac, and we are here to show you exactly how.
Steps:
Step 1: Check Your Keyboard
Before we get started, it is important to know that not all Mac keyboards have backlit options. If your keyboard does not have the backlit option, then unfortunately, no matter what you do, you will not be able to make the keyboard light up. However, if your keyboard is compatible, then follow the steps below to turn on the backlit keyboard.
Tips:
– If you are unsure whether your keyboard has the backlit option or not, check your user manual or contact Apple support.
– If your Mac is a desktop, you may need to purchase a separate backlit keyboard.
Step 2: Adjust Keyboard Brightness
Once you have determined that your keyboard is compatible, start by adjusting the keyboard brightness. There are two ways to do this:
Method 1: Using the Function Keys
Look for the F5 and F6 keys on your keyboard. These keys control the keyboard brightness. Pressing the F5 key will decrease the brightness, while pressing the F6 key will increase it.
Method 2: Using System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Keyboard.” From here, you can adjust the keyboard brightness by using the slider.
Tips:
– You can also adjust the keyboard brightness using Siri by saying, “Hey Siri, decrease/increase keyboard brightness.”
– To turn off the backlit keyboard, simply press the F5 key until the keyboard brightness reaches zero.
Step 3: Turn On Automatic Keyboard Brightness
You can also set your Mac to automatically adjust the keyboard brightness based on the ambient light in the room. Here’s how:
Method 1: Using the Keyboard
Press “Shift” + “Option” + “F5” to turn on the automatic keyboard brightness. To turn it off, press the same key combination again.
Method 2: Using System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Keyboard.” From here, check the box next to “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light.”
Tips:
– You can adjust the sensitivity of the ambient light sensor by dragging the slider to the left or right.
Step 4: Use Third-Party Apps
If you want more control over your keyboard’s backlight, you can use third-party apps. Here are two popular options:
Method 1: Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro is a powerful automation tool that allows you to create custom macros to control various aspects of your Mac, including the keyboard backlight. You can download a free trial of Keyboard Maestro from their website.
Method 2: BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool is a customizable tool that allows you to set up custom keyboard shortcuts and gestures. It also has a feature that allows you to adjust the keyboard backlight. You can download a free trial of BetterTouchTool from their website.
Tips:
– Be careful when downloading third-party apps. Make sure you only download from trusted sources to avoid malware and other security risks.
Step 5: Clean Your Keyboard
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate under the keys of your keyboard, which can affect the backlight. To ensure that your keyboard backlight is functioning properly, clean your keyboard regularly. Here’s how:
Method 1: Using Compressed Air
Use compressed air to blow out any debris that may be stuck under your keys. Hold the can of compressed air upright and spray short bursts of air between the keys.
Method 2: Using a Soft Brush
Use a soft brush to gently sweep away any dust or debris. Make sure not to press too hard, as this could damage the keys.
Tips:
– Avoid using water or any liquids when cleaning your keyboard, as this could damage it.
– Make sure your Mac is turned off before cleaning the keyboard.
Step 6: Adjust Your Screen Brightness
You can also adjust your screen brightness to make your keyboard more visible in low light. Here are two ways to do this:
Method 1: Using the Function Keys
Look for the F1 and F2 keys on your keyboard. These keys control the screen brightness. Pressing the F1 key will decrease the brightness, while pressing the F2 key will increase it.
Method 2: Using System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Displays.” From here, you can adjust the screen brightness by using the slider.
Tips:
– You can also adjust the screen brightness using Siri by saying, “Hey Siri, decrease/increase screen brightness.”
Step 7: Use Your Mac in Low Light
If you find yourself using your Mac in low light frequently, it might be worth investing in a desk lamp or other lighting solution. This will not only make it easier to see your keyboard, but it can also reduce eye strain and make it easier to focus.
Tips:
– Look for lighting solutions that have adjustable brightness and color temperature.
– Avoid using fluorescent lighting, as it can cause eye strain and headaches.
Step 8: Adjust Your Font Size
If you are still having trouble seeing your keyboard, you can also adjust the font size on your Mac. Here’s how:
Method 1: Using System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Displays.” From here, you can adjust the font size by using the slider next to “Resolution.”
Method 2: Use Zoom
Mac has a built-in zoom feature that allows you to magnify the screen. To turn on Zoom, go to “System Preferences” > “Accessibility” > “Zoom.”
Tips:
– You can also use Siri to change the font size by saying, “Hey Siri, increase/decrease font size.”
– Be careful not to set the font size too high, as this can make it difficult to read.
Step 9: Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Sometimes, resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (parameter random-access memory) can help fix issues with the keyboard backlight. Here’s how:
Method 1: Reset NVRAM
Shut down your Mac and turn it back on. As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound again.
Method 2: Reset PRAM
Shut down your Mac and turn it back on. As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Command + Option + P + R + S keys until you hear the startup sound again.
Tips:
– Resetting NVRAM/PRAM will not delete any data on your Mac.
– If resetting NVRAM/PRAM does not work, try resetting the SMC (system management controller).
Step 10: Update Your Mac
Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can help improve the functionality of your Mac, including the keyboard backlight.
Tips:
– To check for updates, click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” > “Software Update.”
Step 11: Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They will be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and provide solutions.
Tips:
– Make sure to have your Mac’s serial number and a description of the issue ready before contacting support.
Step 12: Consider a Repair
If your keyboard backlight still does not work, it may be time to consider a repair. Depending on the issue, a repair may be more cost-effective than purchasing a new Mac altogether.
Tips:
– Make sure to choose a reputable repair service to avoid further damage to your Mac.
– Consider purchasing AppleCare for your Mac, which covers repairs and technical support.
We hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to make your keyboard light up on your Mac. Remember, a well-lit keyboard not only looks great, but it can also make typing easier and more efficient. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Making Keyboard Light Up on Mac
Advantages
1. Increased Visibility: One of the most significant advantages of making a keyboard light up on a Mac is increased visibility. This is particularly useful when working in low-light environments or typing in the dark.
2. Aesthetically pleasing: Turning on the keyboard lights on a Mac adds a unique visual effect, making the keyboard look attractive and modern.
3. Improved Accuracy: The backlit keyboard is especially useful for people who struggle with touch typing. Each key is illuminated, making it much easier to focus on the keys and resulting in improved accuracy and fewer errors.
4. Better Gaming Experience: Gamers can benefit significantly from backlit keyboards. The illuminated keys make it much easier to identify the keys used in different games, providing a competitive gaming advantage.
5. Versatility: Many Mac users use their computer for presentations, and a backlit keyboard means they can work in low-lit conference rooms or auditoriums, without struggling to see the keyboard.
6. Longer battery life: Macbooks are known for their battery life, and the backlit feature doesn’t affect it much. The keyboard is designed in such a way that power consumption is minimal, even when the lights are enabled.
7. Easy to turn on and off: Enabling and disabling the keyboard light is easy, with just a press of a button. There aren’t any complicated procedures or software installations associated with it.
8. Enhances overall typing experience: Illuminated keys provide a fantastic typing experience that results in faster and more accurate keystrokes.
9. Can be used as a light source: In low-light conditions, you can turn on the keyboard light to use it as a source of light.
10. Customization: Many Macbooks allow you to customize the brightness of the keyboard light to your desired level.
Disadvantages
1. Can be distracting: In a dimly lit environment, the illuminated keyboard may not only be distracting to you, but also to people around you.
2. A battery drain: Although Macs are efficient, enabling the keyboard light can drain the battery faster, especially when in prolonged use.
3. Can be costly: Not all Mac devices come with a backlit keyboard as standard. For those that don’t, getting the keyboard backlit may require spending more money on extra accessories or investing in a new computer.
4. Fingerprint Magnet: Illuminated keys are more prone to fingerprints and smudges, which can result in a less aesthetic appearance.
5. Not always necessary: Having a backlit keyboard is not always necessary, and some users may find it useless.
6. Not suitable for bright areas: In a brightly lit environment, the illuminated keyboard may not be necessary, and in some cases may not provide sufficient visibility.
7. Potential distractions: The keyboard light attracts attention, and sometimes users may focus too much on the illuminated keyboard rather than the screen, leading to decreased productivity.
8. Reduces battery life: Although the backlit feature is not a power hog, enabling the lights for prolonged periods will still consume battery life.
9. Can make typos more apparent: As the illuminated keys bring more attention to the keyboard, any typos or errors stand out more prominently.
10. Not ideal for touch typists: For professional typists or users who touch type, the illuminated keyboard may not be necessary as they rely on muscle memory rather than visual cues.
FAQ
1. Can all Mac keyboards light up?
No, only certain models of Apple keyboards have backlighting capabilities. You should check your keyboard for the backlight symbol on the function key labeled F5 or F6.
2. How do I turn on the keyboard backlight on my Mac?
You can turn on the keyboard backlight by pressing the “F5” or “F6” key on your keyboard (depending on the model). Keep in mind that the keyboard backlight will only turn on when there is low light in your surroundings.
3. How do I adjust the keyboard backlight on my Mac?
You can adjust the brightness of your keyboard backlight by holding down the “Fn” key and pressing the “F5” or “F6” key multiple times. On some models, you can also adjust the brightness in the “Keyboard” section of System Preferences.
4. Why won’t my keyboard backlight turn on?
Make sure that the ambient light around you is low, as the keyboard backlight will only turn on in low light. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your Mac or resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).
5. How do I reset the SMC on my Mac?
The process for resetting the SMC can vary depending on your Mac model. You can find instructions on how to reset the SMC on Apple’s support website.
6. Can I change the color of my keyboard backlight on my Mac?
No, Apple keyboards with backlighting capabilities only have a white backlight.
7. What do I do if my keyboard backlight stops working?
Try restarting your Mac, resetting the SMC, or checking for any software updates. If none of those solutions work, you may need to take your keyboard in for repairs.
8. Will turning on the keyboard backlight drain my Mac’s battery?
Yes, turning on the keyboard backlight will use up more battery power. However, if you adjust the brightness level, you can conserve some battery life.
9. How do I clean my keyboard with backlighting?
You can clean your keyboard with backlighting by using a soft, dry cloth or compressed air. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as they can damage the keyboard.
10. Can I turn off the keyboard backlight on my Mac?
Yes, you can turn off the keyboard backlight by pressing the “F5” or “F6” key until the backlight turns off.
11. Can I set the keyboard backlight to turn off automatically?
Yes, you can set the keyboard backlight to turn off automatically by adjusting the settings in the “Energy Saver” section of System Preferences.
12. Why is my keyboard backlight flickering?
Flickering backlight can be caused by a loose connection between the keyboard and the Mac. Try unplugging the keyboard and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, check for any software updates or take your keyboard for repairs.
13. Can I replace the keyboard with backlighting on my Mac?
Yes, you can replace the keyboard with backlighting on your Mac. However, it is recommended that you take it to an authorized Apple repair center or a professional technician to avoid causing any damage to your Mac or keyboard.
How to Make Keyboard Light Up on Mac
Mac laptops are known for their sleek designs and powerful performance. One of the standout features of a MacBook is its backlit keyboard, making it easier to type in dimly-lit environments. However, if your MacBook’s keyboard isn’t lighting up, it can be frustrating to use. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your keyboard light up on Mac.
Conclusion and Closing
Overall, there are several ways to make your keyboard light up on Mac. Whether you prefer using the keyboard shortcut, adjusting settings in System Preferences, or using third-party software, it’s important to choose the method that works best for you. By following these steps, you can make sure that your MacBook’s keyboard is always well-lit and easy to use, no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
Thank you for reading this article on how to make keyboard light up on Mac. We hope that you found this helpful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time, happy typing!