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Mac keyboards have some of the most convenient and easy-to-use options for adjusting brightness levels. These keyboards come with useful keys for accessing brightness settings, such as the "F1" and "F2" keys on Mac computers that enable users to increase or decrease screen brightness. In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods to adjust brightness on Mac keyboards and how to troubleshoot if you encounter difficulties with adjusting brightness on your Mac keyboard.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Adjust Brightness on Mac Keyboard
There are several reasons why you may need to adjust the brightness level on your Mac keyboard. The first reason is that adjusting the brightness can help reduce eye strain when you’re using your Mac for an extended period. When you reduce the brightness level on your keyboard, it can help protect your eyes from strain and minimize the chance of headaches and fatigue. Furthermore, adjusting the brightness level can also help to save battery life, especially if you’re using a laptop.
Method 1: Via the F1 and F2 keys
Mac keyboards come with two dedicated keys for adjusting brightness; F1 and F2. Here’s how to use this method:
1. Press and hold the "Fn" key located on the bottom left of your keyboard.
2. While pressing the "Fn" key, press either the "F1" key to reduce brightness or "F2" key to increase brightness.
3. Release both keys when the desired brightness level is achieved.
Pros:
– It’s a quick and straightforward method to adjust brightness levels.
– You can increase or reduce brightness levels in smaller increments than other methods.
Cons:
– Using Function keys can sometimes create confusion for users who don’t regularly use Mac keyboards.
– The method only works when the computer’s "Fn" key is operational.
Method 2: Via System Preferences
Here’s how to adjust brightness using system preferences:
1. Click on the "Apple" logo icon located on the top left corner of your desktop.
2. Select "System Preferences"
3. Click on "Displays"
4. Click on the "Display" tab
5. Slide the "Brightness" slider to the right to increase the brightness level or to the left to reduce it.
6. Close the "System Preferences" window to save changes.
Pros:
– This method works if the keyboard hotkeys are damaged.
– You can adjust not just the brightness, but other display settings as well.
Cons:
– It requires additional steps to access the System Preferences window, which can be time-consuming.
Method 3: Via Siri Voice Commands
Did you know that there’s a voice assistant on Mac computers? Siri can help with accessing settings, including brightness level. Here’s how to use Siri to adjust brightness:
1. Press and hold the "Command (⌘)" and "Space" keys simultaneously to open Siri.
2. Say "Increase/Decrease brightness level" or "Turn down/ up the display brightness level."
3. Siri will adjust the brightness level based on your voice command.
Pros:
– It’s a hands-free method of adjusting brightness levels.
– People who overall find typing or pressing buttons hard can access this easily.
Cons:
– Siri is not always reliable or accessible, and some users may have difficulties getting a good response from Siri.
What to Do If You Can’t Adjust Brightness on Mac Keyboard
If you find yourself in a position where you can’t adjust brightness on your Mac keyboard, there are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your Mac: sometimes, there may be something running in the background or a bug that’s preventing the Mac from working correctly. Restarting your Mac could help resolve this issue.
2. Check Keyboard connection: Ensure that the keyboard input device is securely connected to your Mac.
3. Update macOS: A software update from Apple can fix bugs and offer better functionality for hardware like the keyboard.
4. Check settings: Make sure your keyboard shortcuts are enabled and not modified or customized.
5. Use other methods: try adjusting brightness via other methods such as system preferences, Siri or an external keyboard.
Bonus Tip
Did you know that if you turn off "Automatic brightness adjustment" on your Mac, you can further regulate brightness levels? How? Simply follow these steps:
1. Open "System Preferences"
2. Click on "Displays"
3. Select "Display" tab.
4. Uncheck "Automatically adjust brightness"
5. Manually adjust your brightness level via your preferred setting method.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can I adjust brightness without a keyboard or mouse?
A: Yes, you can use Siri voice commands, control center, or System Preferences to change the brightness level.
Q2: Do I need to be connected to a power source to adjust brightness levels?
A: No, you can change the brightness level when running on battery or powered by AC.
Q3: Can I adjust brightness levels in different user accounts?
A: Yes, this feature is available across all accounts saved on a Mac computer.
Q4: Can I adjust brightness levels when the screen is off?
Q5: What if my F1 and F2 keys don’t work?A: You can use other methods, such as Siri voice commands, Control Centre, or system preferences to adjust brightness levels.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting brightness levels is an essential function of a computer for your visual health and comfortability. This post shares three easy ways to adjust the brightness levels on your Mac keyboard that you can use. In case you’re unable to adjust the brightness level, we have given you several troubleshooting tips to help you out. Start with the simplest solution before resorting to more drastic measures, such as resetting your Mac to factory settings.