Have you ever found yourself squinting to see the keys on your Mac keyboard in a dimly lit room? Or maybe you just prefer a brighter keyboard backlight for better visibility. Whatever the reason, increasing the keyboard light on your Mac can be a simple yet handy solution. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to adjust the keyboard light settings on your Mac, helping you find the perfect brightness level for your needs.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Increasing Keyboard Light on Mac
While MacBooks are known for their sleek and elegant design, one minor downside is the limited control over the keyboard backlight. Unlike some other laptops, MacBooks don’t have dedicated keys to adjust keyboard brightness on the fly. Instead, you have to rely on system settings or use third-party software to customize the keyboard backlight.
Increasing the keyboard light on Mac can be challenging for users who are new to the platform or aren’t familiar with the available options. However, with the right knowledge and tools at hand, you can easily overcome this challenge and personalize your keyboard’s brightness level to your liking.
Things You Should Prepare for Adjusting Keyboard Light on Mac
Before we dive into the methods, let’s discuss the things you should prepare to successfully adjust the keyboard light on your Mac:
1. Mac laptop or desktop: You will need a MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or an iMac to follow these methods. Each model may have slightly different keyboard light adjustment options.
2. macOS version: Ensure your Mac is running on a compatible macOS version. Some methods might be specific to certain macOS releases, so it’s essential to have an updated system.
3. Keyboard preferences: Familiarize yourself with the keyboard preferences in the System Preferences app. This is where you can find various settings related to your keyboard, including the backlight controls.
4. Patience: Adjusting the keyboard light on your Mac might take some trial and error. It’s important to be patient and try different methods until you find the most suitable approach for you.
Now that you are ready, let’s explore the different methods to increase the keyboard light on your Mac.
Method 1: Adjusting Keyboard Light via System Preferences
Adjusting the keyboard light via System Preferences is the most straightforward method for controlling the keyboard backlight on Mac. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on the "Keyboard" icon.
Step 3: Navigate to the "Keyboard" tab and look for the "Adjust keyboard brightness in low light" option. You can drag the slider to the right to increase the keyboard light.
Step 4: You can also check the "Illuminate keyboard in low light" option to automatically adjust the keyboard light based on ambient light conditions.
Pros:
1. Native solution: System Preferences is a built-in feature of macOS, so you don’t need any additional software.
2. Simple interface: The keyboard light adjustment settings are easily accessible and can be modified with a simple slider.
3. Ambient light detection: The option to illuminate the keyboard based on ambient light conditions ensures optimal visibility at all times.
Cons:
1. Limited customization: System Preferences only offers basic control over the keyboard light, without advanced options for color or brightness variations.
2. No keyboard shortcut: Adjusting the keyboard light via System Preferences requires navigating multiple menu options, which can be time-consuming.
Method 2: Adjusting Keyboard Light via Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer a quicker way to adjust the keyboard light without navigating through menus, using a keyboard shortcut can be a convenient option. Here’s how you can set up a keyboard shortcut to increase the keyboard light on your Mac:
Step 1: Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo and selecting "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on the "Keyboard" icon.
Step 3: Navigate to the "Keyboard" tab and click on the "Shortcuts" tab.
Step 4: In the left sidebar, select "Display" and check the box next to "Increase keyboard brightness."
Step 5: Click on the right side of the "Increase keyboard brightness" row and enter your desired shortcut by pressing the keys on your keyboard.
Step 6: Once you’ve set up the keyboard shortcut, you can use it to increase the keyboard light instantly, regardless of which application you are using.
Pros:
1. Quick adjustment: With a keyboard shortcut, you can increase the keyboard light within seconds, saving time compared to navigating through the menu.
2. Ease of use: Once the shortcut is set up, it becomes a convenient and intuitive way to adjust the keyboard light whenever needed.
Cons:
1. Limited customization: Keyboard shortcuts can only increase the keyboard light and don’t offer options for decreasing or fine-tuning the brightness level.
2. Memorization required: Remembering the keyboard shortcut might take some time and practice initially.
Method 3: Adjusting Keyboard Light via Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for more advanced customization options or prefer a dedicated app for adjusting keyboard light on your Mac, third-party software can be a viable option. Here are two popular apps that offer extensive control over the keyboard light settings:
Step 1: Download and install one of the third-party apps mentioned below:
a) "Karabiner-Elements": Karabiner-Elements is a powerful app that allows you to remap keys, including the keys used to adjust keyboard brightness. After installation, navigate to the "Devices" tab in the app and configure the keyboard light controls according to your preferences.
b) "BetterTouchTool": BetterTouchTool is a versatile app that enables you to customize various aspects of your Mac’s input devices. Once installed, open the app and navigate to the "Gesture/Keyboard/Other" tab. Here, you can set up keyboard shortcuts or gestures to control the keyboard light.
Step 2: Configure the desired keyboard light settings through the third-party app’s interface.
Pros:
1. Advanced customization: Third-party apps provide additional features, such as color customization or advanced brightness control, which are not available using native methods.
2. Tailored experience: By using third-party apps, you can personalize the keyboard light settings according to your preferences and workflow.
Cons:
1. Additional software: Installing and using third-party apps might require additional storage space and can have potential compatibility issues with future macOS updates.
2. Learning curve: Third-party apps might have a steeper learning curve compared to native solutions, especially if they offer extensive functionality or complex customization options.
Method 4: Adjusting Keyboard Light via External Keyboard
If you prefer using an external keyboard with your Mac, adjusting the keyboard light might work differently depending on the model and manufacturer. Here’s a general guide on how to adjust the keyboard light for popular external keyboards:
Step 1: Refer to the user manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions specific to your external keyboard model. Different keyboards might have unique methods for adjusting the keyboard light, such as dedicated function keys or software provided by the manufacturer.
Step 2: Follow the provided instructions to increase the keyboard light. This typically involves using specific key combinations, function keys, or dedicated software.
Pros:
1. Flexibility: External keyboards often provide additional customization options and dedicated keys for adjusting the keyboard light, offering a more tailored experience compared to built-in keyboards.
2. Compatibility: While MacBooks have limited control over the keyboard light, external keyboards designed for Mac or compatible with macOS may offer more advanced features.
Cons:
1. Device-specific: The methods for adjusting the keyboard light on external keyboards can vary significantly, requiring you to refer to the user manual or manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Possible compatibility issues: Depending on the external keyboard, there might be compatibility issues with certain macOS versions or limited support for specific functionality.
Why Can’t I Increase Keyboard Light on My Mac?
There can be multiple reasons why you might be unable to increase the keyboard light on your Mac. Here are a few common issues and their potential solutions:
1. The feature is not available: Some older Mac models or certain keyboard configurations might not support keyboard backlight adjustment. Ensure your Mac model and keyboard are capable of adjusting the keyboard light.
2. Software issue: Outdated or conflicting software can sometimes interfere with the keyboard light settings. Make sure your macOS is up to date and consider troubleshooting by restarting your Mac.
3. Hardware malfunction: In rare cases, the keyboard backlight hardware itself might be faulty. If none of the software solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider to diagnose and repair the issue.
Additional Tips for Adjusting Keyboard Light on Mac
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience while adjusting the keyboard light on your Mac:
1. Experiment with different brightness levels: Try out different brightness levels to find the ideal balance between visibility and battery life.
2. Consider battery usage: Higher keyboard light brightness consumes more battery power. Keep this in mind, especially when using a MacBook on battery mode for an extended period.
3. Use keyboard light as an indicator: The keyboard light can also serve as a visual cue for various functions, such as Caps Lock or the status of specific applications. Familiarize yourself with these indicators to improve your workflow.
5 FAQs About Increasing Keyboard Light on Mac
Q1: How do I decrease the keyboard light on Mac?
A: To decrease the keyboard light on Mac, follow the same methods mentioned in this blog but decrease the brightness level or disable the keyboard backlight based on the available options.
Q2: Can I change the color of the keyboard light on Mac?
A: Built-in Mac keyboards usually offer a white backlight only. However, some third-party apps or external keyboards may provide options to change the color of the keyboard light.
Q3: Why is my keyboard backlight not turning on automatically?
A: If your keyboard backlight is not turning on automatically, ensure the ambient light detection option is enabled in the system preferences. Additionally, some Mac models and keyboards might not support automatic keyboard backlight control.
Q4: Can I adjust the keyboard light using an iOS device?
A: No, adjusting the keyboard light on Mac requires accessing system settings or using specific keyboard shortcuts. iOS devices do not have direct control over the keyboard light settings of a Mac.
Q5: What should I do if the keyboard light still doesn’t work after trying all methods?
A: If the keyboard light remains non-functional after attempting all possible solutions, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for further assistance.
In Conclusion
Having the ability to increase the keyboard light on your Mac can greatly enhance your visibility and overall user experience. Whether you choose to adjust the keyboard light through the System Preferences, set up a keyboard shortcut, use third-party apps, or configure an external keyboard, finding the right brightness level is now within your reach. Remember to consider compatibility, customization options, and personal preferences when selecting the most suitable method for you. Enjoy a brighter and more illuminated typing experience on your Mac!