When typing still works but a shortcut such as Command+C, Command+Space, or a screenshot shortcut stops responding, the cause is usually a shortcut conflict, a changed setting, or a modifier key that is stuck physically or logically.
This guide applies to built-in, wired, and Bluetooth keyboards on recent macOS versions.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps if one shortcut or several unrelated shortcuts suddenly stop doing what they normally do.
Check for a Shortcut Conflict
- Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Browse categories such as Launchpad & Dock, Mission Control, Spotlight, Screenshots, and App Shortcuts.
- Find the shortcut that stopped working and confirm it is enabled.
- Click the shortcut and press the desired key combination again if it was reassigned.
- Check recently installed apps such as screen capture tools, clipboard managers, and window managers for their own global shortcut settings.
If another feature or app claimed the same key combination, change one of the assignments or delete the custom shortcut.
Restore Default Keyboard Shortcuts
- Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Look for Restore Defaults.
- Click it and confirm.
- Test the shortcut again.
This resets customized shortcuts too, so note any important custom assignments before using it.
Check for a Stuck Modifier Key
- Press Command, Option, Control, and Shift individually and watch for unusual behavior.
- Check whether anything is physically pressing an external keyboard key.
- Press each modifier key a few times to loosen a stuck key.
- Disconnect and reconnect a Bluetooth keyboard, or unplug and replug a wired keyboard.
- Restart the Mac to clear a stuck key state in software.
More Shortcut Notes
App-Specific Shortcuts
If the shortcut fails only in one app, check that app’s settings or preferences. Many apps manage their own shortcuts outside System Settings.
Create a Menu Shortcut
In Keyboard Shortcuts, use App Shortcuts to assign a key combination to an exact menu command for one app or all apps.
Function Keys
If F1-F12 shortcuts do not behave as expected, check the setting for using F1, F2, and similar keys as standard function keys.
External Keyboard Mapping
For non-Apple keyboards, use Modifier Keys settings for that keyboard to swap Command, Option, Control, or other keys into the expected Mac layout.
Sources
- Apple Support: Mac keyboard shortcuts
- Apple Support: Change keyboard shortcuts on Mac
- Apple Support: If your Mac keyboard is not working as expected