How To Fix Your Macbook Keyboard Lights If They Don’t Work

Fix #1: Ensure that your keyboard lights are enabled

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Open System Preferences
3. Click on Keyboard
4. Make sure that “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light” is un-checked.
5. Press F6 to increase brightness. The keyboard should light up.

Fix #2: Reset the Ambient Light Sensor setting

1. On your keyboard press the keys Shift, Command, and the letter G at the same time. This will open the “Go to Folder” box.
2. Type in /library/preferences
3. In the folder that opens delete the following file: com.apple.iokit.AmbientLightSensor.plist
4. Restart the computer.

Fix #3: Reset your Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC)

Choose the correct procedure depending on what Mac you have.

To reset the SMC for a macbook with a battery you can remove (such as the plastic Macbooks) without opening the case:

1. Shutdown the Mac. Disconnect the power cord. Remove the battery.
2. Press and hold down the power button for ten seconds. Then release the power button.
3. Put the battery back in and connect the power cord. Power up your macbook.

To reset the SMC for a macbook with a battery you can’t remove (such as all the unibody Macbook Pros and Macbook Airs):

1. Shutdown the Mac. Make sure that the power cord is connected and charging.
2. On the Macbook’s keyboard press and hold the Shift-Control-Option keys on the left side (has to be left side) as well as the power button at the same time. Hold for five seconds.
3. Release all keys and the power button.
4. Turn on the Mac.

To reset the SMC for an iMac or Mac Pro Desktop:

1. Shutdown the Mac. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Press and hold down the power button for ten seconds. Then release the power button.
3. Connect the power cord. Power up your macbook.