Delete Button on Mac

The Delete button on your Mac has more profound functions than merely removing unwanted symbols or files. In fact, it represents your efficiency and control over your interactions with macOS. With its help, you can refine your work processes, eliminate clutter, and streamline your digital realm. You must remember that the Delete key on Mac isn’t exclusively about erasure, but also about organizing space on your Mac for all your essential needs.

Let’s highlight the main functions of the MacBook’s Delete button:

• Text editing - deletes symbols, words, lines, or texts.
• File control - deletes unwanted files or folders.
• Email management - deletes chosen emails in the Mail application.
• Navigation - clears input boxes in search bars.
• Media editing - removes selected files or layers in graphic design functions.

Sometimes users experience difficulties with right click on Mac, which can be easily solved in a matter of minutes.

Before we start:

Though the Delete button on your Mac is a powerful tool for removing unnecessary files, it’s always a great idea to go further with the deletion process and remove useless applications, and extensions. This is an indispensable option for the smooth running of your Mac. The perfect solution for taking your cleanup process to the next level is to use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller.

Here, I’ve put together detailed instructions for you on how to use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller and optimize your device’s performance:

1. Download our MacKeeper app, then launch it.
2. In the left sidebar choose the Smart Uninstaller option.
3. Choose Start Scan to see the unwanted files that need removing.
4. Wait for the results, then click Remove Selected to delete unnecessary files.

Where is the Delete button on Mac

The Delete button on your Mac is in the top-right corner of the keyboard, serving as a backspace key by default.

How to use the Delete key on Mac

On a Mac the Delete key acts as a backspace, removing any text left of the cursor. To implement this functionality, press the fn (function) key in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard + Delete simultaneously. This combination provides complete text-editing control, enabling the forward delete function, and making it easy to edit text efficiently.

Important: 

Don’t worry if you can’t find the alt key on Mac, as it’s often called Option.

Why the Delete button might not work on Mac

The Delete button on Apple laptops plays a vital role in taking care of everyday tasks. We use it in a wide range of applications, from erasing texts to removing files. However, sometimes it might not work as we expect, which suddenly disrupts our workflow, making us look for the equivalent to the Delete button on Mac. This issue happens due to a variety of reasons, from software settings to hardware problems.

The quickest way to work out the issue is to try different keyboards. If you use your MacBook’s built-in keyboard, try an external one. And vice versa - if you use an external keyboard, try your Mac’s built-in keyboard. If you find out that the other keyboard is working, it’s definitely a hardware problem that requires Authorized Service Center or Genius Bar assistance.

If you don’t have an opportunity to use an external keyboard, try Keyboard Viewer support. You can find it in the Input Sources menu bar. Press the Delete key when the Viewer is launched, and it’ll show a Click. If it happens, be assured that your device’s hardware is fine, and the trouble is with the software.

A hint from our team: 

If you can’t find the Input Sources in the menu bar, follow these instructions: open System Settings ➙ Keyboard ➙ Edit ➙Show Input menu.

If you can determine that the software is the problem, use the following methods to fix it:

1. In case you're using a Bluetooth keyboard, just turn it off and then turn it on again. As a rule, this usually helps cope with malware.
2. Restart your Mac.
3. Delete the Bluetooth keyboard connection: go to System Settings ➙ Bluetooth ➙ select the “i” option ➙ click Forget this Device. Reconnect the Bluetooth keyboard.
4. Remove the keyboard preferences:
   1. Go to the Dock ➙ launch the Finder ➙ click Go ➙ choose Go to Folder.
   2. Copy and paste ~/Library/Preferences into the text box.
   3. Find the keyboard settings and move them to the Trash bin.
5. Check your device for malicious software. If the above methods don’t work, your Mac probably has malware that affects the keyboard. Don’t wait too long before removing it. The perfect way to complete it is to use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller.

Our extra advice: 

For new Mac users, we have a helpful guide on how to scroll on MacBook.

What is an alternative to the Delete key on Mac

The great news is that we can easily deal with a situation where the Delete button isn’t working on your Mac. You can make the backspace key function like a delete key. To do it, hold down the fn (function) key in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard at the same time.  

A note from our experts: 

If you’re a former Windows user, read the best ways to find a Mac equivalent of Ctrl+Alt+Del on Mac.

Conclusion

The Delete button on an Apple laptop is such a simple, but essential tool for navigating your digital space efficiently. It’s an inevitable instrument in your daily tasks, from clearing texts to removing files. Still, if you’re looking for a truly thorough cleanup for your Mac, relying on the Delete button sometimes isn’t enough. I suggest you refer to MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller to effectively manage this vital task. You don’t need special skills to use this tool, as it’s quite self-explanatory.

Get rid of malware and let your Mac run smoothly by taking the following steps:

1. Launch the MacKeeper app after downloading and installing it.
2. Choose Smart Uninstaller from the left sidebar.
3. Click Start Scan to find unnecessary items.
4. Click Remove Selected to delete malware.

Let MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller finish the process, start with the Delete button and enjoy the best smooth and efficient Mac experience possible.