How To Turn On Keyboard Light On Macbook

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Macbook keyboards! If you’ve been using your Macbook in dimly lit environments, you may have noticed that it can be challenging to see the keys properly. That’s where the keyboard backlight comes in. The keyboard backlight is a handy feature that allows you to illuminate the keys, making it easier for you to type, even in low light conditions.

Turning on the keyboard light on your Macbook is a straightforward process, and in this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to do so. Whether you’re working late at night, in a dimly lit room, or simply prefer the illuminated aesthetics, we’ve got you covered.

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to note that not all Macbook models come with a backlit keyboard. So, the first step is to check if your Macbook has this feature. If it does, you can adjust the brightness of the keyboard backlight using the built-in controls or third-party apps. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Check if your Macbook has a backlit keyboard

Before you can turn on the keyboard light on your Macbook, you need to make sure that your device is equipped with a backlit keyboard. Not all Macbook models have this feature, so it’s important to check beforehand.

To determine if your Macbook has a backlit keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Start by checking the model number of your Macbook. You can find this information by clicking on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, selecting “About This Mac,” and then clicking on the “Overview” tab.
2. Once you have the model number, visit the Apple Support website or perform a quick Google search with the model number to find the specifications of your Macbook.
3. Look for information about the keyboard backlight in the specifications. If your Macbook has a backlit keyboard, it will be mentioned here.

If you find that your Macbook model does include a backlit keyboard, congratulations! You can proceed to the next steps to learn how to turn it on. However, if your Macbook does not have a backlit keyboard, unfortunately, you won’t be able to enable this feature. You may consider using an external keyboard light or working in a well-lit environment to ensure comfortable typing.

Now that you’ve confirmed whether your Macbook has a backlit keyboard, let’s move on to exploring the different methods to adjust the keyboard brightness.

Step 2: Adjust the keyboard brightness using the F5 and F6 keys

If your Macbook has a backlit keyboard, you can control the brightness levels using the dedicated function keys on your keyboard. The F5 key is used to decrease the brightness, while the F6 key is used to increase it.

Follow these steps to adjust the keyboard brightness using the function keys:

1. Locate the F5 and F6 keys on your Macbook’s keyboard. These keys are usually located at the top row, above the number keys.
2. To decrease the keyboard brightness, press and hold the Fn key, which is located at the bottom-left corner of your keyboard, and simultaneously, press the F5 key.
3. To increase the keyboard brightness, press and hold the Fn key, and simultaneously, press the F6 key.
4. As you press the function keys, you will see an on-screen indicator showing the current brightness level. Keep pressing the keys until you reach your desired brightness.

Experiment with different brightness levels to find the one that suits your needs. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a brighter illumination, the function keys provide a convenient way to adjust the keyboard backlight according to your preference.

It’s important to note that the function keys work independently of the Macbook’s system settings. This means that even if you’ve previously set a specific brightness level in the system preferences, using the function keys will not affect that setting. The function keys allow you to make temporary adjustments to the keyboard brightness without changing the default brightness level.

Now that you know how to adjust the keyboard brightness using the function keys, let’s proceed to the next step to explore another method to control the keyboard backlight.

Step 3: Adjust the keyboard brightness in System Preferences

If you prefer a more permanent solution to adjust the keyboard brightness on your Macbook, you can do so through the System Preferences. This method allows you to set a specific brightness level that will be remembered and applied every time you use your Macbook.

Follow these steps to adjust the keyboard brightness in System Preferences:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
2. In the System Preferences window, locate and click on the “Keyboard” icon.
3. In the Keyboard tab, you will find a slider labeled “Keyboard Brightness.” Slide it left or right to decrease or increase the keyboard brightness, respectively.
4. As you move the slider, you will see the keyboard backlight adjusting in real-time, allowing you to find your desired brightness level.
5. Once you’ve set the desired brightness level, close the System Preferences window.

From now on, every time you turn on your Macbook or wake it from sleep mode, the keyboard backlight will be set to the brightness level you specified in the System Preferences.

This method is particularly useful if you have a specific brightness preference that you want to maintain consistently. It saves you from having to manually adjust the brightness every time you start using your Macbook.

Now that you know how to adjust the keyboard brightness using the System Preferences, let’s explore an alternative method using third-party apps.

Step 4: Use third-party apps to control the keyboard backlight

If you’re looking for more advanced options to control and customize your Macbook’s keyboard backlight, you can turn to third-party apps. These apps give you additional features and flexibility beyond what the built-in controls offer.

Here are a few popular third-party apps that can help you control the keyboard backlight on your Macbook:

1. Karabiner-Elements: Karabiner-Elements is a powerful keyboard customization tool that allows you to remap keys, adjust keyboard settings, and even control the keyboard backlight brightness. It offers a wide range of customization options to suit your preferences.
2. Flux: Flux is primarily known for its display color adjustment features, but it also includes the ability to control the keyboard backlight. It automatically adjusts the keyboard brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions.
3. Keyboard Maestro: Keyboard Maestro is a comprehensive automation tool that can be used to control various aspects of your Macbook, including the keyboard backlight. It allows you to create custom macros and triggers to set specific brightness levels or automate backlight adjustments.

These apps can be downloaded and installed from their respective developers’ websites or through trusted app stores. Make sure to read user reviews and check the compatibility of the apps with your specific Macbook model and macOS version.

Using third-party apps gives you the flexibility to fine-tune your keyboard backlight settings according to your preferences. With advanced features and customization options, you can create a personalized experience that enhances your productivity and enjoyment while using your Macbook.

Remember to regularly update these apps to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS updates and to access any new features or improvements that may be available.

Congratulations! You’ve now learned multiple methods to adjust and control the keyboard backlight on your Macbook. Whether you prefer the convenience of function keys or the customization options offered by third-party apps, you can now easily illuminate your keyboard and work comfortably even in low light conditions.

Conclusion

Having a backlit keyboard on your Macbook can greatly enhance your typing experience, especially in low light environments. In this guide, we covered various methods to turn on and adjust the keyboard backlight on your Macbook.

First, we emphasized the importance of checking if your Macbook model has a backlit keyboard. Not all models offer this feature, so it’s essential to verify its availability before proceeding.

We then explored two primary methods of adjusting the keyboard brightness. Using the function keys (F5 and F6) allows for quick and temporary adjustments, ideal for on-the-fly brightness changes. Additionally, adjusting the keyboard brightness through the System Preferences provides a more permanent solution, maintaining your preferred brightness level every time you use your Macbook.

For those seeking even more customization options, we discussed the use of third-party apps. Apps like Karabiner-Elements, Flux, and Keyboard Maestro offer advanced features, allowing you to remap keys, automate backlight adjustments, and personalize your keyboard backlight settings.

Remember to choose trusted third-party apps and regularly update them to ensure compatibility with your Macbook model and the latest macOS updates.

Now that you’re equipped with these methods to control the keyboard backlight, you can work, type, or enjoy your Macbook in any lighting conditions with ease and comfort.

So go ahead, enable your keyboard backlight, and let it illuminate your path to productivity and convenience!