Volume and brightness function keys not working on macOS

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Volume and brightness function keys not working on macOS

Hi, I am new to macOS, and I am wondering why my function keys aren't working properly. For example, I can open Spotlight, Mission Control, dns with the function keys, but I can't control the volume and screen brightness with them. However the F1, F2, F10, F11,and F12 work perfectly fine. Did I accidentally turn on some setting or install apps that take over the functions of the key?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2025 10:01 AM in response to a_l1st

>System Settings>Function keys make some changes(?)

A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

You also have Control center options...

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

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