Browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox)
Fix Keyboard Not Working in Your Browser
Use the DevicePrep Keyboard Test, then fix focus, shortcuts, and accessibility settings so key presses register.
Check which keys reach the browser; key events stay on your device and clear when you leave the page.
When a keyboard works in other apps but not on a web page, the issue is usually focus, browser/OS shortcuts, or an extension/overlay capturing key events. Start with the DevicePrep Keyboard Test to see what the browser actually receives, then change one variable at a time until keypresses register reliably.
What this guide covers
- Some keys don't register on websites but work in other apps
- Keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl/Cmd combos) don't work in the browser
- A specific key is stuck, repeating, or only works sometimes
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Click inside the Keyboard Test once so the page has focus, then press keys again.
- Try the same keys in a private window; extensions are often the cause.
- Toggle Num Lock and Fn lock on laptops, then retest function and numpad keys.
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, or Slow Keys while you test.
- Disconnect and reconnect wireless receivers; swap batteries if keys drop randomly.
- Restart the browser after plugging in a new keyboard so it enumerates cleanly.
Step-by-step fix
- Open the DevicePrep Keyboard Test and press the problem keys while the tab is active.
- If nothing highlights, click on the page once and try again so the browser has focus.
- Test in a private window or another browser profile to rule out extensions and key remappers.
- Windows: Settings -> Accessibility -> Keyboard -> turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys; macOS: Accessibility -> Keyboard -> turn off Sticky Keys and Slow Keys.
- Check your keyboard layout and language settings; mismatches can make keys appear in the wrong place.
- Disable game overlays, macro tools, and remote desktop hotkey capture while testing.
- If keys still do not register on multiple sites and apps, test the keyboard on another device to confirm hardware health.
Deep fixes
Confirm the browser receives key presses
Open the DevicePrep Keyboard Test and press the keys that fail for you. You should see highlights immediately. If nothing happens, click on the page once and try again; many pages ignore keys until they have focus. This quick test tells you whether the issue is the keyboard itself or the path from the keyboard to the browser.
Fix focus, popups, and shortcut conflicts
Some keys trigger browser shortcuts instead of reaching the page. Test again with the address bar not selected and with any chat boxes closed. On laptops, function keys often need Fn to send F1-F12; media keys can override them. If a key works only when you hold Fn, toggle the Fn lock on your keyboard and retest.
Check OS accessibility settings and layouts
Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Toggle Keys (Windows), and Slow Keys (macOS) can change how key presses behave. Turn them off while you test, then press the same keys again. Also confirm your OS keyboard layout matches the printed legends; a layout mismatch can make keys appear swapped or missing in web apps.
Extensions, overlays, and remote desktop capture
Password managers, shortcut extensions, game overlays, and macro tools can capture key events before the page sees them. Test in a private window to disable extensions, or temporarily turn them off one by one. Remote desktop sessions can also intercept shortcuts like Alt+Tab or Cmd+Space; test locally on the machine running the browser to isolate where the capture happens.
When it's hardware
If keys do not register in multiple browsers and desktop apps, suspect the keyboard. For wireless keyboards, replace batteries and move the receiver closer; interference can drop inputs. Test the keyboard on another device; if the same keys fail, the switch or matrix may be damaged and repair or replacement is the next step.
Quick checklist
- Keys highlight in the DevicePrep Keyboard Test
- Browser tab has focus while pressing keys
- No extensions or overlays capturing keys
- OS accessibility features disabled during testing
- Correct keyboard layout selected
- Hardware works on another device if needed
FAQs
Do you store what I type in the Keyboard Test?
No. Key events are handled in the browser and clear when you leave the page.
Why do some keys never show up?
Browsers block certain system keys, and OS shortcuts can intercept function or media keys before the page receives them.
Why does the keyboard work in apps but not in the browser?
The browser may not have focus, an extension may capture keys, or a remote desktop session may intercept shortcuts. Test in a private window and click the page to confirm focus.
How do I test the numpad?
Turn Num Lock on, then press each numpad key and watch for highlights. If nothing shows, toggle Num Lock and retry.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
Use the DevicePrep Keyboard Test whenever shortcuts fail so you can see whether the browser receives the keypress. Once the keyboard is stable, run the Mouse Test and Pre-Call Test so your full setup works before an important session.