MacDebug

Verified for macOS Tahoe 26.2

title: How to Fix Keyboard Input Lag and Dropped Keystrokes in macOS Tahoe 26.2

description: Fix the issue in macOS Tahoe 26.2 where the keyboard randomly stops accepting input or lags significantly on MacBook Air M2 and other models.

category: System

How to Fix Keyboard Input Lag and Dropped Keystrokes in macOS Tahoe 26.2

A widespread issue in macOS Tahoe 26.2 involves the keyboard—both built-in and Bluetooth—randomly deciding when to accept keystrokes. This "keyboard freeze" can last for several seconds or cause specific characters to be skipped entirely.

Here is how to restore keyboard responsiveness in Tahoe.

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Method 1: Kill the HID Process

The Human Interface Device (HID) service manages keyboard input. Restarting it often clears the lag.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Run the following command:
sudo killall hidd
  1. Enter your password. Your mouse and keyboard may briefly disconnect and reconnect.

Method 2: Reset the Bluetooth Module (for Wireless Keyboards)

If you are using an external keyboard, the Bluetooth stack in 26.2 might be the culprit.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Reset the Bluetooth daemon:
sudo pkill bluetoothd
  1. Re-pair your keyboard in System Settings.

Method 3: Disable "Slow Keys" and "Sticky Keys"

Sometimes update bugs can trigger Accessibility features that change keyboard behavior.

  1. Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
  2. Ensure Slow Keys and Sticky Keys are toggled OFF.
  3. Even if they are off, toggle them on and back off to reset the preference file.

Method 4: Clean the Keyboard Preference Files

Corrupted preference files can cause input delays.

  1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
  2. Paste: ~/Library/Preferences/
  3. Locate com.apple.keyboardservicesd.plist and com.apple.keyboard.plist.
  4. Move them to the Trash and restart your Mac.