How to Adjust Keyboard Brightness on MacBook Air

Last Updated: Feb 7, 2024 by

If you own a MacBook Air, you may have noticed that the keyboard brightness can be adjusted to your liking. This feature is not only convenient for working in low light conditions, but it can also help conserve battery life. In this article, we will discuss how to adjust the keyboard brightness on your MacBook Air.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The quickest and easiest way to adjust the keyboard brightness on your MacBook Air is by using keyboard shortcuts. To increase the brightness, press the “F6” key on your keyboard. To decrease the brightness, press the “F5” key. You can also hold down the “Fn” key while pressing the “F5” or “F6” key to adjust the brightness in smaller increments.

Using System Preferences

If you prefer to adjust the keyboard brightness using your trackpad, you can do so through System Preferences. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu. Then, click on “Keyboard” and select the “Keyboard” tab. Here, you will see a slider that allows you to adjust the keyboard brightness. Simply move the slider to the left to decrease the brightness or to the right to increase it.

Using the Touch Bar

If you have a newer MacBook Air model with a Touch Bar, you can also adjust the keyboard brightness using this feature. Simply tap on the “Brightness” icon on the Touch Bar and slide your finger to the left or right to adjust the brightness. You can also customize the Touch Bar to display the keyboard brightness icon for easier access.

Using Third-Party Apps

There are also third-party apps available that allow you to control the keyboard brightness on your MacBook Air. One popular option is “Brightness Slider,” which can be downloaded from the App Store. This app adds a slider to your menu bar, allowing you to easily adjust the keyboard brightness with a click.

Adjusting Keyboard Brightness Automatically

If you want your MacBook Air to adjust the keyboard brightness automatically based on ambient light, you can enable this feature in System Preferences. Go to “System Preferences” and click on “Displays.” Then, check the box next to “Automatically adjust brightness.” This will use the built-in light sensor to adjust the keyboard brightness according to your surroundings.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble adjusting the keyboard brightness on your MacBook Air, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your keyboard is not locked. If it is, press the “Fn” key and the “F6” key at the same time to unlock it. You can also try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) by shutting down your MacBook Air, unplugging the power adapter, and holding down the “Shift,” “Control,” and “Option” keys on the left side of the keyboard while pressing the power button. Release all keys and turn on your MacBook Air.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust the keyboard brightness on your MacBook Air to your desired level. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts or the Touch Bar, you can now work comfortably in any lighting situation.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.