Use the function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Press and hold the Fn (Function) key to see F1 through F12 in your Touch Bar.

Show the function keys

Press and hold the Fn (Function) key on your keyboard to see F1 through F12 in the Touch Bar.

You can also make the function keys appear automatically when you use specific apps:

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Keyboard.
  2. Click Shortcuts at the top of the window, then select Function Keys from the list on the left.
  3. Click the add button (+), then select an app and click Add. For each app that you add, the function keys will automatically appear in the Touch Bar whenever you're using that app.

Or use the onscreen keyboard

As an alternative to showing the function keys in the Touch Bar, you can use the function keys in the onscreen keyboard.

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Keyboard and complete one of these steps:
    • If you're using macOS Big Sur, select "Show Input menu in menu bar" in the Input Sources pane.
    • If you're using macOS Catalina or earlier, select ”Show Keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar” in the Keyboard pane.
  2. Click the viewer icon  in the menu bar, then choose Show Keyboard Viewer.
  3. Click the Fn key in the onscreen keyboard to make it show all function keys.

Show the function keys when using Microsoft Windows

Press and hold the Fn (Function) key on your keyboard to see F1 through F12 in the Touch Bar.

You can also make the function keys appear continuously in the Touch Bar:

  1. From the notification area on the right side of the Windows taskbar, click the up arrow  to show hidden icons.
  2. Click the Boot Camp icon , then choose Boot Camp Control Panel from the menu.
  3. If you're asked whether to allow this app to make changes, click Yes. 
  4. Click the Keyboard tab.
  5. Select ”Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

Or use the onscreen keyboard

As an alternative to showing the function keys in the Touch Bar, you can use the onscreen keyboard:

  1. From the Windows menu, select Windows Ease of Access.
  2. Click On-Screen Keyboard.
  3. Click the Fn key in the onscreen keyboard to make it show all function keys.

How to use the function keys on your Mac

You can use the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard as controls for built-in Mac features or as standard function keys.

Control features on your Mac

By default, the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard control many different features on your Mac. For example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume.

If your Mac has a Touch Bar, learn about using function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.


Use standard function keys

Standard function keys work differently depending on the app and the keyboard shortcuts that you've set up. Some apps have their own keyboard shortcut preferences that you can customize.

To use the standard function keys, hold the Function (Fn)/Globe key  when pressing a function key. For example, pressing both Fn and F12 (speaker icon) performs the action assigned to the F12 key instead of raising the volume of your speakers. 

If your keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key, try pressing and holding the Control key when pressing a function key.

Change the default function key behavior

If you want to change the top row of keys to work as standard function keys without holding the Fn key, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences.
  2. Click Keyboard.
  3. Select "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys". 

If you don't see 'Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys'

If you don't see 'Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys', you might be using a keyboard not made by Apple. These keyboards might need a utility to change the keyboard functions. Check with your keyboard manufacturer for more information.

Learn more

Learn about How to Enable, Disable function keys FN + F1, F2, F3, ... F12 on Laptop

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to see yourself like any celebrity with B612

How to see yourself like any celebrity with B612

Discover how to find out which celebrities you resemble using the new Familiar Faces feature in B612.

How to turn off the background mode of BlueStacks

How to turn off the background mode of BlueStacks

Learn how to disable the background mode of BlueStacks to enhance your computer’s performance while saving resources.

How to delete old boot menu options on Windows

How to delete old boot menu options on Windows

Learn how to effectively remove old boot menu options on Windows 10. Keep your boot menu clean and optimized for efficiency with these easy steps.

CROSH Commands – A Comprehensive Guide for Your Chromebook

CROSH Commands – A Comprehensive Guide for Your Chromebook

Discover the essential CROSH commands for your Chromebook. Get troubleshooting tips and system configurations to enhance your Chrome OS experience. Learn more!

How To Use Zoom On An Amazon Fire Tablet

How To Use Zoom On An Amazon Fire Tablet

Zoom is a top video conferencing service for connecting with friends, family, business associates, and classmates on various devices including Amazon Fire tablets.

What is the AccuType Keyboard on a laptop?

What is the AccuType Keyboard on a laptop?

Discover the advantages of the AccuType Keyboard in Lenovo laptops. Learn why this keyboard enhances productivity and provides a superior typing experience.

How to mirror the image from your phone or tablet on Skyworth Smart TV

How to mirror the image from your phone or tablet on Skyworth Smart TV

Learn how to utilize the SkyShare feature on Skyworth Smart TV for easy connection with your phone or tablet, enhancing your viewing experience.

How To Limit Download Speed In Google Chrome

How To Limit Download Speed In Google Chrome

Learn how to limit your download speed in Google Chrome to manage bandwidth and improve overall performance during downloads.

How to fix the error of not being able to install software on Windows

How to fix the error of not being able to install software on Windows

Discover how to fix the error of not being able to install software on Windows 10/11. Learn essential steps and troubleshooting techniques.

Create Instagram account without phone number

Create Instagram account without phone number

Learn how to create an Instagram account without a phone number. This step-by-step guide will help you sign up using an email address instead, making it quick and easy.

Change the data sharing folder between NoxPlayer and computer

Change the data sharing folder between NoxPlayer and computer

Step-by-step guide to change the location of the data sharing folder between the NoxPlayer Android emulator and your computer for enhanced file management.

How to delete data in NoxPlayer

How to delete data in NoxPlayer

Learn how to efficiently delete data (photos, videos, music, etc.) on the Android NoxPlayer emulator.

Instructions to delete the photo font with PicsArt

Instructions to delete the photo font with PicsArt

Learn how to remove fonts easily with PicsArt, one of the leading photo editing applications that enhances your photography experience.

11 Best Virtual Router Software For Windows in 2023

11 Best Virtual Router Software For Windows in 2023

Discover the 11 best Virtual Router Software for Windows that allows you to convert your PC into a virtual Wi-Fi router, enhancing your internet sharing capabilities.

The reset steps for Smart TV Skyworth

The reset steps for Smart TV Skyworth

Learn the comprehensive steps to reset your Smart TV Skyworth effectively with WebTech360. Optimize performance and settings!