What the fn / Globe (🌐) key does on your Mac

Why it happens

The top-row keys on a Mac control brightness, volume and media by default, so fn/Globe is how you reach the F1 to F12 keys apps sometimes need. Pressed on its own, the same key can switch keyboard language, open the emoji picker or start dictation, depending on one setting. Older Apple keyboards show only fn, newer ones a globe, and they work the same way.

How to fix it

1. Find the key. On a MacBook and newer Apple keyboards it's the bottom-left key, next to Control. Some older full-size Apple keyboards with a number pad have it in the small group of keys above the arrow keys.

2. To use F1 to F12, hold fn/Globe and press the top-row key. For example, fn-F5 sends F5 instead of the key's normal action.

3. To choose what a single press does, open System Settings, click Keyboard, and use the Press 🌐 key to pop-up. Pick Change Input Source, Show Emoji & Symbols, Start Dictation, or Do Nothing if you keep pressing it by accident. On keyboards labelled only fn, it may say Press fn key to.

   Keyboard›Press 🌐 key to

4. It also works with other keys. Fn-Delete deletes the character to the right of the cursor. Fn with the left or right arrow works like Home and End, scrolling to the top or bottom of a document, and fn with the up or down arrow pages up or down.

Still not fixed?

1. Would you rather the top row act as F1 to F12 without holding fn? Open Keyboard Shortcuts…, click Function Keys and turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys. Then hold fn for brightness and volume instead.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Function Keys›Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys

2. MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar? Holding fn shows F1 to F12 on the Touch Bar for as long as you hold it.

3. If dictation starts when you tap a key twice, change the Dictation shortcut in Keyboard settings, or turn Dictation off.

   Keyboard›Dictation›Shortcut

4. Using a keyboard from another maker? Its fn key may be handled by the keyboard itself, so the Mac setting may not change it. Check the keyboard's manual.

5. If fn/Globe does nothing at all, with any setting and after a restart, test with another keyboard. If only the built-in keyboard fails, that's hardware, so contact Apple Support or a repair shop.