At the top of your MacBook's keyboard are the function keys F1 to F12. By default they control things such as brightness, volume and music. But in some programs, such as Excel, games or programming software, you need the real F keys. This article explains what the function keys on a MacBook do, how to use them as F1-F12 and how to make that the default, including on a MacBook with a Touch Bar.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook keyboards in Amsterdam. If a key really does not work, we help you further; more about that at the end.
What do the keys do by default?
On a MacBook with an Apple chip they are usually:
- F1 and F2: screen brightness down and up.
- F3: Mission Control.
- F4: Spotlight (search).
- F5: dictation.
- F6: Do Not Disturb (Focus).
- F7 to F9: previous, play/pause, next.
- F10 to F12: mute, volume down, volume up.
On older MacBooks F4 to F6 differ: Launchpad and the keyboard backlight. See keyboard backlight.
Using a real F key
Hold the fn key (on newer models the key with the globe and "fn") and press the F key. Then you get F1 to F12 instead of the special function.
Making F1-F12 the default
- Go to System Settings, Keyboard.
- Click Keyboard Shortcuts and choose Function Keys on the left.
- Turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
Now the keys work as F1-F12, and you use fn for brightness and volume.
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
On a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar you see the F keys when you hold fn. If you always want them in a certain app, add that app under System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, Function Keys. If the Touch Bar does not work, read Touch Bar not working.
Setting the fn or globe key
In System Settings, Keyboard you choose what happens when you press only the globe key: change input source, show emoji, start dictation or do nothing. Also see typing emoji.
Handy combinations with F keys
- Command + F3 (Mission Control key): show desktop.
- Option + brightness or volume: opens the matching settings directly.
- Option + Shift + volume: volume in smaller steps.
More in handy shortcuts.
Function keys on an external keyboard
If you use a Magic Keyboard or a keyboard from another brand, the same setting applies: with "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" on, those keys also work as F1-F12. On keyboards made for Windows the fn key is sometimes elsewhere, and some have their own switch or fn lock. Check the keyboard's manual if the keys behave differently than expected. On a Windows keyboard the Windows key acts as Command on the Mac, and Alt is Option.
Which F keys do you really use?
In Excel F2 edits a cell and F4 locks a reference. In many games and development tools F keys are shortcuts. In the browser F5 reloads the page on Windows; on the Mac that is Command + R.
F keys in Windows or games
If you use Windows on your Mac via Parallels, you can choose in Parallels' settings how the F keys work. See Windows on your MacBook.
An F key does nothing
- Test with and without fn.
- Check whether an app has taken over the key, for example a screen recording program.
- Test with an external keyboard. If it works there, the key itself may be broken.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If a key or the Touch Bar no longer works, we test the keyboard and replace what is needed. More on our page about MacBook keyboard repair.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the fn key?
Bottom left on the keyboard. On newer MacBooks it also shows a globe.
Why does F5 start dictation?
That is the default on newer MacBooks. With fn you get F5.
Can I give an F key my own function?
Yes, via Keyboard Shortcuts or with shortcut apps.
