If you’ve noticed that the handy keyboard shortcuts you use to navigate Facebook seem to have vanished, don’t panic. Facebook shortcuts disappearing is a common issue with a few potential causes and solutions.
What are Facebook keyboard shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations you can use to quickly perform common tasks in Facebook without having to grab your mouse. For example, pressing “j” scrolls down your News Feed, while “k” scrolls back up. Other handy shortcuts let you navigate between sections, open new tabs, and more.
Facebook has dozens of shortcuts available to make navigating the site faster and easier. You can find a full list in Settings under “Keyboard Shortcuts.” However, sometimes these shortcuts inexplicably stop working.
Why do my Facebook shortcuts not work anymore?
There are a few reasons your Facebook keyboard shortcuts may have disappeared:
- You’re using an incompatible browser or device
- Your browser needs to be restarted
- Your browser extensions are interfering
- You’re in a part of Facebook that doesn’t support shortcuts
- Your Facebook language settings changed
- There’s a temporary technical issue on Facebook’s end
Let’s explore each of these issues in more depth.
Incompatible browser or device
Facebook’s keyboard shortcuts only work on the desktop version of the site, accessed via a computer browser. They do not work:
- On mobile devices
- In the Facebook mobile app
- On Facebook Messenger
- In third-party Facebook apps
In addition, shortcuts may not function properly on old, outdated browsers. Make sure you’re using a modern, updated browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
Browser needs restarting
One simple fix is to completely quit out of your browser and relaunch it. Browsers like Chrome may sometimes fail to register shortcut key presses, and restarting will reset this. Restarting your entire computer can also help.
Extension conflicts
Browser extensions that modify keyboard input can block Facebook shortcuts from working properly. Try disabling any extensions related to keyboards, shortcuts, mouse controls, or accessibility, and see if that restores Facebook’s built-in shortcuts.
Unsupported Facebook pages
Keyboard shortcuts don’t work universally across Facebook. They’re primarily designed for your News Feed. On some Facebook pages, such as games and apps, shortcut key presses won’t do anything.
Navigate back to your News Feed or Timeline, and you should find the shortcuts operative again.
Language settings change
The specific keyboard shortcuts available on Facebook depends on your language settings. If you recently changed the language you display Facebook in, your old familiar shortcuts may not work anymore.
Go to Settings and Keyboard Shortcuts to see the current shortcuts for your language.
Temporary technical issues
In rare cases, widespread technical problems on Facebook’s end could cause keyboard shortcuts to fail site-wide. This is uncommon, but can happen after major Facebook updates.
Check Facebook’s official guide page to see if shortcuts aren’t working due to a current bug. If so, you’ll have to wait for Facebook engineers to patch the problem.
How to troubleshoot and fix Facebook shortcut issues
If your Facebook keyboard shortcuts have stopped working, run through these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure you’re on the desktop version of Facebook in a compatible browser.
- Try restarting your browser and computer.
- Disable any browser extensions that may cause conflicts.
- Navigate to your News Feed or Timeline.
- Double check your current Facebook language.
- Check Facebook’s Known Issues page.
In most cases, this should resolve the problem. If you still can’t get shortcuts working, try resetting your browser to factory defaults, or reinstalling it altogether. Upgrading to the latest browser version can also help.
As a last resort, you can report the issue directly to Facebook. Go to Settings > Give Feedback and explain the problem with shortcuts. Facebook may be able to troubleshoot further or escalate the issue.
Re-enable Facebook keyboard shortcuts
Once you’ve fixed the issue, you may need to re-enable keyboard shortcuts in your Facebook settings:
- Click the down arrow in the top right.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click Keyboard Shortcuts on the left sidebar.
- Make sure “Use Keyboard Shortcuts on Facebook” is switched on.
You can also customize shortcuts here, or view the full list available for your language.
Use shortcuts to boost Facebook productivity
When functioning properly, Facebook’s keyboard shortcuts can save you tons of time and clicks. Commit those common shortcuts like “j” and “k” to memory, and navigation will feel quick and effortless.
Troubleshoot issues as soon as shortcuts disappear to restore that usability boost. With the above fixes, your Facebook shortcut keys should be back up and running smoothly in no time.