Use F1, F2 and the other F keys without holding fn

Why it happens

Out of the box, the top row of a Mac keyboard controls brightness, volume and media. The F1 to F12 jobs sit behind the fn key. That suits most people, but it gets in the way in spreadsheets, coding tools and games that use F keys a lot.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu and click Keyboard in the sidebar. Click the Keyboard Shortcuts button.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…

2. In the list on the left of the window that opens, click Function Keys. Turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.

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

3. Click Done. Press F5 or F12 in your app to check. From now on, hold fn when you want the brightness or volume printed on the key.

Still not fixed?

1. MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar? There's no row of F keys to switch. In Keyboard settings, click Touch Bar Settings and set Touch Bar shows to F1, F2, etc. Keys. Or just hold fn to show them on the bar for a moment.

   Keyboard›Touch Bar Settings…›Touch Bar shows

2. If F11 shows your desktop instead of reaching your app, a Mac shortcut is using it. Turn off Show Desktop under Mission Control in the same Keyboard Shortcuts window.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Mission Control›Show Desktop

3. Using a keyboard from another maker? Many have their own fn lock, often a key with a padlock symbol. Check the keyboard's manual, because the Mac switch may not reach it.

4. If the change doesn't take in one app, quit it with Command-Q and open it again. Logging out and back in also helps.

5. If some top-row keys do nothing at all, with or without fn, test them in another app. Keys that never respond point to a keyboard fault, so contact Apple Support or a repair shop.