Why is KeyCue not working?

If KeyCue isn’t responding or not showing up as expected, don’t worry — you can usually fix this in just a few steps.

Step 1: Make sure you are on the latest version

Download and install the latest version from our download page.
If your license doesn’t cover the newest version, you can upgrade using your existing license key here for a special discounted price.

After updating, check if Keycue works again.
If it still doesn’t, continue with the next steps below.

Step 2: Restart your Mac

Sometimes a simple restart fixes temporary system issues.

Restart your computer.
After the restart, try launching KeyCue again.

If it works — great!
If not, move on to checking your system settings.

Step 3: Check accessibility permissions

KeyCue needs Accessibility permissions in macOS to work correctly.

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Go to Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
Make sure KeyCue is enabled (checked) in the list.

If you see KeyCue in the list but it’s not checked, click the box to turn it on.

Tip: To make changes, click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your administrator password.
Use your password — not Touch ID. Some users have reported that enabling permissions using the fingerprint doesn’t always apply changes correctly, but entering the password works reliably.

Screenshot of macOS System Settings in the ‘Privacy & Security’ section, showing the ‘Accessibility’ panel. A list of apps (KeyCue.app, PopChar.app, and Typinator.app) is displayed with toggle switches enabled to allow them to control the computer. A sidebar on the left shows other settings categories such as Displays, Notifications, Sound, and Users & Groups.

Step 4: Reset accessibility permissions for KeyCue

If KeyCue is already checked but still not working:

In the Accessibility list, uncheck KeyCue.
Then remove it by selecting KeyCue and clicking the – (minus) button.
Click the + (plus) button, go to your Applications folder, and add KeyCue again.
Ensure the checkbox next to KeyCue is enabled (checked).
Restart your computer once more.

This refreshes macOS permissions and often resolves issues.

Step 5: Check input monitoring

If KeyCue still doesn’t work:

Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring.
Look for KeyCue in the list.
If it’s listed, toggle the checkbox off and on again to reauthorize access.

Restart your computer one more time and test KeyCue again.

Screenshot of macOS System Settings in the ‘Privacy & Security’ section, showing the ‘Input Monitoring’ panel. A list of apps (KeyCue.app, PopChar.app, and Typinator.app) is displayed with toggle switches enabled, allowing them to monitor keyboard input. The left sidebar shows other settings categories such as Displays, Notifications, Sound, and Users & Groups.

KeyCue not working in Mail or Safari?

In macOS System Applications from Apple like Mail, Messages, Safari, Finder, ... it is necessary to grant KeyCue access in the Privacy & Security section "Full Disk Access". If KeyCue is listed there, please reactivate like described above.