Letters double or repeat when you type on your Mac

Why it happens

When you hold a key down, your Mac waits a short moment and then types the letter again and again. If that wait is very short, resting a finger on a key for a split second is enough to get a double letter. Lengthening the delay fixes it in most cases. If letters double even on quick taps, the keyboard itself may be at fault.

How to fix it

1. Choose Apple menu, then System Settings, and click Keyboard in the sidebar.

2. Drag the Delay until repeat slider towards Long. This is the setting that stops double letters from a slow press.

   Keyboard›Delay until repeat

3. Drag Key repeat rate towards Slow, so a held key repeats more gently.

   Keyboard›Key repeat rate

4. Open a note or any text box and type a few words at your normal speed. The change works straight away, so adjust again until it feels right.

Still not fixed?

1. Letters still doubling? Check Slow Keys in Accessibility, then Keyboard. Turn it off unless you need it, or change its acceptance delay so each press is clearer.

   Accessibility›Keyboard›Slow Keys

2. Using a wireless keyboard? Charge it or change its batteries, and keep it close to your Mac. A weak connection can make letters repeat.

3. If only one or two keys double, try a different keyboard. If the other keyboard types normally, the problem is in your keyboard, not the settings. Some older MacBook keyboards are known for keys that type twice.

4. When a built-in MacBook keyboard keeps doubling letters with these settings changed, it's a hardware fault. Contact Apple Support or a repair shop to have the keyboard checked.