If you find that your Facebook keyboard shortcuts or shortcut icons are not working properly, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.
Restart Your Device
One of the first things to try when Facebook shortcuts stop working is to simply restart your device. This will clear any glitches and ensure Facebook is starting with a clean slate. Follow these steps:
- Save and close any open programs and documents.
- Click the Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac).
- Select “Restart” or “Restart…” to reboot your device.
Once your system has restarted, open the Facebook website or app again and test if the keyboard shortcuts are now functioning normally.
Update Facebook
If restarting didn’t fix the issue, the next step is to make sure you are running the latest version of the Facebook app or website. Facebook is constantly releasing updates to fix bugs and improve features, so staying updated is key.
Update the Facebook App
On your smartphone or tablet, open the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android). Search for Facebook and check if there are any pending updates. Install any available updates and then re-launch Facebook to see if the shortcuts work correctly.
Update the Facebook Website
The Facebook website updates automatically when you load the page, so you simply need to force a refresh. On your computer, close all Facebook browser tabs and windows. Reopen your browser, go to Facebook.com, and press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) to do a hard refresh. This will load the latest Facebook website files.
Clear Cache and Cookies
An excess build up of cached data or cookies can also disrupt Facebook keyboard shortcuts. Clearing this data forces Facebook to reload properly.
Clear Mobile App Cache
On your mobile device, open the Facebook app’s settings. Look for an option to clear cache and tap to clear stored cache data. You may need to restart the app afterwards.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
In your web browser, open settings and look for options to clear browsing data, cache, and cookies. Clear data for at least the past hour. Close all browser windows and relaunch Facebook.
Check Your Browser Extensions
Browser add-ons and extensions can sometimes interfere with site functionality. Try temporarily disabling any extensions you have installed in your web browser and reloading Facebook to see if that resolves the shortcuts issue.
To disable extensions in Chrome, click the puzzle icon > Manage Extensions and toggle any extensions off. In Firefox, click the menu icon > Add-ons > Extensions and uncheck any active extensions. Perform similar steps in other browsers.
Try Using Another Browser
It’s possible the browser you are using is having compatibility issues with Facebook shortcuts. Attempt accessing Facebook in a different internet browser to see if the shortcuts work there.
For example, if you normally use Firefox, try loading Facebook in Chrome or Edge instead. If the shortcuts function properly in the second browser, you know the issue lies with your default browser.
Update Your Browser
Along the same lines, using an outdated internet browser version can also prevent Facebook shortcuts from working correctly. Make sure your browser is up-to-date by:
- Clicking Help > About (Chrome)
- Clicking the menu icon > Help > About (Firefox)
- Clicking the settings icon > About (Edge)
This will check for and install any pending browser updates. Install the updates, close all browser windows, reopen Facebook and try the shortcuts again.
Check Your Browser Settings
Some browser settings can block keyboard shortcuts from functioning properly on websites. Double check that you don’t have any restrictions enabled for Facebook:
- Chrome: Settings > Site Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts
- Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Shortcuts
- Edge: Settings > Site Permissions > Keyboard > Shortcuts
Make sure Facebook.com is not being blocked from using shortcuts. Remove it from any restriction lists.
Try Accessing Facebook From Another Device
Determining if the issue is isolated to a single device or widespread can help identify the underlying cause. Attempt accessing Facebook from another computer, phone, or tablet that you own.
If the keyboard shortcuts work properly on the second device, then something is wrong with your original device. But if the shortcuts remain broken everywhere, then the issue lies with your Facebook account.
Check Your Facebook Settings
Log into Facebook and click the down arrow in the top right. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings and review your general account settings. Look for anything that might affect keyboard shortcuts.
Under Mobile, make sure keyboard shortcuts are enabled. In Security and Login, check Login Approvals to make sure you don’t have two-factor authentication mandatory enabled. Keyboard shortcuts won’t work during two-factor prompts.
Reset Keyboard Shortcuts
If a custom keyboard shortcut isn’t working properly, try resetting your shortcut preferences. On Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Keyboard Shortcuts. Click Reset Shortcuts to Defaults to erase any custom shortcuts you’ve set.
Re-Enabling Shortcuts
You can also try fully disabling then re-enabling keyboard shortcuts in your Facebook settings:
- Click the down arrow at the top right and select “Settings & Privacy”
- Click “Settings” then “Keyboard Shortcuts” on the left
- Toggle the switch off to disable shortcuts, then back on to re-enable
This may refresh the connection between Facebook and your browser. After re-enabling, close all Facebook tabs and try loading it again.
Report The Issue to Facebook
If none of these troubleshooting tips have resolved your Facebook keyboard shortcuts problem, then your best recourse is to directly report the bug to Facebook.
Click the question mark icon at the top of any Facebook page and select “Give Feedback.” Clearly describe the issue with shortcuts not working and provide details about when it started happening.
This will send a bug report to Facebook’s developers so they can investigate the technical issue and release a fix. Monitoring social media and the Facebook Help Community can also alert you once Facebook has resolved the keyboard shortcut problems.