If Tab skips buttons or arrow keys seem to go nowhere on your Mac, check Keyboard navigation first. For broader keyboard-only movement, turn on Full Keyboard Access. The keys do different jobs: Tab generally moves between controls, while arrows usually move within a list, menu, tab group, or adjustable control. Neither setting guarantees that every element in every app is reachable by Tab.
Make Tab move beyond text fields and lists
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard and turn on Keyboard navigation. Apple describes this option as allowing Tab to move focus forward through controls and Shift-Tab to move backward. It is the first setting to check if Tab stops at text boxes or lists instead of reaching buttons and other controls.
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You can also use Control-F7 or Fn-Control-F7 to change whether Tab moves focus across all controls or only text boxes and lists. If that shortcut does nothing, open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts and check whether the shortcut is enabled. The shortcut guide also refers to System Preferences for older macOS versions; function-key behavior may vary with your keyboard configuration. See Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts guide.
Use Full Keyboard Access for broader navigation
For more keyboard control than the basic Tab setting provides, open System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on Full Keyboard Access. Apple’s guide for some macOS versions groups this under Accessibility > Motor > Keyboard, so the sidebar wording can differ. Full Keyboard Access adds a visible highlight around the focused item and lets you inspect or customize its commands. Apple describes it as a way to navigate the Mac with a keyboard instead of a mouse or trackpad in its Full Keyboard Access guide; accessibility keyboard settings are also covered in Apple’s keyboard accessibility guide.
#1 Best Overall
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Default Full Keyboard Access commands
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab / Shift-Tab | Move to the next / previous UI element. |
| Space | Select an item. |
| Arrow keys | Move within a group, such as a file list or sidebar. |
| Control-Tab / Control-Shift-Tab | Move to the next / previous item. |
| Tab-H | Open Commands Help while Full Keyboard Access is on. |
| Control-Option-Command-P | Temporarily toggle Pass-Through Mode, which can help when Full Keyboard Access interferes with another interaction. |
You can review, customize, or restore Full Keyboard Access commands in its settings.
Why arrow keys skip controls
Arrow keys are not a general command to move focus to the next control anywhere on the screen. Their effect depends on what is focused. They can move among items in a list, tab group, or menu, or adjust a slider and other adjustable controls. With Full Keyboard Access, they move within the currently highlighted group. Use Tab or Shift-Tab to move between controls, then use arrows when the focused control or group calls for them. Apple’s keyboard shortcut guide describes these context-dependent arrow-key actions.
Rank #2
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Know what Tab can and cannot reach
Apple notes that, unlike some other operating systems, Tab is not a way to reach all focusable elements in a Mac app. Keyboard Navigation changes Tab’s scope, and Full Keyboard Access provides a broader command set, but neither promises access to every control in every application or website. If a particular item remains inaccessible, check that app or site’s keyboard instructions; the Apple guidance does not establish why any specific third-party control is skipped. Apple explains this distinction in its VoiceOver guide to navigating with the Tab key.
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VoiceOver is a screen reader with spoken output and a distinct navigation model, not simply a stronger version of ordinary Tab navigation. Apple says turning on VoiceOver automatically selects Keyboard navigation if it was off; turning VoiceOver off can clear that option if it was not enabled before VoiceOver was turned on. If your goal is spoken feedback as well as keyboard navigation, consult Apple’s VoiceOver guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #4
- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
- Broad Compatibility: Able to work with Apple and compatible with Windows PC operating systems
- Full Sized Extended Keyboard: Easy access to media with 20 Apple shortcut keys (cut/copy/paste, iTunes control, Volume up/down, etc.) and multimedia shortcuts for Windows PC. Also, contains a ten-key numeric keypad for easy data entry.
- Plug and Play (No Drivers Required): No need to continually change or recharge batteries of wireless keyboards
- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
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