NumLock was first introduced by IBM in the 1980s to conserve space on its keyboards. IBM allowed users to toggle NumLock on or off to switch between using the numeric keys for the cursor and for typing numbers. If you are wondering how you can enable NumLock on your Mac keyboard, read on!
Does NumLock Work on Mac Keyboards?
No. NumLock has never existed on Mac keyboards. It was originally introduced by IBM and retained in many keyboard designs for Windows computers. However, Apple never introduced NumLock for the Mac keyboard.
But what if you are using a Mac keyboard on a Windows laptop and want to enable or disable NumLock?
How to Enable NumLock Using the Clear Key
On Mac keyboards connected to Windows laptops, you may be able to toggle NumLock on or off by hitting the Clear key. The Clear key is located above the 7 key on the numeric keyboard.
Another option is to first access the on-screen keyboard on your Windows laptop. To do that, click on the Windows Key + CTRL + O.
Once the on-screen keyboard appears, click on the Options key and toggle on “Turn On Numeric Keyboard.” Then, click on OK at the bottom.
A numeric keyboard will appear on your on-screen keyboard. There, you will find a NumLock key in the bottom-right. Click on it. This sometimes toggles NumLock on or off for connected physical keyboards as well. If it doesn’t, you can at least use NumLock on the on-screen keyboard.
How NumLock Works on External USB Keyboards for Mac
Generally, macOS does not recognize NumLock. So, if you connect an external keyboard that is not a Mac keyboard and press NumLock, it will be interpreted as the Clear button instead, if anything (it might do nothing at all). It won’t toggle NumLock on or off.
However, if you have Mouse Keys enabled on your Mac in your Mac settings, it may cause the external third-party keyboard to operate as if NumLock is enabled.
What Are Mouse Keys on a Mac?
Apple does have something called Mouse Keys, which allows you to use the numeric keypad on your Mac as a cursor. This is somewhat similar to the NumLock function, but it is a different standard.
To turn it on or off, go to Apple menu > System Settings> Accessibility > Pointer Control > Mouse Keys and toggle it on or off.
In the image above, you can see how to navigate the screen using your Mac keyboard, depending on whether you are using a keyboard (left) or numeric keypad (right). If you have a keyboard, you would press the I key to click on the mouse. If you have a numeric keypad, you would click on the 5 key.
If you are using a keyboard, it doesn’t work with the number keys alone but with a combination of number keys and letter keys, as shown in the image.
As mentioned, this is designed for Mac keyboards. However, Mouse Keys may also cause NumLock to be activated if you attach an external third-party keyboard to your Mac.
When You Should Use Mouse Keys on a Mac
Mouse Keys on a Mac are typically designed for people struggling with arthritis, repetitive strain, mobility issues, or tennis elbow who have difficulty using a mouse.
On the other hand, it’s not ideal if you need to enter a lot of numbers, such as in certain professions like accounting.
Conclusion
I hope this guide was useful! Mouse Keys is Mac’s built-in NumLock alternative. However, NumLock itself isn’t supported on a Mac. If you attach an external keyboard to your Mac, pressing the NumLock key will usually do nothing or act as a Clear button.
