Make F keys as Standard Function Keys On Mac

Welcome to the Apple Expert blog post on how to enable F1 F2…..F12 as standard function keys on a Mac Keyboard computer. This tutorial is meant to help beginners who are new to macOS and provide a step-by-step guide on how to easily set up the function keys. We’ll be using screenshots, video demonstrations, and advice from an Apple expert who has more experience than I’d like to mention, to ensure that your Mac keyboard is set up correctly. So let’s get started!

In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
From the Apple menu select System Settings
On the system settings select Keyboard
From the keyboard menu select Keyboard Shortcuts
On the Keyboard Shortcuts sub-menu select Function Keys
Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”
Select Done

It is not always easy following along with a how-to with a simple list. So I have the how-to with pictures and, if you look below, even video instructions.

How To Enable F keys as Standard Function Keys On Mac

If you have ever come to use the F keys on your Mac you may be left asking. “Why don’t my F keys work on my Keyboard Mac?”

Well typically your Mac F keys will be function keys to do other tasks. For instance, F1 is for lowing the brightness and F2 is for upping the screen brightness.

You need to press the FN key to turn them into standard F keys. Yet, if this becomes a pain and there is an option to turn this off.

We will cover below what each F key job is on the Mac. Yet, if you want to get the F keys back to standard function keys we have that first:

Step 1. In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()

Step 2. From the Apple menu select System Settings

Step 3. On the system settings select Keyboard

Step 4. From the keyboard menu select Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 5. On the Keyboard Shortcuts sub-menu select Function Keys

Step 6. Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”

Step 7. Select Done

System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts

Now, when you press any of the F keys on your Mac they will be turned into standard function keys.

Yet, if you want them to carry out a task. For instance, change the screen brightness with F2. Then you will need to hold down the FN key and then press the F2 key to achieve the adjustment.

What Do the F Keys Do on Mac Keyboards?

F1	Dim the screen’s brightness
F2	Brighten the screen
F3	Enables the Overview display, which displays all running applications.
F4	Launch Mission Control
F5	Lower keyboard brightness or Enable dictation
F6	Raise keyboard brightness or turn on Do Not Disturb mode.
F7	Jumps back in audio
F8	Pauses and resumes audio
F9	Jump ahead
F10	Mute / Unmute
F11	Lower the volume
F12	Increase the value

Use keyboard function keys on Mac

If you prefer video, I have you covered with this simple-to-follow video on Using keyboard function keys on Mac.

Mac F keys FAQ

How do I make the F keys default on a Mac?

To make the F keys default on the Mac Apple Menu () > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys > Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

How do you press F1 F2 without Fn?

If you have a keyboard that doesn’t have an Fn key then you can try pressing down the Command key and then using the function keys.

How do I enable F1 F2 keys?

To enable the F keys on the Mac you need to press and hold the fn key on the keyboard. You can keep the F keys as standard keys from Apple Menu () > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys > Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

How do I set function keys to standard F1 F12?

To set the function keys to standard F1 to F12 keys you need to go to Apple Menu () > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys > Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

How do I use my f keys instead of Fn?

If you do not have an Fn key then you can try the Command key. If this doesn’t work then you can turn them to standard keys in Apple Menu () > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys > Tab on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

What is F1 shortcut on Mac?

The F1 key on the Mac is to Dim the screen’s brightness. The F keys on the Mac will carry out tasks first and you need to press the Fn key to turn them into the standard function F key.

Why does F12 not work on Mac?

The F keys are not standard F keys on the Mac by default and they carry out tasks on the Mac first. To get the F112 to work on the Mac you will need to hold down the FN key and then press F12.