Keyboard and Safari issues on Mac Mini Mp4 Pro

Troubleshooting Keyboard and Safari Issues on Mac mini M4 Pro (2024)

System: Mac mini M4 Pro (2024), macOS 26 Tahoe ( Based upon the Placement of this query )

Issues: Intermittent keyboard disconnections and problems submitting Google AI prompts in Safari.

These symptoms may indicate two separate issues: a Safari-related problem and a keyboard connectivity problem. 

Since Google AI works correctly in Firefox, I would investigate Safari separately while testing the keyboards with a simplified hardware setup.

1. Troubleshoot Google AI in Safari

If the blue submit arrow disappears or Return inserts a new line instead of submitting your prompt, try these steps in order:

1. Reload Safari: Press Command + R and retry.
2. Test Private Browsing: Press Shift + Command + N. If the problem disappears, stored website data or browser settings may be involved.
3. Disable extensions: Open Safari >> Settings >> Extensions and temporarily turn off all extensions, particularly ad blockers and privacy tools.
4. Clear website data: Open Safari >> Settings >> Privacy >> Manage Website Data. Remove the relevant Google website data, then sign in again if necessary.
5. Update macOS: Open System Settings >> General >> Software Update and install available updates.

Apple resources:

Safari troubleshooting

Private Browsing

Clear Safari website data

Update macOS

2. Investigate Keyboard Disconnections

Since both your wired Macally keyboard and Satechi Bluetooth keyboard have experienced problems, simplify the hardware setup before replacing anything.

Test the Mac mini without the dock:

1. Disconnect the Satechi dock.
2. Connect the Macally keyboard directly to the Mac mini.
3. Keep the BenQ monitor connected directly.
4. Temporarily disconnect the Logitech speakers and other non-essential peripherals.
5. Restart the Mac and observe whether the problem returns.

If the keyboard works reliably, reconnect the dock and peripherals one at a time to identify a possible conflict.

For the Macally keyboard, try another direct USB port and, if possible, a known-good cable or keyboard.

For the Satechi Bluetooth keyboard, check its battery, turn it off and on, and reconnect it under System Settings → Bluetooth.

Apple resource: If your Mac doesn't respond to key presses.

3. Determine Where the Keyboard Fails

When the problem occurs, test Notes or another application before disconnecting the keyboard.

• Safari only: Focus on Safari, Google AI, and extensions.
• Wired keyboard only: Investigate the USB port, cable, dock, or keyboard.
• Bluetooth keyboard only: Investigate its battery and Bluetooth connection.
• Both keyboards across applications: Investigate macOS, background software, peripherals, or the Mac mini.

These are diagnostic clues, not definitive conclusions.

4. Test Another macOS User Account

Try Safari and both keyboards in another user account.

If the issue occurs in only one account, investigate its Safari extensions, website data, and login items. If it occurs across all accounts, a system-wide software or hardware issue becomes more likely.

You can also test Safe Mode to help identify software loaded during normal startup.

Apple resources:

Manage Login Items

5. When to Contact Apple Support

If the keyboard continues disconnecting with the dock removed, across multiple applications and accounts, and after updating macOS:

1. Test another known-good wired keyboard.
2. Check whether other Bluetooth devices disconnect.
3. Run Apple Diagnostics.
4. Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider if the problem persists.

On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down, hold the power button until startup options appear, then hold Command + D to start Apple Diagnostics. Follow the on-screen instructions and record any reference codes.

Apple resources:

Run Apple Diagnostics

Contact Apple Support for Mac

A normal diagnostic result does not rule out every intermittent fault.

My Recommendation

Start with three simple tests:

1. Try Google AI in a Safari Private Window.
2. Disconnect the Satechi dock and test the Macally keyboard directly.
3. Determine whether keyboard failures affect all applications or only Safari.

Change one thing at a time and record the results. There is no reason to replace the monitor, speakers, or dock until testing provides evidence that a particular device is responsible.

One important question: When the keyboard stops responding, does it also fail in Notes and other applications, or does the problem occur mainly in Safari?

Hey thanks for the reply.

1. Troubleshoot Google AI in Safari: Reload did not work (Cmd + R). But Private Browsing does. Why would that be? AI thinks it has something to do with login switching and Webkit.
2. Investigate Keyboard Disconnections: Keyboard failure is sporadic and has occurred for both wired and wireless and all apps. Seems to happen more when I leave it on at night.