Make keys repeat faster when you hold them down

Why it happens

When you hold a key, your Mac waits a moment, then repeats it. Two settings control that: how long it waits first, and how fast it repeats after. Both can be set slow by default or by someone else, which makes deleting or moving through text drag on.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Keyboard in the sidebar.

2. Drag the Key repeat rate slider toward Fast.

   Keyboard›Key repeat rate

3. Drag the Delay until repeat slider toward Short, so repeating starts sooner.

   Keyboard›Delay until repeat

4. Open any text document and hold Delete or an arrow key to try it. Adjust the sliders until it feels right.

Still not fixed?

1. Holding a letter shows a little menu of accents instead of repeating? That's the accent picker, and it's normal. Arrow keys, Delete and the space bar still repeat.

2. Held keys don't repeat at all? The Key repeat rate slider may be all the way to the left, at Off. Move it to the right.

3. Every key press feels delayed, not just repeats? Check Slow Keys is off in Accessibility > Keyboard.

   Accessibility›Keyboard›Slow Keys

4. Using a wireless keyboard? Charge it or turn it off and on again. A weak connection can make repeats stutter.

5. If one key won't repeat while the others do, or a key sticks or stops working, it's likely a hardware fault. Try another keyboard, then contact Apple Support or a repair shop for a MacBook's built-in keyboard.