Type Your Mac Password Without a Keyboard: Start Here
You can type your Mac password without a keyboard by turning on the Accessibility Keyboard, an on screen keyboard you click with the trackpad.
The fastest fix is to plug in any USB keyboard and log in with that. Here is every option, from quickest to last resort.
Fastest Fix: Plug In a USB Keyboard
If you have any spare keyboard, this beats everything else.
- Grab a USB or USB C keyboard, even a cheap one.
- Plug it into your Mac. On newer Macs, use a USB C port or a small adapter.
- Type your password and log in.
You can also plug in an Apple Magic Keyboard with its charging cable and use it wired. Newer ones use a USB C cable, older ones use a Lightning cable.
Once you are in, back up your files before you do anything else. If the Mac also feels slow, it is a good time to clear system storage on your Mac.
Type Your Mac Password With the Accessibility Keyboard
No spare keyboard? Use the on screen Accessibility Keyboard and click each key with the trackpad or mouse.
If your trackpad still works, this gets you logged in. Turn it on ahead of time like this.
- Click the Apple menu, then click System Settings.
- Click Accessibility in the sidebar.
- Click Keyboard.
- Turn on Accessibility Keyboard.
An on screen keyboard appears. Click the keys with your trackpad to type.
Open the On Screen Keyboard at the Login Screen
If your Mac is locked and the keyboard is dead, try the accessibility shortcut.
- At the login screen, press Command, Option, and F5 at the same time. On a Mac with Touch ID, you can also press the Touch ID button three times fast.
- The Accessibility Shortcuts panel opens.
- Turn on Accessibility Keyboard.
- Click your password on the on screen keyboard, then click the arrow or press Return.
This only works if those shortcut keys still respond. If the keyboard is fully dead, you will need a USB keyboard to reach this menu.
Turn On Login Options Before Trouble Strikes
You can set up the login screen so accessibility tools are ready if the keyboard ever fails.
- Open System Settings and click Lock Screen.
- Click Accessibility Options near the bottom.
- Turn on the tools you want at login, like VoiceOver or Zoom.
Doing this now means you are not stuck later.
If the Keyboard Is Dead and You Have No Backup
If no keyboard works and the trackpad cannot reach the on screen keyboard, the keyboard hardware likely failed.
Book a repair with Apple or an authorized service provider. A spilled drink, a dropped laptop, or a worn cable are common causes.
In the meantime, a cheap USB keyboard gets you back to work. If your Mac also starts up oddly, our guide on how to get out of Disk Utility on Mac startup may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I log into my Mac if the keyboard is not working?
Plug in a USB keyboard, or open the Accessibility Keyboard by pressing Command, Option, and F5 at the login screen and clicking your password with the trackpad.
What is the Accessibility Keyboard on a Mac?
It is an on screen keyboard you control with the trackpad or mouse. Turn it on in System Settings, Accessibility, then Keyboard.
Can I open the on screen keyboard without any keyboard at all?
Yes, if the accessibility shortcut works. Press Command, Option, and F5, or press Touch ID three times. If the keyboard is fully dead, use a USB keyboard to enable it first.
Why did my Mac keyboard suddenly stop working?
Common causes are a drained Bluetooth keyboard, a bad cable, spilled liquid, or a software glitch. Restart the Mac and recharge or replug the keyboard, then update macOS. A clean shut down of your MacBook often clears a stuck keyboard.