Spacebar is not working on Mac?

When the spacebar is not working on your Mac, you quickly realize how hard it is to work without it. An essential key on our keyboards when it stops functioning, your Mac soon becomes pretty impossible to use.

If your spacebar has become unresponsive, stuck, or only working in certain apps, it's time to troubleshoot.

We've collated the best troubleshooting steps in this article to help you solve your spacebar woes — let's go.

Why is the spacebar not working on Mac?

Regardless of the type of keyboard you're using — Bluetooth, USB wired, or your Mac's built-in keyboard — there can be several factors as to why you're experiencing issues with your spacebar or any other isolated key. On some Macs, it is more common than on others. Specifically, those that came with butterfly keyboards are more susceptible to this problem. Here's the list: 

• MacBook (2015-2017)
• MacBook Pro (late 2016-2019)
• MacBook Air (2018-2019)

However, other models may be affected since the problem is not always caused by the design of the keyboard. From dirt to damage to outdated software and malware, you'll need to troubleshoot your way through the varying possibilities.

Don't worry; it's a very fixable issue.

Solved: MacBook Spacebar not working

Before we get started, if you're using a Bluetooth keyboard, ensure you've tried turning Bluetooth on and off and reconnecting the device. Also, double-check that the battery is not discharged. If you're using a USB-wired keyboard, ensure the cable is not broken or your USB port is not damaged. 

1. Dirt and damage

The number one reason we encounter keyboard problems is down to dirt or damage. When it comes to damage, have you recently dropped your Mac or keyboard? Or has any liquid been spilled on it? If you answered yes to these questions, you'll likely need a repair. Talk to your local approved MacBook repair center. Or if you're using a connected device, try replacing it.

Dirt and dust can often get under keys and cause them to stop functioning correctly. Regularly cleaning your Mac's keyboard is advised. You should always follow Apple's strict guidelines on cleaning, as you could cause more damage. Here's what Apple say about cleaning your Mac's keyboard:

1. Hold your device at a 75-degree angle (make sure it's not vertical).
2. Compressed air can be used to spray the troublesome key or your entire keyboard in a sweeping left-to-right motion.
3. Repeat this process while rotating the sides.

2. Software-related problems

If you're running an outdated macOS version, you'll eventually start to uncover little glitches, such as the Mac spacebar not working. Keeping your Mac updated is a simple task, but it's often one that gets put on the back burner. It's one of those little inconveniences for users who just want to get on and work. 

Not only will you get the most from security enhancements and app improvements, but also fixes for known issues, so it's worth a check.

Here's how to see if you have an update available:

1. Go to System Settings from the Apple menu.
2. Navigate to General > Software Update.
3. Click Install Now and follow the steps to install a new update.

3. Check for malware

No one likes to hear the word malware, but when things suddenly become unresponsive on your Mac, it's a thought you need to consider. Have you recently downloaded a new app or opened any unusual email attachments? Now's the time to run a system scan with your antivirus software.

The ability to run on-demand system scans for viruses is a real must for Mac users. If you're not running any dedicated antivirus software, then you're leaving your computer vulnerable to attacks. Apple's built-in XProtect is just simply not powerful enough to match modern, ever-evolving malware.

The Apple notarized cleaning utility, CleanMyMac, has a fantastic Protection feature powered by Moonlock. It offers an instant on-demand deep system scan for threats and safe removal technology. You can also test the app for 7 days free (get your free trial here), including the Protection feature.

1. Open the app once installed and select Protection.
2. Click Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided if malware is found on your Mac.

Why use CleanMyMac

• On average, users detect 1 malware after the first scan 
• Not only detects Mac-specific threats but also cleans up safe-to-delete junk files and other clutter: on average, users remove 4 duplicates, 5 similar images, and 10.5 GB of junk after the first scan
• Clean over 51,000 Macs daily

Get your free CleanMyMac trial — see the difference it can make for your Mac.

4. Check your keyboard settings

Have you been using the Full Keyboard Access feature on your Mac? This could be why you're suddenly having spacebar issues. A handy accessibility feature enables users to control their devices entirely with their keyboard instead of a mouse or trackpad. 

If your keyboard's Spacebar doesn't respond or seems to trigger a blue selection box, here's how to fix it:

1. Go to System Settings from the main Apple menu.
2. Locate Accessibility and, under Motor, click Keyboard.
3. Turn Full Keyboard Access off.

Your spacebar should now resume normal functionality, but if not, head to the next troubleshooting tip.

5. Quick diagnostic: test a new user 

Although rare, the glitch may be user-specific. To rule it out, create a new user, log into it, and test the spacebar. 

Here's how to add a new user on Mac: 

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups. 
2. Click Add User. 
3. Fill out all details and click Create User.

6. Run some maintenance tasks

Regular Mac maintenance is a must. It helps keep your device running at its best, fully optimized, and bug-free. It can also help keep annoying issues like this one entirely at bay. But where to start? 

Knowing where to begin or having the time to carry out regular maintenance is the issue for most Mac users. Thankfully, these days, it doesn't need to become a dreaded task; there are apps built to help, including the app I mentioned in step #3.

That's right, CleanMyMac also has a powerful Performance feature designed to improve your Mac's drive performance and solve application errors and system glitches; let's take a look:

1. Open the app and click Performance > Scan.
2. Select View All Tasks. 
3. From the list, select items you'd like to run.
4. Finally, click Run.

7. Reset your SMC and NVRAM

Sometimes, a bug in your SMC (System Management Controller) that looks after items like your keyboard backlight, fans, battery, and power could be the issue, but it's a quick reset.

For Intel-based Macs:

1. From the main Apple menu, shut your device down entirely.
2. Wait for a few moments and press the following keys (on the left of your keyboard)
   • Shift - Control - Option and the main power button.
3. Hold these keys for ten seconds.

You can't officially reset your SMC on Macs with Apple silicon, but many users say that shutting your Mac down and restarting has a similar effect. So, head over to the main Apple menu and choose Shut Down. Wait for 30 seconds and turn on your Mac back again.

The same goes for NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) that is responsible for vital system information like different settings. Just like with the SMC, you cannot officially reset NVRAM on Mac with Apple silicon, but a shutdown or a restart is usually said to help. 

For an Intel-based Mac, follow these steps: 

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Press the power button and the Command+Option+P+R keys.
3. Do not release the keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound.

8. Boot into safe mode

Sometimes, the issue may be caused by a third-party extension like hotkey managers or window organizers. The easiest way to rule it out is to boot your Mac into safe mode. It loads only essential drivers and clears caches, which helps identify conflicts with any third-party software. The steps differ for Intel-based and Apple silicon Macs. 

Intel

1. Turn on or restart the machine. As soon as your Mac switches on and lights up, press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the Shift key as soon as the login window appears.

Apple silicon

1. Click Apple menu > Shut Down.
2. Once it is completely shut down (all lights are off), press and hold the power button. Do not release it until you see “Loading startup options.”
3. Select the volume and, after it, press and hold the Shift key. 
4. Next, click Continue in safe mode. After your Mac restarts, there should be “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

If the spacebar works in safe mode, reboot normally, go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions and disable all apps under Open at Login. Then, enable them one by one to find the culprit. Consider uninstalling the problematic app and finding an alternative. 

So, now you know what to do when your Spacebar is not working on Mac.