Keyboard, mouse or trackpad not working
When the keyboard or mouse stops working, it's usually batteries, a loose plug, or a setting that got switched off by accident.
Be careful: If a drink was spilled on the keyboard, turn the computer off and unplug it right away, and don't turn it back on. See our spilled drink answer.
What to do
Pick your kind of computer:
Not sure? How to tell which computer you have
Step 1: For a wireless mouse or keyboard, change or charge the batteries, and check its on/off switch underneath is on.
Step 2: For a wired one, unplug it and plug it into a different USB port.
Step 3: For a wireless one with a tiny USB receiver, unplug the receiver and plug it back in, close to the computer.
Step 4: For a laptop touchpad, look for a key with a touchpad symbol (often on the top row) and press it once, as it may have been switched off.
Step 5: Restart the computer. If the mouse won't move, press the power button briefly or hold it for 10 seconds if nothing else works.
Step 6: Open Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, then Touchpad, and make sure it's turned on.
Step 7: If keys only work when held down for a long time, open Settings, click Accessibility, then Keyboard, and turn off Filter keys.
Step 1: For a wireless mouse, keyboard or trackpad, charge it with its cable or change the batteries, and check its power switch is on.
Step 2: For a wired one, unplug it and plug it into a different port.
Step 3: Open the Apple menu, click System Settings, then Bluetooth, and check it's turned on and the device shows Connected.
Step 4: If it's not connected, turn the device off and on, then click Connect next to it.
Step 5: Restart the Mac. If you can't click, press and hold the power button until it turns off, wait, then turn it back on.
Step 6: Wipe the trackpad clean and dry, and take off any watch or ring touching it.
Step 1: For a wireless mouse or keyboard, change or charge the batteries and check its on/off switch.
Step 2: For a wired one, unplug it and plug it into a different USB port.
Step 3: Wipe the touchpad clean and dry.
Step 4: Restart the Chromebook. If you can't click, hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it back on.
Step 5: Open Settings, search for Touchpad or Mouse, and check the settings look normal.
Still stuck? If a plug-in USB mouse or keyboard works but the built-in one doesn't, contact the computer maker's support or a trusted repair shop.