highlighting text pressing backspace key in mac doesn't work anymore

Lussy04

3 min read

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23-01-2025

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The Problem: Backspace Won't Delete Highlighted Text on Mac

Many Mac users have encountered the frustrating issue where the backspace key (or delete key) suddenly stops deleting highlighted text. You highlight a section of text, press backspace, and nothing happens. This can severely disrupt workflow, especially for writers, editors, and programmers. This article will troubleshoot this issue, offering several solutions to get your backspace key working again.

Common Causes and Solutions

Here are the most frequent reasons why your backspace key might be malfunctioning when used with highlighted text, along with their solutions:

1. Conflicting Keyboard Shortcuts or Software

Problem: A third-party application or a custom keyboard shortcut might be overriding the standard backspace function. This is a common cause, especially if you've recently installed new software.

Solution:

• Restart your Mac: A simple restart often resolves temporary software glitches.
• Check Keyboard Shortcuts: Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. Look for any conflicting shortcuts that might be interfering with the backspace key's default behavior. You can temporarily disable them to see if it solves the problem.
• Quit Conflicting Apps: Identify recently installed apps, especially those related to text editing or keyboard customization. Quit them individually to see if one is causing the conflict. If you find the culprit, consider uninstalling it or looking for updates.

2. Text Editing App Specific Issues

Problem: The issue might be specific to the application you're using. Certain text editors or word processors may have unique settings or bugs that affect backspace functionality.

Solution:

• Restart the Application: Close and reopen the application. A simple restart can often fix temporary problems within the app itself.
• Check App Preferences: Review the application's preferences for any settings related to text editing or keyboard shortcuts. Look for options that might be inadvertently disabling the backspace functionality when highlighting text.
• Update the Application: Outdated software can have bugs. Check for updates to your text editing software to see if a newer version fixes the issue.

3. Hardware Problems (Less Likely)

Problem: In rare cases, a malfunctioning keyboard or a problem with the USB port (if using an external keyboard) can cause this issue.

Solution:

• Test with a Different Keyboard: If possible, try connecting a different keyboard to your Mac. If the backspace key works correctly with the other keyboard, your original keyboard might be faulty and needs replacement or repair.
• Check USB Connections (External Keyboard): Ensure the external keyboard is securely connected to the USB port. Try a different USB port if available.

4. macOS System Issues

Problem: A bug or glitch within macOS itself could be the culprit.

Solution:

• Restart in Safe Mode: Restart your Mac while holding down the Shift key. This boots your Mac in Safe Mode, which disables non-essential startup items and extensions. If the backspace key works correctly in Safe Mode, a startup item is likely the problem.
• Create a New User Account: Create a new user account on your Mac. If the backspace key works correctly in the new account, the problem might be specific to your existing user profile. You might need to transfer your data to the new account.
• Reinstall macOS (Last Resort): If all else fails, reinstalling macOS is the last resort. Back up your data before doing this!

Prevention Tips

• Regularly Update Software: Keep your macOS and applications up-to-date to minimize the risk of encountering bugs.
• Avoid Unnecessary Keyboard Customization: Be cautious when installing keyboard customization software or creating custom shortcuts. Incorrect configuration can lead to conflicts.
• Use a Reliable Keyboard: Invest in a high-quality keyboard to reduce the chance of hardware-related issues.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the cause and restore the functionality of your backspace key for deleting highlighted text on your Mac. Remember to always back up your data before attempting more drastic solutions like reinstalling macOS.