Use keyboard shortcuts one key at a time with Sticky Keys

Why it happens

Most shortcuts need a key like Command, Shift or Option held down while you press another key. That's hard with one hand, a tremor or limited movement. Sticky Keys holds that key for you after a single press, until you press the next one.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then click Keyboard.

2. Turn on Sticky Keys.

   Accessibility›Keyboard›Sticky Keys

3. Try it: press Command, let go, then press C. A small symbol appears on screen to show which key is waiting.

4. To lock a key down, like Shift for several capitals in a row, press it twice. Press it once more to release it.

Still not fixed?

1. Click the info button (ⓘ) next to Sticky Keys for its options, like a beep when a key is set, or showing pressed keys on screen.

   Accessibility›Keyboard›Sticky Keys

2. If keys need a long press before they type, Slow Keys is on. Turn it off in the same place, unless you use it on purpose.

   Accessibility›Keyboard›Slow Keys

3. If pressing keys is hard in general, Voice Control lets you say commands instead. Turn it on in Accessibility > Voice Control.

   Accessibility›Voice Control›Voice Control

4. If Sticky Keys is on but shortcuts still don't work, try the same keys on another keyboard. A key that doesn't respond is a hardware problem: contact Apple Support.