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MBP 16’’ start up keyboards lights.

C

Codeline

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 2, 2020
67
20
Hi, I have the new 16’’ MBP, standard base model and I have noticed something rather strange!
When I start up the 16’’ Mac from a full shut down the keyboard keys do not light up at the password stage, I have to type the password on an unlit keyboard. I use the MacBook frequently in low light condition therefore I enjoy the lit keyboard. I have a 13’’ 2019 MBP and a 2019 15’’ MBP and they all light up before password request.

I have been to two separate apple stores and its appears to be the same, obviously the store units are not password protected but by judging the scroll start up progress bar its the same.

If I restart the MBP then the lights stay on, its only from a full cold start.

Anyone else noticed this as I would like some other users feedback please?
 
I have noticed it as well on mine. One workaround is to use the keyboard backlight control on the touch bar. Just tap the increase button and the keypad will light up.
 
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topcat001 said:
I have noticed it as well on mine. One workaround is to use the keyboard backlight control on the touch bar. Just tap the increase button and the keypad will light up.
Click to expand...
The touch bar on mine does not light up either until the password has been entered, on the 15'' it does light up at that point.
Glad I wasn't going nuts and others have noticed it. I have contacted Apple and waiting on a reply also.
thanks for the replies
 
I don't have FileValult enabled, but that might be the reason why the touch bar does not light up for the OP. Also mine only did this a couple of times after initial setup. Right now the keypad lights up reliably.
 
My vault is encrypted, I am going to turn it off and see if that makes a difference. It may help others
 
Ok. I decrypted my vault and tried starting the Mac 6 times.
Everytime with FileVault off the keyboard does light up!
Randomly one side of the touch bar would light up then the other whilst doing this.

I turned file vault back on,Touch Bar and keyboard are back in the dark.

I understand the drive cannot be decrypted until the password is entered, that is a given and not the problem. The problem is a dark keyboard when filevault is on and not when its off.

Thanks to the comments on here it has made this issue so much easier to either avoid and relay that information to Apple so they can get it fixed. (I won’t hold my breath on that one)

Well done everyone :) thank you
 
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Codeline said:
Ok. I decrypted my vault and tried starting the Mac 6 times.
Everytime with FileVault off the keyboard does light up!
Randomly one side of the touch bar would light up then the other whilst doing this.

I turned file vault back on,Touch Bar and keyboard are back in the dark.

I understand the drive cannot be decrypted until the password is entered, that is a given and not the problem. The problem is a dark keyboard when filevault is on and not when its off.

Thanks to the comments on here it has made this issue so much easier to either avoid and relay that information to Apple so they can get it fixed. (I won’t hold my breath on that one)

Well done everyone :) thank you
Click to expand...

This issue has been reported by many people since 2016. I don't see them changing it any time soon.
 
jerryk said:
This issue has been reported by many people since 2016. I don't see them changing it any time soon.
Click to expand...
Hi, could you possibly point me in the direction of these topics as I genuinely haven’t seen any and its my first instance of this happening?
 
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