Unable to enter password in Safe Mode on MacBook Air M3 after power button restart

Chair Maker wrote:

I have a MacBook Air M3. For the first time I turned it off using the power button and then turned it back on later using the power button. The Login-In pops up and then a few seconds later an image of a keyboard pops up. It the erases any characters I might have started to enter and then it won't allow me to type. If I click the "X" on it it comes right back.

This sounds like the built-in keyboard is not working. Try connecting a wired USB keyboard to see if it will allow you to log in.

Following some suggestions on the internet i tried:

option, command, "P", "R"

"shift" to use Safe Mode

unfortunately neither of them worked, I got the same results.

FYI, those special startup keys only work for Intel Macs, not the M-series Macs.

The only special startup key options for an M-series Mac is by holding the power button when powering on the Mac from a complete full power off/shutdown. You will see just below the Apple logo a message saying to hold the power button for the Startup Options.... You need to hold it for about 7 or 8 seconds, if you hold it for 10 seconds then it will force the system to power off.

All of the former boot options for the Intel Macs are collected into the Startup Options screen. See the following Apple article for details:

If your Mac starts up to Options with a gear icon - Apple Support

"Unable to enter password in Safe Mode on MacBook Air M3 after power button restart"

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Ridding of On-Screen Keyboard at Login Screen:

1. Boot Up: normally
2. Go to: Settings
3. Select: Keyboard
4. Scroll to: Text Input
5. Click: Edit...
6. Toggle Off: Show Input menu in menu bar

Screenshot: