How to turn off VoiceOver mode on a locked MacBook Pro?

VoiceOver mode is turned on and requires password to unlock the computer. But VoiceOver has keypad numbers turned off so the password can’t be input. How do I get back to a useable computer?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: MacBook is locked and in VoiceOver mode

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 5:59 AM

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Posted on Aug 13, 2025 12:40 PM

It turns out that VoiceOver mode was turned on, but so was Mouse Keys, which was the real problem. Without being able to use the 7,8 and 9 keys, and the U, I, and O keys (etc) I couldn't input my password. None of the methods identified by Apple and by Apple Forum worked to defeat the issue. (Fingerprint key three times quickly or Option-Command-F5) However, I was able to plug in an external keyboard, then input my password to unlock my computer and navigate to Settings, Accessibility Features and turn OFF both the VoiceOver and Mouse Keys functions and begin using my MacBook again.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 13, 2025 12:40 PM in response to leroydouglas

It turns out that VoiceOver mode was turned on, but so was Mouse Keys, which was the real problem. Without being able to use the 7,8 and 9 keys, and the U, I, and O keys (etc) I couldn't input my password. None of the methods identified by Apple and by Apple Forum worked to defeat the issue. (Fingerprint key three times quickly or Option-Command-F5) However, I was able to plug in an external keyboard, then input my password to unlock my computer and navigate to Settings, Accessibility Features and turn OFF both the VoiceOver and Mouse Keys functions and begin using my MacBook again.

Aug 13, 2025 12:50 PM in response to Trberg

Trberg wrote:

It turns out that VoiceOver mode was turned on, but so was Mouse Keys, which was the real problem. Without being able to use the 7,8 and 9 keys, and the U, I, and O keys (etc) I couldn't input my password. None of the methods identified by Apple and by Apple Forum worked to defeat the issue. (Fingerprint key three times quickly or Option-Command-F5) However,

I was able to plug in an external keyboard, then input my password to unlock my computer and navigate to Settings, Accessibility Features and turn OFF both the VoiceOver and Mouse Keys functions and begin using my MacBook again.


Good computing Trberg ! Yes an external keyboard was my passing thought as well.


appreciate the update

Aug 13, 2025 11:10 AM in response to Trberg

Trberg wrote:

VoiceOver mode is turned on and requires password to unlock the computer. But VoiceOver has keypad numbers turned off so the password can’t be input. How do I get back to a useable computer?


good question—


Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)


or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


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How to turn off VoiceOver mode on a locked MacBook Pro?

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