Make sure when you press CMD+C your Edit menu in the top flashes, this indicates it works as expected.
If it doesn't, go to Keyboard settings in System Preferences and:
- Restore defaults Modifier Keys...,
- Restore defaults in Shortcuts tab,
- In App Shortcuts click the + button and test if Keyboard Shortcut input box will react on your combination.
If Edit menu flashes and it still doesn't work, then the first thing to do is to restart pasteboard service by the following commands:
launchctl stop com.apple.pboard
launchctl start com.apple.pboard
If still doesn't work, here are some other suggestions to troubleshoot the problem:
- Re-test in different applications just in case.
- Re-test if works when using contextual menu (without using the shortcut).
- Re-test alternative combination such as CMD+X for Cut instead.
- Run Console to see your System log queries if something obvious is happening.
Test if the Clipboard works from the terminal via:
$ echo test | pbcopy $ pbpasteIf Paste menu item is no more greyed out, then maybe it's a problem with Paste command.
If you're advanced user, use
dtrussorfs_usageto debug it, for instance:$ sudo fs_usage | grep -C4 MyAppWhereCopyDoesntWorkand then notice other apps which appearing exactly when you press the shortcut which potentially you could consider quitting for testing purposes.
Disable any recent programs that you run or restart your computer.
- Disable VoiceOver as suggested here.
- Force quit the Finder (e.g.:
killall -HUP Finder). - If still doesn't work, consider rebooting the system, especially in Recovery or Safe mode to re-test.
As for a workaround, you can install Karabiner app and remap your shortcuts by configuring private.xml file (see Misc tab). For more suggestion, please check the following posts:
- Remap Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Ctrl-X only
- How can I reassign the copy/paste keyboard shortcuts?
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251355333
Left command key stopped working - Apple Community
My MacBook Air 2017 left command key doesn't work There's a problem with my MacBook Air 2017 model, its left command key doesn't work, I tried everything but replace the keyboard and it still doesn't work [Re-Titled by Moderator] 1265 3 · command key not working on MacBook pro kbd and external kbd, Ventura 13.4.1 I can not say for sure that this started with Ventura 13.4.1 but I did not notice it prior to upgrading (though I don't use the command key that much so hard to say).
Top answer 1 of 15
28
Make sure when you press CMD+C your Edit menu in the top flashes, this indicates it works as expected.
If it doesn't, go to Keyboard settings in System Preferences and:
- Restore defaults Modifier Keys...,
- Restore defaults in Shortcuts tab,
- In App Shortcuts click the + button and test if Keyboard Shortcut input box will react on your combination.
If Edit menu flashes and it still doesn't work, then the first thing to do is to restart pasteboard service by the following commands:
launchctl stop com.apple.pboard
launchctl start com.apple.pboard
If still doesn't work, here are some other suggestions to troubleshoot the problem:
- Re-test in different applications just in case.
- Re-test if works when using contextual menu (without using the shortcut).
- Re-test alternative combination such as CMD+X for Cut instead.
- Run Console to see your System log queries if something obvious is happening.
Test if the Clipboard works from the terminal via:
$ echo test | pbcopy $ pbpasteIf Paste menu item is no more greyed out, then maybe it's a problem with Paste command.
If you're advanced user, use
dtrussorfs_usageto debug it, for instance:$ sudo fs_usage | grep -C4 MyAppWhereCopyDoesntWorkand then notice other apps which appearing exactly when you press the shortcut which potentially you could consider quitting for testing purposes.
Disable any recent programs that you run or restart your computer.
- Disable VoiceOver as suggested here.
- Force quit the Finder (e.g.:
killall -HUP Finder). - If still doesn't work, consider rebooting the system, especially in Recovery or Safe mode to re-test.
As for a workaround, you can install Karabiner app and remap your shortcuts by configuring private.xml file (see Misc tab). For more suggestion, please check the following posts:
- Remap Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Ctrl-X only
- How can I reassign the copy/paste keyboard shortcuts?
2 of 15
7
One of your applications may utilize the cmd+c shortcut, which is not shown in system preferences.
I have GoldenDict installed and one of its hotkeys to "Use the following hotkey to translate a word from clipboard" is "cmd+c c", which brings this problem.
Solution: use another hotkey or disable it.
On my MacBook Pro, serial #n F2W1WRM633, the command key is
Besides Command+F, does the Command ... don’t work? Customer: Yes, it fails with all. Technician's Assistant: Thank you for confirming that; it definitely helps narrow down the issue. When you press and hold ... Hello! I'm ******, a Mac Support Specialist from JustAnswer, and I'm here to assist you with your computer question. How can I help you today? ... Hi ******! I'm doing okay, but I have an issue with my MacBook Pro. The left Command key isn't working ... More on justanswer.com
12
April 8, 2026left command key not working, reasons why?
it could be due to a hardware issue, such as a faulty key switch or connection. Try cleaning under the key, but if the problem persists, it may require professional repair. The strange behavior with function keys suggests a broader issue, potentially related to the keyboard or internal components. More on reddit.com
2
1
February 8, 2024Left command button not working with bottom row of keys | MacRumors Forums
Running OS X 10.5.8 on a Macbook Pro that's roughly 2 years old (maybe a little more). About a week ago I noticed that I was unable to copy/paste/undo/cut. Thought it was a total command key failure at first but other shortcut functionality is intact (cmd+t/cmd+w etc). So I've isolated the problem to the left cmd key and the bottom row of my keyboard. Separately they work ... More on forums.macrumors.com
Control Key not working on Fedora 38 Beta, MacBook Pro (2012)
I have been looking around for a way to resolve this issue for a few days and turning to this thread out of desperation. The reason I am using the Fedora 38 is because the installer for Fedora 37 did not work correctly on my MacBook Pro (2012). The issue is that the control key does not seem ... More on discussion.fedoraproject.org
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0
April 8, 202300:41
Fix switched Command & Option keys on Mac in seconds! - YouTube
08:03
7 Ways To Fix a Mac Keyboard That Is Not Working Correctly - YouTube
00:41
How to remove, replace or clean COMMAND KEY Macbook Pro 2019 - YouTube
05:25
How to Restore Mac Keyboard Shortcuts (MacBook Pro/Air) - macOS ...
03:09
How to Change Command Key to Control on Mac - Keyboard Button ...
02:14
MacBook Pro 13'' (2018) – left cmd key broken - YouTube
Reddit
reddit.com › r › mac › comments › 1lzhe1z › some_left_command_shortcuts_do_not_work
Some Left Command Shortcuts do not work : r/mac
The community for everything related to Apple's Mac computers!
Mac-Forums
mac-forums.com › apple computing products: › macos - operating system
Interesting New Behavior of left Command Key: I sure can't figure it out. | Mac-Forums | Fix Mac iPhone iPad | Buying Tips | iOS OS Help
April 12, 2020 - I did make one mistake by not sealing the upper edge of the black liner that lays on the keyboard assembly. The backlight for the keys would flash on & off in perfect one second timing. The light was leaking out and tricking the backlight sensor. Oops! For fun, I dissected the old keyboard to try to learn why the left command key only worked with some key combinations.
MacKeeper
mackeeper.com › blog › mac fixes › command key not working on mac
Command Key Not Working on Mac? How to Fix It on a MacBook?
April 6, 2026 - In the left sidebar, click General. Click Software Update. Then, click Upgrade Now. Step 1. Apple logo > System Settings · Step 2. General > Software Update · Step 3. Click Upgrade Now · Keyboard not working on Mac? If your Command key isn’t responding, the problem could be with your MacBook’s built-in keyboard.
iFixit
ifixit.com › Answers › View › 661415 › My+left+command+button+suddenly+doesnt+work
My left command button suddenly doesnt work - MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2013 - iFixit
I have had verrrry small rock’s or flakes of metal bridge between two pins on a keyboard connector and cause it to be all wonky and not work with certain keys. The other thing that could have gone wrong would be that the keyboard needs to be replaced entirely.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › mac-computers › v04fk-macbook-pro-command-key-not-working.html
MacBook Pro Command Key Not Working? Expert Troubleshooting Guide
April 8, 2026 - Yes, the right Command key works fine, but the left one feels completely unresponsive. It's like it's dead. ... It sounds like there might be a mechanical issue with that key. Sometimes, components within the key mechanism can break or become misaligned. How old is your MacBook Pro?
Reddit
reddit.com › r/macbookair › left command key not working, reasons why?
r/macbookair on Reddit: left command key not working, reasons why?
February 8, 2024 -
Hello guys,
I cannot use the command key on the left, the lights do not turn on when I press it and i cannot start the mac by pressing it (these are the two things I tried), I also tried to clean it but I only took on the black part of the key, i do not know if I go even under and clean more.
The warranty is off, the function keys also have a weird problem which is that I get numbers or letter when I press them.
Thanks
Apple
support.apple.com › en-gb › guide › mac-help › mchlp1240 › mac
If your Mac doesn’t respond to key presses
Or press Option-Command-F5 to open the Accessibility Shortcuts panel, then deselect Mouse Keys. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Go to Text Input, click Edit, then turn on “Show Input menu in menu bar”. Open the Input ...
MacRumors
forums.macrumors.com › macs › mac basics, help and buying advice
Left command button not working with bottom row of keys | MacRumors Forums
August 26, 2010 - Running OS X 10.5.8 on a Macbook Pro that's roughly 2 years old (maybe a little more). About a week ago I noticed that I was unable to copy/paste/undo/cut. Thought it was a total command key failure at first but other shortcut functionality is intact (cmd+t/cmd+w etc). So I've isolated the problem to the left cmd key and the bottom row of my keyboard. Separately they work just fine, but they refuse to work together.
iBoysoft
iboysoft.com › home › news tips › command key not working on mac? here are the fixes!
Command Key Not Working on Mac? Here Are the Fixes!
April 8, 2026 - You should check available macOS and app updates and update your Mac if necessary. In case the built-in MacBook keyboard is not working, it could be physically damaged, then the command key couldn't work.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Apple: Left command key does not work
To learn more, please visit the YouTube Help Center: https://www.youtube.com/help
YouTube
youtube.com › mute pc
Are your Command and Options keys switched on Mac? Fix it quick! #Shorts #mac - YouTube
If you use a keyboard that not “for Mac”, it will probably come with Windows and Alt keys instead of Option and Command, or maybe it’s a keyboard like this L...
Published: January 8, 2024
Views: 3K
Apple
support.apple.com › en-gb › 102650
Mac keyboard shortcuts – Apple Support (UK)
July 15, 2023 - Every app can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one app may not work in another. ... Keyboard shortcuts use one or more of these modifier keys, which in menus are abbreviated using symbols: ... To use a shortcut, press and hold the modifier keys, then press the last key of the shortcut. For example, to use Command-C, press and hold the Command key, then the C key, then release both keys.
Fedora Discussion
discussion.fedoraproject.org › ask fedora
Control Key not working on Fedora 38 Beta, MacBook Pro (2012) - Fedora Discussion
April 8, 2023 - I have been looking around for a way to resolve this issue for a few days and turning to this thread out of desperation. The reason I am using the Fedora 38 is because the installer for Fedora 37 did not work correctly on my MacBook Pro (2012). The issue is that the control key does not seem to be working, I am a complete noob at Fedora and have no idea how to tell if it the control key is mapped as something else but i can confirm via manually trying other key combinations that it isn’t mappe...
Amazon
amazon.com › Replacement-Individual-Command-MacBook-Keyboard › dp › B08R1J476M
Amazon.com: Replacement Individual AP08 Type Left Command Key Cap and Hinges for MacBook Pro Model A1425 A1502 A1398 for MacBook Air Model A1369/A1466 Keyboard Left Command Keycaps : Electronics
If any doubts, pls not hesitate to contact with me. ... Replacement Individual AP11 Type Left Command Key Cap and Hinge for MacBook Pro Model A1425 A1502 A1398 for MacBook Air Model A1369/A1466 Keyboard Left Command Keycaps
Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com › en-us › topic › keyboard-mappings-using-a-pc-keyboard-on-a-macintosh-d4fd87ca-8762-30ee-fcde-08ffe95faea3
Surface accessories help & learning | Microsoft Support
August 30, 2023 - Try these steps to pair your mouse and keyboard and get them working.
Arcane Code
arcanecode.com › 2021 › 11 › 09 › solved-cmd-key-combos-not-working-with-logitech-k850-and-macos-monterrey
Solved: CMD Key Combos Not Working with Logitech K850 and MacOS Monterrey – Arcane Code
November 8, 2021 - However, when I press those keys directly on my MacBook Pro they worked fine. For those unfamiliar with it, the Logitech K850 will let you bluetooth connect to three different computers. It has three buttons labeled 1, 2, and 3 that will switch the input to a different computer. This seemed to occur when I first powered up my MacBook. I’d go to do something and find my often used command key combos (CMD+C, etc) would not work.
MacRumors
forums.macrumors.com › macs › notebooks › macbook pro
How to fix ? Cmd key failure on new mid-2018 MBP | MacRumors Forums
November 27, 2018 - It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. ... I have a 13" mid-2018 MBP w/ Touch Bar purchased new in early October. Model# A1989 aka "Macbook pro 15,2" After roughly 1-2 months of pretty heavy usage (8 - 12 hrs / day), my left side Command key only sporadically works - works roughly 50% - 60% of the time I press it, and only if I make sure to center my thumb on the key.
Computer Hope
computerhope.com › jargon › c › commkey.htm
What Is a Command Key?
No PC keyboard has a command key. Users who are not familiar with Apple computers, but are familiar with IBM compatible computers, can relate this key to the Microsoft Windows key.