External keyboards randomly disconnect from Mac running Sequoia 15.8.1

The Apple Magic wireless external keyboard and a McNally keyboard connected by cable both keep randomly disconnecting from my Mac. I can't type but a few letters and it disconnects. I don't use the laptop keyboard because I need big monItors. It only stops if I start up and work in safe mode. Safe mode prevents me from using the full search feature, which I need. I've had this problem for well over a year. I would work in safe mode for a while, then start normally again, the problem always returned. I'm running Sequoia 15.8.1. I refuse to upgrade to OS 27. This problem started after previous updates. I thought it was a blue tooth issue with my Magic Keyboard, but using a keyboard that's plugged into the computer, it's obviously a software issue. Please help.

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 11:31 AM

1 reply

Owl-53

Level 10 (123,805 points)

Oct 15, 2026 8:46 AM in response to Stone Bliss

Since an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and a Wired Third Party Keyboard " It only stops if I start up and work in safe mode. " is usually a good indicator of some Third Party Software installed in the users regular account could be interfering the normal operations of both keyboards

Since the issue and existed for " I've had this problem for well over a year. "

Part 1 of 2

Restart the computer in Safe Mode which you have already tried

Do the issues persist ? Which is reported to have solved the keyboard connect / disconnection issue

There could be something in the main User Account playing up.

To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac.

Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.

If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.

Part 2 of 2

To Drill Down further and to avoid a game of 20 questions

Download the Application Etrecheck ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.

The Application is Not a " Silver Bullet " and is only a tool to examine the Hardware / Software used on this computer

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer Hardware / Software used on this computer

The application is free or paid from added features.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then paste >>>> using the Additional Text Icon <<<<