Short for Function, Fn is a key found on most laptop keyboards and some desktop computer keyboards. The Fn key performs special functions, such as adjusting the screen's brightness and speaker volume.
IN STOCK AND SHIPPING NOW! The perfect choice for those looking for a traditional remote control or secondary, alternative, or replacement remote control for your Apple TV. An easy way of getting started with Apple TV Designed with traditional remote control buttons customers are used to, navigating Apple TV with the Function101 Button Remote is easy. How to Use Your Mac's Function Keys You may wonder what those function keys running along the top of the keyboard do. These function keys are labeled F1 through F12/F19 (how many you have depends on your keyboard), along with an Escape key and an Eject key that looks like a triangle on top of a horizontal line.
Fn key overview
As you can see in the image above, this laptop has an Fn key with a green and blue Fn. Keys with symbols of the same color indicate that their secondary function will be activated by pressing that key with the Fn key. In this example, pressing and holding down the Fn key, along with the up or down arrows, would adjust the laptop screen brightness.
TipThe Fn key should not be confused with the function keys F1 - F12 found on computer keyboards.
Where is the Fn key found on the keyboard?
Laptop computers
On laptop computers, the Fn key is usually on the bottom-left side of the keyboard, next to the Ctrl key.
Chromebooks
Not all Chromebooks have an Fn key. For those that do have an Fn key, it is often found near the spacebar.
Apple desktop keyboards
On full-sized Apple desktop computer keyboards, the Fn key is found to the right of the delete key, as seen in the picture. It is often labeled as fn, with a lowercase 'f.'
Other desktop computers
Most other full-sized desktop computers do not have an Fn key. For those desktop computer keyboards that do have an Fn key, it is often found around the spacebar.
Fn Button On Mac Keyboard
How do I use the Fn key?
With most computer keyboards, the Fn key is used like other modifier keys (e.g., the Shift key). By pressing and holding the Fn key in conjunction with another key that has an Fn function, that function is performed.
For example, consider the photo above of the F12 key on an Apple keyboard. This key also has an icon of a speaker, making the F12 key an audio volume control key. If you press this key, it adjusts the volume of your speakers. However, if you hold down the Fn key when you press the F12 key, it's interpreted as the F12 key. Holding down Fn changes from the default key action to the alternate. You can configure which action is the default, and which action is the alternate, in the keyboard section of your System Settings.
Where Is Fn Button On Mac
TipOn desktop computer keyboards with an Fn key that lights up when enabled, you need to make sure the key is enabled (illuminated) before pressing the corresponding function key. Once the key is illuminated, it no longer needs to be pressed, and each function is performed until the Fn key is disabled.
My Fn key does not have multiple colors
Not all Fn keys are color-coded. Computers with a white or black Fn key still perform the same function and can be pressed in combination with other keys that have pictures on them. For example, pressing the Fn key and a key with a sun on it should adjust the brightness. Pressing the Fn key and a key with a crescent moon should put the computer to sleep.
What functions can the Fn key perform?
The functions available to the Fn key all depend on the computer manufacturer and the type of keyboard. Below is a list of some of the common functions this key is used to perform.
- Turn up and down the brightness on display.
- Turn up and down the volume.
- Mute the volume.
- Control media functions such as play, pause, fast forward, and rewind.
- Switch between windows.
What if my keyboard does not have an Fn key?
If your computer did not include a keyboard with the Fn key, it has no alternate functions on those keys. You may consider upgrading your keyboard to a different model, such as a multimedia keyboard.
Fn Button On Mac
Why does the Fn key not work?
For the Fn key and the function key to work, it must be supported by the computer and device. For example, pressing the Fn key and the brightness key increases the brightness on the laptop screen and not an external monitor connected to a laptop. The same goes for special functions, such as opening a browser window, printer, and audio controls.
TipOn desktop computer keyboards with an Fn key that lights up when enabled, you need to make sure the key is enabled (illuminated) before pressing the corresponding function key.
If the Fn key function worked in the past but no longer works now, there may be a problem with the computer drivers or hardware.
Related pages
Computer abbreviations, Keyboard terms, Laptop
