Top row of keyboard isn't working

Solution 1:

I had the same problem and it got fixed once I installed Karabiner-Elements and opened it. Here is the link: https://github.com/tekezo/Karabiner-Elements.

Solution 2:

This happened to me a while back... First, try just holding down the power button for 10 seconds, to force the MacBook to shut down, and then reboot it normally. That sometimes works.

Failing that, you could try resetting the SMC:

Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own

Note: Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your own include MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later, all models of MacBook Air, and MacBook (Late 2009).

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.

5. Press the power button to turn on the computer.

   Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.

Source: Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

Solution 3:

I had the same problem: after a visit to the Genius Bar, the top row all of a sudden would only function as "function" keys; Brightness Down, for instance, would only trigger Spotlight etc. and the volume controls wouldn't work.

After spending about an hour with Apple help, we tried the System Preferences box, resetting SMC and PRAM, re-installed the OS, and nothing worked. I took it back to the Genius Bar and they quickly diagnosed the problem: the tech who repaired the trackpad forgot to re-map the keyboard out of the universal factory setting to US English, which is a necessary step.

It took about 15 minutes and then I was on my way.

Hope this helps!

Solution 4:

I had the same problem with my MacBook Pro, I went into system preferences>keyboard>keyboard tab, there are 4 boxes that can be check marked. If the last one (4th one down) “Use F1, F2, F3 etc. keys as standard function keys”. If it has a check mark, uncheck it and you should be in business! otherwise if you hold down the fn button while pressing the “F” key you need i.e. brightness or volume it should work that way as well. It did for me anyway. Good Luck!