Make F1, F2… act as real function keys — via Apple Support

Hidden settinglow riskmacOS 14 Sonoma and later

The top row of a Mac keyboard controls brightness, volume and media by default, so apps that use F-keys (spreadsheets, IDEs, games) need Fn held down. You can flip it so F1–F12 are standard keys and Fn gives you the media controls.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

  1. Open System Settings > Keyboard, click Keyboard Shortcuts, then choose Function Keys.
  2. Turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
  3. For a one-off, you don't need to change anything: hold Fn/🌐 (or Control if your keyboard has no Fn key) while pressing the F-key.
If the option is missing you may be using a non-Apple keyboard, which may need the maker's own utility.

Sources

Source reviewed
2026-11-02
Link checked
2026-11-02
Tested hands-on
Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every macOS version, so keep the undo handy.

function keysf1f12fn keymedia keyskeyboard

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